Isabelle Hardesty is happy to be a returning author panelist at DRAGON CON 2022! She is headed to Atlanta for Dragon Con, one of the country’s largest multi-media conventions focusing on science fiction and fantasy literature, art, and gaming. There she will discuss her books, the writing process, witches, and more!
Click here to see Isabelle’s schedule on Dragon Con. Or click image below to jump to Dragon Con’s app viewable in browser to see Isabelle’s schedule. (The iphone or android Dragon Con free app is great and easy to use)
Title: Upcoming & Dream YA Adaptations
Description: After the success of Shadow & Bone on Netflix, there is more hope than ever that adaptations can be great. Many of our favorite books have been optioned. What would you love to see on screen?
Time: Fri 01:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Jenn Clack, Jess Lyles, Natalie Simpson (Moderators) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty
Title: Worldbuilding for YA
Description: Magical, fantastical, and science fiction worlds are incredibly rich. Join us to hear how our authors build their worlds for young readers.
Time: Fri 04:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Sherrilyn Kenyon, A.J. Hartley, F.T. Lukens
Title: Upload: The Dream of Freeyond
Description: Nathan and his gang of not so merry misfits face off corporate influences, baby making possibilities, and create a siphoning system to help those less fortunate in Lakeview. While there’s ups and downs in the virtual afterlife, all is not easy outside either, whether for Nora and her newfound LUDD buddies, or Ingrid with her pseudo deadness and clone growing efforts. This slightly shorter season caused some concern but only you can be the judge on if Upload carried into its second season strongly enough.
Time: Fri 05:30 pm (American Sci-Fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M301-M301 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Ben Meeks, Jennifer Neault (Moderators) Panelists: Kevin Eldridge, Isabelle Hardesty, Marisa Wolf
Title: Romance in YA
Description: Let’s talk about love! Romance is a common element in YA, so let’s talk about our favorite romance tropes, the epic loves of YA, and what balance of romance is right for different stories.
Time: Fri 07:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Rachael Allen, Berta Platas, Claudia Gray
SATURDAY (9/3/22)
Title: YA Witchcraft (Beyond Hogwarts)
Description: Join us to talk about witches and magic in YA beyond Harry Potter.
Time: Sat 11:30 am (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Kaitlin Bevis, Shami A. Stovall
Title: Beyond Europe! Exploring the Richness Brought to Fantasy by the World Beyond Europe
Description: We will discuss Fantasy Literature and all of the diverse cultures from around the globe.
Time: Sat 02:30 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: Embassy CD (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Robert Small (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Dyrk Ashton, D. J. Butler, Milton Davis, Shemer Kuznits
Title: Delphic Oracle
Description: Only the Truly Gifted can channel the powers of the Delphic Oracle! We have managed to assemble such rare people -however, the power is too great for one person. The audience will have to decipher what our Gifted Panelists say.
Time: Sat 04:00 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: Embassy CD (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Panelists: Eric R. Asher, Michael Chatfield, Esther Friesner, Isabelle Hardesty, Jody Lynn Nye, Alexi Vandenberg,
Title: Creators Panel – How to Manage It All: Work, Business, Family, etc.
Description: A panel discussion that focuses on women in areas of publishing, writing, editing, comics, & art from a woman’s perspective.
Time: Sat 05:30 pm (Diversity Track)
Location: Inman (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Sheena Wiley (Moderator) Panelists: Nnedi Okorafor, Isabelle Hardesty, Karen Ceesay, Melissa Simpson
Title: Fantasy Dating Game
Description: Cosplay meets literature in the adventure to see if our favorite characters can finally find love after all their adventures Authors will cosplay (or just act) as their characters and see if ‘True Luv’ of ‘Con Luv’ will happen.
Time: Sat 10:00 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: International South (Length: 1 Hour HYATT
Panelists: Doug Burbey, Michael Chatfield, Isabelle Hardesty, A. J. Hartley, Chris Jackson, Gini Koch, D. R. Perry, Mera Rose, Tamsin L. Silver
SUNDAY (9/4/22)
Title: Fanworks in YA
Description: When the book ends, the fanworks begin. Whether you’re into fanfic or fanvidding, creating or consuming, come talk about how fans contribute to their favorite canons.
