Welcome to our annual author event where you’ll find a book for everyone!
Come back often to watch updates in real time as the event grows!
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Art & Education Studios
340 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
🐲 10 a.m. to 4 p.m 🐲
No tickets necessary! FREE fun for the whole family!
(Take a look at last year’s fun!)
Books set your imagination on 🔥

Hosted by authors Jolie Tunnell and Tanya Ross

Once Upon a Book Fair…
…encourages literacy
…showcases multiple genres, something for everyone
…inspires youth
…shines a spotlight on local writers
…provides a rare meet and greet with published authors
…draws people together and celebrates diversity
…acclaims Escondido as a significant Center for the Arts
…validates San Diego’s public library programs
…creates a unique cultural community event
…supports small business
…education, inspiration, imagination
Participating Local Authors
(Can’t make it? Discover all of their books and shop now!)
- Matt Coyle, Mystery
- Jolie Tunnell, Historical Mystery
- Lisa M. Lane, Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Pete Peterson, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Mike Casper, Historical Fiction
- Karen Black, Historical Romance, Thriller, Murder Mystery
- Corey Lynn Fayman, Mystery/Suspense
- Martin Roy Hill, Thrillers, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Shelley Burbank, Mystery
- Curtis Ippolito, Mystery/Crime
- David Larson, True Crime
- Gary Nanson, Crime/Thriller
- Ava Page, Thriller
- Jayne Masters Haines, Suspense/Thriller
- Linda Thomas-Sundstrom, Paranormal Romance
- Annette Stephenson, Clean Romance/Drama
- E.M. Courtney, Romance
- Robert Gilberg, Romantic Thrillers/Americana, Memoir
- Marisa Billions, Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQ, Psychological
- Jennifer Givhan, Fiction (magical realism)
- Theresa Halvorsen, Spec Fiction
- Rich Farrell, Literary Fiction
- Judy Stanigar, Women’s Fiction
- Li-Ying Lundquist, Historical Fiction
- Leslie Johansen Nack, Historical Fiction
- Garrett Ray,Young Adult Paranormal
- Tanya Ross, Young Adult Dystopia
- Krystina Coles, Young Adult Fantasy
- Erik Christopher Martin, Middle Grade Mystery
- Sonia Gomez-Neri, Children’s Lit
- Marcia Berneger, Fiction for ages 2-6
- Michael E McDevitt, Children’s Picture Book
- Helle Brisson, Children’s Picture Books
- Tim Miller, Humor
- John Ratajkowski, Art
- David W.Reed, Adventure Memoir
- Kyomi O’Connor, Memoir
- Laurie Lee Davidson, Memoir
- Kathleen A Balgley, Memoir
- Leslie Ferguson, Memoir
- Mary Ann Horton, Memoir
- Laura L. Engel, Memoir
- Camille Segobia, NonFiction/Travel
- Quito Barajas, Self Help
- Dan Farnow, Religion, Self Help
- Nancy Pants Johnson, Nonfiction/Self Help
- Penny Payton, Emotional Wellness/Self Help
- Brandon Oswald, Nonfiction
- Matthew J. Pallamary, Multi
- Jane Muschenetz, Poetry
- Rikah Thomas, Poetry
- Susan Farese, Poetry
- Carol A. Heasley, Poetry
- Bethel Swift, Poetry
- Tania Pryputniewicz, Poetry, Memoir-in-Poems
- Cherie Kephart, Memoir/Poetry
- T. N. Hayden, Fantasy Romance
- Nicolette Andrews, Fantasy Romance
- Joy Penter, Fantasy Fairytale
- Dennis K Crosby, Urban Fantasy
- Jeffrey Hancock, Urban Fantasy
- M.A. Richter, Epic Fantasy
- Peter Cruikshank, High Fantasy
- Adam W. Schmitz, SciFi/Fantasy
- Alyse Steves, SciFi/Fantasy
- Daniel Vitale, SciFi/Spec Fiction
- Gideon Marcus, Science Fiction
- KC Grifant, Horror, Dark Fantasy
- Ian Conner, Horror
- Gregory Schaefer, Horror
Publicity
Coming May 19th: “Spotlight on the Community” podcast interview with Drew Schlosberg
Mad appreciation for our sponsors and marketing partners!
🐉 We couldn’t do this without you!
Once Upon a Book Fair is a free event made possible by our location sponsor, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, the art & soul of our community, featuring concerts & performances, museum exhibits, education programs & special event venues.
Our marketing partner, the San Diego Writers Festival, offers free classes from world-class instructors as well as children’s programs, podcast, book club, contests, author events, and more.
We have an amazing team of volunteers, support staff, and advisors, donating time and talent all year to make this event possible. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one.