The Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library will host the second Mt. Pleasant Literary Festival from March 19-21. This year's theme, "Chapter 2: The Story Unfolds," celebrates the power of storytelling and the growing literary community in eastern Cabarrus County.
The 2026 festival features 16 authors across three days, including writers for adults, young adults and children. Headlining the event are three New York Times bestselling authors, S.A. Cosby, Kate Quinn and Meagan Church.
The headliners
Cosby is a leading voice in today's crime fiction and a standout in modern Southern noir — a style of crime writing rooted in the American South and known for gritty realism, moral tension and a strong sense of place. He'll share information about his award-winning, fast-paced novels, including "King of Ashes," featuring vivid Southern settings and characters facing tough choices.
Quinn is known for her gripping, deeply researched historical novels. A favorite among book clubs and history lovers, Quinn will discuss her latest work, "The Astral Library," and the craft behind creating immersive, character-driven historical fiction.
Church, a North Carolina author known for her emotionally rich historical fiction, plans to discuss the reallife stories that inspire her work and the success of her most recent book, "The Mad Wife." "This event continues to grow in both scope and spirit," said Marcia Morris, president of the Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library. "We're thrilled to bring together authors, readers, families, and lifelong learners for three days of discovery, creativity and connection."
Other highlights
In addition to discussions led by Cosby, Quinn and Church, other festival highlights include:
• True Crime Feature – Wall Street Journal reporter Valerie Bauerlein discusses the Alex Murdaugh murders and her book, "The Devil at His Elbow," in a talk moderated by Charlotte author Tommy Tomlinson.
• Nonfiction Excellence – Pulitzer Prize nominee and historian David Goldfield shares details about his upcoming book exploring an important figure in North Carolina textile history.
• Master Storytelling for Adults – Internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington shares her poignant and humorous fables about the human condition, relationships and spine-tingling tales.
• Writer's Craft & Creativity – Author and professor Cathy Pickens leads a hands-on workshop exploring the writing process, creative problem solving, and practical strategies for developing compelling stories.
• Debut Novel Spotlight – Cuban American author Tita Ramirez discusses her debut novel, "Tell It to Me Singing."
• Children's Storytelling & STEM Programs – Maya Myers, Derick Wilder and Annette Whipple showcase interactive storytelling and trivia for children.
• Graphic Novel & Illustration Workshops – Hands-on interactive illustration and drawing sessions will be led by Brian Anderson, Hope Larson and Ashley Belote.
• Science Fiction & Fantasy Spotlight – New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis discusses her latest young adult novel, "The Crimson Throne."
• Mystery & Genre Fiction – Mystery author Caleb Wygal, known for the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, discusses his writing journey and creating engaging coastal whodunits.
Event details
The festival will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Library and Active Living Center, 1111 N. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant.
All events are free, thanks to donations from businesses and individuals. The festival is also supported by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and the Cabarrus Arts Council.
Editions Bookstore, a woman-owned independent bookstore in Kannapolis, will have books available for purchase. Authors will be available to meet festival attendees and sign books.
Due to limited seating, advanced registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit www.mpfol.org.
Author schedule
Thursday, March 19
11:30 a.m. – Storytime and presentation with children's author Maya Myers
4 p.m. – Writer's workshop with author and professor Cathy Pickens
6 p.m. – Meagan Church, New York Times bestselling author, opens the festival
Friday, March 20
12:30 p.m. – Interactive children's storytelling program with Derick Wilder
2 p.m. – Facts Are Fun STEM program with Annette Whipple
4 p.m. – Author talk with Tita Ramirez
4:30 p.m. – Animal Trivia with Annette Whipple
6 p.m. – Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author, in conversation with Laura Beth Vietor
Saturday, March 21
10 a.m. – Mystery author Caleb Wygal discusses his writing journey
10 a.m. – Children's program with Ashley Belote
Noon – Workshop with graphic novelist Brian Anderson
Noon – Author talk with historian David Goldfield
2 p.m. – Drawing workshop with Hope Larson
2 p.m. – Adult storytelling program with Donna Washington
4 p.m. – Author talk with Beth Revis
4 p.m. – Valerie Bauerlein discusses the Alex Murdaugh murders, in conversation with Tommy Tomlinson
6 p.m. – S.A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author, delivers the keynote address and closes the festival
About Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library
Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Mt. Pleasant Library and promoting literacy, lifelong learning and the love of reading. Through fundraising, advocacy and community engagement, the organization works to enhance the library's resources and services for the benefit of all patrons.