Time: Sun 11:30 am (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Jenn Clack (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Mari Mancusi, Heidi Tandy
Title: The Flash: Time Sickness Quarantine
Description: There’s a lot of buzz going on about Flash these days. It’s going into its 8th year, it survived the CW purge, and now it’s due back for a 9th Season. There’s been a lot of shifting, some new faces popping up, relationships developing and of course, the path of true love is never smooth, especially when heroes are involved. Share in a discussion over this most recent season of the Flash and our thoughts on what’s coming.
Time: Sun 01:00 pm (American Sci-fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M302-M303 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Eternal Zan Bowden (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Kristin Jackson, Rob Levy, Cammien Ray
Title: The Expanse – Goodbye Rocinante
Description: To much acclaim and sorrow, the crew of the Roci, finishes their portion of this epic story. We got the final season of this thoughtfully spun out story, from Remember the Cant to a resolution of the Free Navy, we have seen some real ups and downs. We’ll look at the whole length of the five years on both Syfy and Amazon and how it handled science and politics, personality and the alien.
Time: Sun 04:00 pm (American Sci-fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M301-M301 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Stephanie Hammer (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, D. J. Bodden, Stuart Jaffe, Robert Ross
Title: Which Witchkind Are You? Witches in UF
Description: Our panel of authors will discuss the various types of witches used in their work, and some of their favorite depictions from others.
Time: Sun 05:30 pm (Urban Fantasy Track)
Location: Chastain 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Carol Malcolm (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Jennifer Blackstream, Corinne O’Flynn, Melissa F. Olson, Rachel Rawlings
MONDAY (9/5/22)
Title: The Dangerous Edge: Writing Suspense
Description: Authors share secrets on how to generate maximum suspense in a narrative.
Time: Mon 11:30 am (Horror Track)
Location: Peachtree 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Clay Gilbert, Glenn Parris, Hank Schwaeble, Jessica Ann York
Title: Pulling the Strings: Supernatural Organizations Behind the Scenes
Description: Often in urban fantasy an organization or group governs or polices the supernatural community. This panel will explore examples appearing in the works of our panelists and discuss whose interests those entities are most concerned with.
Time: Mon 01:00 pm (Urban Fantasy Track)
Location: Chastain 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Carol Malcolm (Moderator) Panelists: Jim Butcher, Isabelle Hardesty, R.R. Virdi, Melissa F Olson, Carol Malcolm(M), Jennifer Blackstream, Stephanie Mirro
About Isabelle Hardesty
Isabelle Hardesty writes stories about people doing magical things and kicking butt. She writes for all readers, and people like her, who didn’t see themselves in their favorite fantasy adventures growing up.
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Dragon Con 2022 Schedule for Author Isabelle Hardesty
NewsIsabelle Hardesty is happy to be a returning author panelist at DRAGON CON 2022! She is headed to Atlanta for Dragon Con, one of the country’s largest multi-media conventions focusing on science fiction and fantasy literature, art, and gaming. There she will discuss her books, the writing process, witches, and more!
Click here to see Isabelle’s schedule on Dragon Con. Or click image below to jump to Dragon Con’s app viewable in browser to see Isabelle’s schedule. (The iphone or android Dragon Con free app is great and easy to use)
Title: Upcoming & Dream YA Adaptations
Description: After the success of Shadow & Bone on Netflix, there is more hope than ever that adaptations can be great. Many of our favorite books have been optioned. What would you love to see on screen?
Time: Fri 01:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Jenn Clack, Jess Lyles, Natalie Simpson (Moderators) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty
Title: Worldbuilding for YA
Description: Magical, fantastical, and science fiction worlds are incredibly rich. Join us to hear how our authors build their worlds for young readers.
Time: Fri 04:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Sherrilyn Kenyon, A.J. Hartley, F.T. Lukens
Title: Upload: The Dream of Freeyond
Description: Nathan and his gang of not so merry misfits face off corporate influences, baby making possibilities, and create a siphoning system to help those less fortunate in Lakeview. While there’s ups and downs in the virtual afterlife, all is not easy outside either, whether for Nora and her newfound LUDD buddies, or Ingrid with her pseudo deadness and clone growing efforts. This slightly shorter season caused some concern but only you can be the judge on if Upload carried into its second season strongly enough.
