Where Stories
Take Shape.
Discover local and regional authors, connect with independent makers, experience live poetry readings, and join conversations exploring the stories that shape who we are and how we understand the world around us.
Whether you're a reader, a writer, a poet, or a maker, there's a place for you at StoryWorx!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Calling All Authors, Poets & Makers
Do you create work inspired by stories, words, books, or the handmade? StoryWorx invites local and regional authors, poets, and book-adjacent makers to be part of this celebration of literary and creative expression.
Share your work, connect with an engaged creative community, and introduce your books or creations to new audiences.
Interested in participating?
FREE to attend!
Meet The Headliners
Angie Kim
Angie Kim is the New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls, a GMA and Barnes & Noble book club pick, winner of the Virginia Literary Award, and Oprah Daily’s #1 novel of 2023. Her debut novel, Miracle Creek, won the Edgar Award and was named one of the 100 best mysteries and thrillers of all time by Time. A Korean immigrant who moved to Baltimore in middle school, Kim studied philosophy at Stanford University and attended Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Ken Harvey
Ken Harvey grew up in Austin, Texas. Shortly after attending UC Berkeley, he was selected for the first round 12 overall of the 1988 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. There, he played six seasons until signing with the Washington Redskins in 1994. He was selected to his fourth straight NFL Pro Bowl in 1997 and ended his career with 89 sacks, averaging 8 per season. Ken retired from the NFL just prior to the start of the 1999 season. In 2002, Ken received the prestigious honor of being nominated as one of the “80 Greatest Redskins” and was nominated five consecutive times to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Ken is the author of Stepping Stones and The Me That Needs to Be in addition to his screenplays.
Omar Abed
Omar Abed is a Palestinian-American engineer and storyteller. His debut picture book, The Book That Almost Rhymed, won several state and national awards, including the Irma Black Award for 2025. Omar's stories layer intelligence with absurdity, offering something for readers of all ages.
In his spare time, Omar enjoys spending time with his family and hacking away at passion projects to build a better world. Omar lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons.
Ellen R. B. Smith
Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music from the University of Tennessee. With professional experience spanning 36 years, she entered the workforce at a young age, overcoming legal barriers. Her career path led her through industries rife with the prevalent misogyny of the era, a challenging narrative vividly captured in her compelling story. Ellen’s book Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker resonates with readers by infusing humor and introspection, encouraging them to confront life’s uncertainties with laughter and many adaptive course corrections.
Wisdom Martin
Wisdom Martin is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and speaker whose work spans news, sports, and conversations that bring people together. A familiar face in the Washington, DC area for more than two decades, he anchors WUSA9’s morning news, hosts the streaming series A Moment of Wisdom, and co-anchors Commanders Kickoff. Before joining WUSA9, Wisdom anchored FOX 5’s morning news and hosted Good Day DC.
Beyond the anchor desk, Wisdom brings his storytelling to the page as the author of Pass Interference: The History of the Black Quarterback in the NFL and Conventional Wisdom, Volumes 1 and 2. Through his books, interviews, and public appearances, he continues to inform, inspire, and connect with audiences.
Marcie Atkins
Marcie Flinchum Atkins is a teacher-librarian by day and a children’s book writer in the wee hours of the morning. She holds an M.A. and M.F.A. in Children’s Literature from Hollins University. She is the author of multiple nonfiction books for children. Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature (Millbrook Press, 2019) was a Kirkus Best Informational Book of 2019. Her latest picture book, When Twilight Comes, illustrated by Michelle Morin, received four starred reviews (Chronicle, 2026). Marcie’s poetry for children has been published in magazines and anthologies. Her YA historical fiction novel-in-verse, One Step Forward, debuted from Versify in 2025. She also muses about mentor texts, making time to write, and poetry at www.marcieatkins.com. You can follow her on Threads and Instagram @marciefatkins and Bluesky: @marciefatkins.bsky.social.
Explore StoryWorx
Meet the Authors & Makers
Discover local and regional authors, browse books, purchase handcrafted creations, snack on delicious treats and connect directly with the people behind the creativity!
Hear Stories Come to Life
Experience poetry readings and curated panel conversations that bring writers and creative voices together. Explore themes of transformation, place, identity, and lived experience through the power of storytelling.
Craft & Sip Workshops
Reserve your spot for hands-on literary craft workshops with talented artists. Sip signature cocktails (and mocktails) while you share your love of books with others.
Children’s Corner
Love of books starts young! Bring the whole family to meet children’s authors, up-and-coming artisans and participate in age-appropriate crafts.