I had the chance to attend Beyond the Books festival on April 26, 2025, at Our Savior’s Community Library in Sioux Falls, SD. This was a two-day event intended to be MORE than just the books. (It was BEYOND the books.)
from the event:
“A time to celebrate the stores that inspire us, the authors who craft them, and the experiences that bring them to life. Because it’s not just about the books, it’s about the experiences.”
Saturday’s Literary Festival included inspiring author presentations, book signings (by yours truly and several other authors) and a lovely and lively vendor fair!
The 4 amazing “headliners” that spoke throughout the day:
Patty Wetterling (co-authored with Joy Baker)
Billy Mills (yes, the 1964 Olympic champion)
Shockingly, I sold a bunch of books! But more importantly, I met Olympic champion Billy Mills, got a logo’d cookie too pretty to eat, and received a hand-drawn picture from a lovely young lady in exchange for 3 cat stickers. (Don’t worry, that makes perfect sense to me.)
Thanks, Kristie Schreck, Emersyn Park, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for the opportunity!
Pictures from the Beyond the Books Festival
Some of my experience, in picture form:
Save the date for next year’s Beyond the Books Festival!
Friday 4/24/26 – Saturday 4/25/26
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
You are such a tech savvy & humble author with links to every other author! ✍️ You should make it a Netflix or YouTube series! The Emmys are waiting!!
Netflix? Emmys? I’m holding out for something bigger. I’m thinking something with mall food court vibes.