Time: Fri 05:30 pm (American Sci-Fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M301-M301 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Ben Meeks, Jennifer Neault (Moderators) Panelists: Kevin Eldridge, Isabelle Hardesty, Marisa Wolf
Title: Romance in YA
Description: Let’s talk about love! Romance is a common element in YA, so let’s talk about our favorite romance tropes, the epic loves of YA, and what balance of romance is right for different stories.
Time: Fri 07:00 pm (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Rachael Allen, Berta Platas, Claudia Gray
SATURDAY (9/3/22)
Title: YA Witchcraft (Beyond Hogwarts)
Description: Join us to talk about witches and magic in YA beyond Harry Potter.
Time: Sat 11:30 am (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Natalie Simpson (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Kaitlin Bevis, Shami A. Stovall
Title: Beyond Europe! Exploring the Richness Brought to Fantasy by the World Beyond Europe
Description: We will discuss Fantasy Literature and all of the diverse cultures from around the globe.
Time: Sat 02:30 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: Embassy CD (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Robert Small (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Dyrk Ashton, D. J. Butler, Milton Davis, Shemer Kuznits
Title: Delphic Oracle
Description: Only the Truly Gifted can channel the powers of the Delphic Oracle! We have managed to assemble such rare people -however, the power is too great for one person. The audience will have to decipher what our Gifted Panelists say.
Time: Sat 04:00 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: Embassy CD (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Panelists: Eric R. Asher, Michael Chatfield, Esther Friesner, Isabelle Hardesty, Jody Lynn Nye, Alexi Vandenberg,
Title: Creators Panel – How to Manage It All: Work, Business, Family, etc.
Description: A panel discussion that focuses on women in areas of publishing, writing, editing, comics, & art from a woman’s perspective.
Time: Sat 05:30 pm (Diversity Track)
Location: Inman (Length: 1 Hour) HYATT
Sheena Wiley (Moderator) Panelists: Nnedi Okorafor, Isabelle Hardesty, Karen Ceesay, Melissa Simpson
Title: Fantasy Dating Game
Description: Cosplay meets literature in the adventure to see if our favorite characters can finally find love after all their adventures Authors will cosplay (or just act) as their characters and see if ‘True Luv’ of ‘Con Luv’ will happen.
Time: Sat 10:00 pm (Fantasy Literature Track)
Location: International South (Length: 1 Hour HYATT
Panelists: Doug Burbey, Michael Chatfield, Isabelle Hardesty, A. J. Hartley, Chris Jackson, Gini Koch, D. R. Perry, Mera Rose, Tamsin L. Silver
SUNDAY (9/4/22)
Title: Fanworks in YA
Description: When the book ends, the fanworks begin. Whether you’re into fanfic or fanvidding, creating or consuming, come talk about how fans contribute to their favorite canons.
Time: Sun 11:30 am (Young Adult Literature Track)
Location: A707 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Jenn Clack (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Mari Mancusi, Heidi Tandy
Title: The Flash: Time Sickness Quarantine
Description: There’s a lot of buzz going on about Flash these days. It’s going into its 8th year, it survived the CW purge, and now it’s due back for a 9th Season. There’s been a lot of shifting, some new faces popping up, relationships developing and of course, the path of true love is never smooth, especially when heroes are involved. Share in a discussion over this most recent season of the Flash and our thoughts on what’s coming.
Time: Sun 01:00 pm (American Sci-fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M302-M303 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Eternal Zan Bowden (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Kristin Jackson, Rob Levy, Cammien Ray
Title: The Expanse – Goodbye Rocinante
Description: To much acclaim and sorrow, the crew of the Roci, finishes their portion of this epic story. We got the final season of this thoughtfully spun out story, from Remember the Cant to a resolution of the Free Navy, we have seen some real ups and downs. We’ll look at the whole length of the five years on both Syfy and Amazon and how it handled science and politics, personality and the alien.
