PANEL DISCUSSIONS
PANEL DISCUSSIONS on FESTIVAL SATURDAY
The 2026 Savannah Book Festival Free Festival Saturday will include two genre-focused, immersive panel discussions. These carefully crafted sessions bring together three acclaimed authors and a seasoned moderator for a truly intimate and intellectual exchange. Designed as a deeper dive into the literary world, these conversations seek to captivate and enlighten. Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or a dedicated follower of an author’s work, these panels are your opportunity to connect with the minds behind the books and get a fresh perspective on their craft.
During these sessions, the authors will explore their respective genres in depth, sharing unique perspectives and illuminating the intricacies of their craft. This is an opportunity for a collaborative learning experience that goes beyond a traditional presentation or Q&A.
Stay tuned for the 2026 Festival Saturday Panel announcements! Once all the authors are confirmed, we will release the complete schedule to assist you as you plan your day. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on the 2026 lineup and schedule.
The Voice of the Story: Inside the World of Audiobooks
A behind-the-scenes look at how stories transform when they move from page to audio. This conversation explores the creative, technical, and emotional dimensions of bringing books to life in spoken form. From authors who choose to narrate their own work to those who collaborate with professional voice actors, to the producers shaping the final sound, this panel examines how voice, performance, and production influence a reader’s experience. A compelling exploration of authenticity, interpretation, and the art of storytelling in a rapidly expanding audio world.
Orlando Montoya
Orlando Montoya is newscaster producer for Georgia Public Broadcasting. Orlando was the Savannah-based news producer for GPB from 1998-2014. He won numerous awards for reporting on coastal issues during that time. In 2022, now in Atlanta, he returned to GPB as the statewide newscaster producer. He studied Radio-Television at the University of Central Florida and has worked at six radio stations in Florida and Georgia.
Stories of Belonging: Home, Memory and Identity
Fiction rooted in displacement, cultural identity, and the search for home.
Three celebrated authors explore what it means to belong—to a place, a culture, a family, or a memory. From the emotional weight of home to the stories we inherit and the identities we forge, this conversation delves into the forces that shape who we are. A moving, thought-provoking look at the search for connection in an ever-changing world.
Cecilia Arango
Cecilia is Thomas & Hutton’s Marketing Manager for all office locations. Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus in Communications, she joined Thomas & Hutton in 2002. Cecilia is responsible for marketing, social media, public relations, and proposal coordination activities. In addition, she spearheads Thomas & Hutton’s monthly hands-on service program, T&H Helping Hands, and is involved in professional and civic organizations.
