https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-58rxv-1b5bf83

Kalela Williams is an author, a proud auntie, a cat mama, and a “Black History Maven.” She is the Director of the Virginia Center for the Book and directs the Virginia Festival of the Book and other events. She has created and produced literary events for the Philadelphia library system, a youth writing non-profit, a university poetry center, and other institutions. Kalela grew up in Atlanta, but now she calls the cute, artsy town of Staunton, Virginia home, where she and her partner run a community arts organization, The Off Center.

In addition, her debut novel Tangleroot was published in October 2024, and is an American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce and an Indie Next Pick, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and one of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2024.

The Virginia Festival of the Book is a multi-day celebration of literature, storytelling, and ideas held annually in Charlottesville. Bringing together acclaimed and emerging authors, the festival features readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community events across a wide range of genres. With a strong emphasis on accessibility and engagement, the festival creates a welcoming space where readers and writers connect.