Time: Sun 04:00 pm (American Sci-fi and Fantasy Media Track)
Location: M301-M301 (Length: 1 Hour) MARRIOTT
Stephanie Hammer (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, D. J. Bodden, Stuart Jaffe, Robert Ross
Title: Which Witchkind Are You? Witches in UF
Description: Our panel of authors will discuss the various types of witches used in their work, and some of their favorite depictions from others.
Time: Sun 05:30 pm (Urban Fantasy Track)
Location: Chastain 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Carol Malcolm (Moderator) Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Jennifer Blackstream, Corinne O’Flynn, Melissa F. Olson, Rachel Rawlings
MONDAY (9/5/22)
Title: The Dangerous Edge: Writing Suspense
Description: Authors share secrets on how to generate maximum suspense in a narrative.
Time: Mon 11:30 am (Horror Track)
Location: Peachtree 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Panelists: Isabelle Hardesty, Clay Gilbert, Glenn Parris, Hank Schwaeble, Jessica Ann York
Title: Pulling the Strings: Supernatural Organizations Behind the Scenes
Description: Often in urban fantasy an organization or group governs or polices the supernatural community. This panel will explore examples appearing in the works of our panelists and discuss whose interests those entities are most concerned with.
Time: Mon 01:00 pm (Urban Fantasy Track)
Location: Chastain 1-2 (Length: 1 Hour) WESTIN
Carol Malcolm (Moderator) Panelists: Jim Butcher, Isabelle Hardesty, R.R. Virdi, Melissa F Olson, Carol Malcolm(M), Jennifer Blackstream, Stephanie Mirro
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Free YA Fantasy Word Search for Busy Readers
NewsEnjoy this free YA fantasy word search for busy readers. Whether you are at work and enjoying this during your lunch break, or at home, relaxing with a cup of tea, this is for you!
Enjoy this bespoke word search and spin the wheel about the YA fantasy book series Destroyer Witch Chronicles series written by Isabelle Hardesty.
If you like games, then you will LOVE this new Spin the Wheel game Which Character Are You? I love these fun games and thought you would to! Let me know which character you are!
Click here to go the the Spin The Wheel game!
Enjoy this word search and get Midnight in Belle Fleur today!
About Isabelle Hardesty
Isabelle is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
New! THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR Valentine’s Day Word Search
NewsBuy The Witch of Belle Fleur and jump into a world of romance, magic, secrets, and adventure! Click here to buy your copy now https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Belle-Fleur-Telenovela-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B083QTVZVQ
To print, simply copy The Witch of Belle Fleur word search image below and print! Enjoy! Feel free to share with friends!
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Author Isabelle Hardesty Podcast Interviews
NewsHere are links to some of the podcasts I’ve been featured on as a guest. Thank you to all the fabulous hosts!
I find that each podcast has it’s distinct style and that always makes for a fun experience! As the podcasts air, I’ll be sure to add to the list!
UPCOMING PODCAST INTERVIEWS:
Women in Publishing Summit Interview. Listen to the conversation between host, Alexa Bigwarfe, and author, Isabelle Hardesty. You can find the link February 2026.
PAST PODCAST INTERVIEWS:
Strong Females & Magical Storytelling Interview on Trina Talk
https://bit.ly/3NIjVQN
Story-Power Interview
https://apple.co/3xnSjti
Creative Cuppa Podcast Podcast Interview
https://bit.ly/3j6Rmz2
Blasters and Blades Podcast Interview
https://bit.ly/3LcwVfV
Follow Your Curiosity Podcast Interview
https://bit.ly/3DL0Ach
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Free Worksheet! Celebrate Yourself for a Year Well Done!
NewsAuthor Isabelle Hardesty at Dragon Con 2021
NewsDragon Con 2021 was a blast! Thank you to the track directors for organizing interesting and fun panels. It was hard to select a favorite panel because each one had its own feeling. I talked about creativity, writing, evil fae, Buffy, and The Expanse show.
I will be back next year, with Midnight in Belle Fleur published, and working on more books. It’s such a joy being able to share my writing with Dragon Con fans. Please enjoy these photos. If you have a convention you enjoy going to, let me know!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She is committed to creating rich and strong female characters in her books. Hardesty wants young people and women of color to see themselves in her novels and know they are a meaningful part of the world they’re in.
Hardesty received her BFA from Pratt Institute and has worked in NYC as an assistant fashion designer. Her rich and textured life experiences allow her to create characters and plots that engage readers. One common thread in all of her professional experiences is that storytelling is always king.
Isabelle Hardesty’s first published work was a short story that was published in an anthology. This short story grew into The Delacourt Shapeshifter Trilogy.
Hardesty wove her love of magic and nature into her most recent novel, The Witch of Belle Fleur. Her book tells the story of Juliette, an Afro-Latina teen telenovela actress, teetering on the edge as she unravels her family’s secret of magic, only to discover that if she becomes a lead witch, she must let both good and evil magic return to her town. Midnight in Belle Fleur is the sequel and will be available this year. This year, Isabelle was a panelist at Dragon Con 2021, where she discussed books, creativity, evil fae and more!
Isabelle Hardesty lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Witch of Belle Fleur is available at the Library!
NewsI am so excited that paperback copies of my novel, The Witch of Belle Fleur, are now available at King County Library System in Seattle! Are you interested in seeing my books at your local library?
All you have to do is contact your local librarian and they’ll help you with the easy process. By the way, I love having my books accessible to all.
I grew up with a love for libraries and believe librarians are like fairy godmothers, and godfathers. Speaking of accessible, by mid November, my books will be available at all the popular places to purchase e-books.
Update:
Since this original post from a few years ago, my books are available in many libraries throughout the United States. You can find them in libraries including Seattle Public Library, King County Library System, Los Angeles Public Library, and Chicago Public Library. And in countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Author Isabelle Hardesty at Dragon Con 2021
NewsISABELLE HARDESTY – DRAGON CON 2021
READING SESSIONS TRACK
Title: Reading Session: Isabelle Hardesty
Time: Fri 10:00 am Location: Marietta – Hyatt
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty
DIVERSITY TRACK
Title: Writers’ Panel: A Woman’s Perspective
Description: A panel discussion that focuses on women in areas of publishing, writing, editing, comics, & art from a woman’s perspective.
Time: Fri 01:00 pm Location: Inman – Hyatt
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Chantelle Aimée Osman, Seressia Glass, Jennifer Gilley
Moderator: Yvette Kendall
FANTASY LITERATURE TRACK
Title: Trope-a-Licious
Description: Tropes are powerful story tools, but sometimes you just gotta shake things up! Let’s talk not just about the power of a trope but the power of mixing them up.
Time: Fri 05:30 pm Location: Embassy CD – Hyatt
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Steve Saffel, Michael J. Allen, Jeffrey Falcon Logue, Travis Heermann, Maria Dahvana Headley
WRITER’S TRACK
Title: Creativity 101
Description: Discover some simple but effective ways of enhancing creativity.
Time: Sat 11:30 am Location: Embassy EF – Hyatt
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty ,Esther Friesner, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Tamsin L. Silver, D.B. Jackson, Nancy Knight,
AMERICAN SCI-FI AND FANTASY MEDIA TRACK
Title: The Expanse: Looking Inward from the Ring
Description: The Inner Planets are staggered through the Free Navy’s devastation, & Mars’s plots for a better future–& it’s not on Mars. There is loss & danger & not a little bit of machinations, emotional & political. A look back at the past year & to what might be for the final season.
Time: Sat 04:00 pm Location: M301-M301 – Marriott
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Hanne Madeleine Gates Paine, Fr. Bryan Small,
WRITER’S TRACK
Title: Teens Wanna Write?
Description: If you’re between 12 & 18, this is the workshop for you! This panel is especially for teens who want to write SF/Fantasy/Horror…and any other genre. You are the future of stories, books, & movies. It’s never too early to learn the ropes.
Time: Sun 01:00 pm Location: Embassy EF – Hyatt
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Nancy Knight, A. J. Hartley, J. Gregory Keyes, Mari Mancusi
URBAN FANTASY TRACK
Title: Terror & Beauty: Depictions of the Fae in Urban Fantasy
Description: Our panel of authors discuss the various depictions of the Fae, exploring how often the attractiveness displayed by the beings & their world mask an underlying layer of menace & peril.
Time: Sun 02:30 pm Location: Chastain 1-2 – Westin
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Kimbra Swain, Bishop O’Connell, Jean Marie Ward, Cecilia Dominic, Jim Butcher
URBAN FANTASY TRACK
Title: My Favorite Is Better Than Yours: A Buffy Season Competition
Description: Our panelists will defend why their favorite season of Buffy is the best, & the audience will evaluate the arguments & pick a winner.
Time: Sun 07:00 pm Location: Chastain 1-2 – Westin
Speakers: Isabelle Hardesty, Kevin Bachelder, Fr. Bryan Small, A. J. Hartley, J.F. Lewis, Daviorr Snipes, Kimbra Swain
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Brave Enough to Pick Flowers by Isabelle Hardesty
NewsSometimes in life I’ve doubted myself and thought my ideas weren’t good enough. We believe others have a special gift or power. But then you step into your truth and see that all along, you’ve had the power. Your ideas are good enough.
There I was, with yet another chance to pick a perfect bouquet. In all the times I’ve had the chance to make my own bouquet from a field of flowers, I wasn’t brave enough to do it.
I’ve seen hundreds of bouquets. I think of the exquisite bouquet I held when I got married in 2007. I think of the Hollywood bouquets given in gestures of love in classic movies and television shows. I think of the many bouquets I’ve received and given. Those bouquets, each and every one of them, seemed perfect.
Well, I stood in the flower garden section of the U-Pick farm on a crisp Saturday morning with my son and husband, and I looked at the flowers. The flowers danced in the wind. I wasn’t sure if it was an invitation or a dare.
There were too many wonderful choices! Too many amazing colors! There were also sunflowers nearby, and I love those–they make me think of Van Gogh. As my mind raced, I realized I was losing my courage.
And then I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and enjoyed just being among the flowers. I opened my eyes and walked up to a pink flower and began collecting.
I made my bouquet one flower at a time. I walked to another flower, and added it to my collection. I did this about a dozen times, until I had a bouquet that made my heart smile.
The only way I was able to brave the overwhelmingly beautiful field of flowers was to focus on one flower at at a time.
One flower.
Now, whenever I have the opportunity to make my own bouquet of flowers, I know it will be the perfect blend of colors and scents.
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com
Seattle Heat Wave and Lavender Fields
NewsA few weeks ago, we had a heat wave in the Pacific Northwest. Many people think that since I’m from Miami I am used to heat waves of over 100 degrees.
Well, not really. When I grew up in Miami, we had heat waves that would take temperatures into the 90’s. Rarely did it go into 100 degrees and up. Besides, most homes have air conditioning in the South Florida area.
So, when my husband and I found out it was going to go up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit in Seattle, we both said, “Yeah. No.”
My husband planned the perfect cool get away for us! It was a family trip with our four-year old son and we were headed to the picturesque San Juan Island. It was supposed to only go up to 83 degrees! YES!
As we drove the hour to the ferry boat, we checked the temperature of San Juan Islands. The cool 83 degree forecasted weather had shifted to 91!
Despite the weather being almost ten degrees warmer than we expected, we were wise enough to remember to be thankful–thankful that it wasn’t 116 degrees!
One of the highlights of our time on the island was our visit to Pelindaba Lavender. It was fragrant, beautiful and so serene. My son, husband and I enjoyed their lavender flavored ice cream. Yummy!
We got home later that night and were glad that it was cooler. Ahhhh.
Sometimes technology makes us feel like we can outsmart Mother Nature. We weren’t able to escape the heat wave, but we were able to get away to a cooler part of the scorching heatwave.
About Isabelle Hardesty
She is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High duology, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter trilogy. She is best known for her novel about a telenovela actress turned witch, The Witch of Belle Fleur.
As an author, she loves sharing her work with readers. She loves attending conventions, and enjoys discussing her books, writing, witches, and more!
Isabelle Hardesty is a Miami native who uses her creative work to share her experiences growing up in South Florida. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and son. Discover more about Isabelle’s books at www.IsabelleHardesty.com