The sixth panel of the RV Book Fair 2024, Crossing Genres: How Authors Bring Stories to Life, brought together a diverse group of authors and thought leaders to delve into the art of writing across genres. Moderated by Pat Backley and Lucia Matuonto, the session featured Sonia Marta, a changemaker and award-winning author, as the keynote speaker. Joining her were authors Lulu Buck, Julie Cropp Gareleck, and Rick Incorvia, who shared their unique approaches to storytelling and the creative processes behind their acclaimed works.
The panel explored how writers navigate different genres to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. From children’s literature and historical fiction to entrepreneurial insights and fantastical adventures, each author offered valuable perspectives on how personal experiences and imagination fuel their writing. Discussions also touched on the challenges of genre-blending, the importance of authenticity, and how authors bring their characters and settings to life. This insightful session provided inspiration for writers and book lovers alike, showcasing the transformative power of stories to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Sonia Marta
A changemaker and an award-winning author, Sonia Marta wrote and self-published her first poetry collection, Oracol (2018) at the age of 10. Next came her most acclaimed story by teachers and the international community, The Rapping Astronaut (2020), an award-winning children’s book, along with Bucharest City Tour, a Trip with Sonia (2020). In 2023, Marta co-authored Women Leading the Way (2023), a collection of stories of successful women launched at the London Book Fair (LBF23′).
Sonia Marta’s projects kickstarted her journey as a role model, travelling all over the globe to speak to over 3,500 children, students, and parents about the importance of self-improvement and the importance of education. Her mission, inspiring the youth to follow their dreams, brought about her recognition at the Women Changing the World Awards Gala (2023), where she won Silver in the category Young Women Changing the World. She is the host of The SMARTA Podcast, a biweekly show on leadership with executives and bestselling authors exploring how to achieve your dream life.
Find out more at www.soniamarta.com.
Lulu Buck
Lulu Buck is an award-winning children’s book author of “Sue’s Sky” and its Spanish counterpart “El Cielo de Susana”, and soon to be released “Magical Golden Whistle”. “Sue’s Sky,” and “El Cielo de Susana,” delves into the important themes of acceptance, inclusion, and friendship. Committed to making a difference, Lulu has developed a complimentary curriculum to empower adults in creating safe spaces for children. Recognized with the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards gold seal of approval and receiving two honorable mentions from the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Awards. “El Cielo de Susana” was awarded a bronze medal in the category of “Best Illustrations for an Educational Children’s Book” and also received an Honorable Mention for “Best Illustrations Overall” through the 2023 International Latino Book Awards.
Find out more at lulubuck.org.
Julie Cropp Gareleck
Julie Cropp Gareleck is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to mid-size businesses as well as the Fortune 1000.
As the CEO of Junction Creative Services and JXN Blueprint, two award-winning strategic agencies that combines the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency, she has helped more than 350 companies establish their brands, engage audiences and drive revenue. These include giants such Yahoo!, Hilco Global, Hyster-Yale, GE Energy, Mohawk Industries, and Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (SWM); as well as early stage companies.
Gareleck established the JXN Executive Roundtable in 2012 as a resource for entrepreneurs, senior executives, and marketing leaders to share industry experiences and insights. She remains actively involved in industry organizations, often participating as an expert panelist or guest speaker. Gareleck is just as eloquent as she is engaging. She sits on the Board of Directors for Stage Door Theatre.
Find out more at juliecroppgareleck.com
Rick Incorvia
Rick Incorvia As one of nine children growing up in the 70’s, Rick was surrounded by a cast of characters where controlled chaos was the status quo. He felt that if he didn’t create his own identity, he would get lost in the crowd. Admittedly, he was a bit of a troublemaker and sometimes liked being lost in the crowd, or at least unaccounted for. If he wasn’t scheming a plot to prank a sibling, he was imagining himself as 007 or an Ocean’s Eleven participant. His brothers and sisters say his favorite line is …”just imagine.”
Rick is a born storyteller. Book number five, The Traveler’s Best Seller, reflects his boundless creativity as he introduces historical characters in real-life situations. He takes you on exciting adventures in dreamlike fantasies with intoxicating detail. Rick’s ability to “keep it real” and yet take readers to the edge, has thrilled his cult following.
Find out more at www.authorrickincorvia.com
Pat Backley
Pat Backley is an author based in Auckland, New Zealand, who emigrated from England in 2010. Passionate about people and travel, she has lived a colorful and interesting life, and her books reflect these passions. Her debut novel, “Daisy”, is a historical family saga spanning almost 100 years, from 1887 to 1974, set in Alabama, Harlem, and London. She has also written “Valentine George”, which follows the life of an ordinary man through extraordinary times, and “The Second Daisy”, focusing on life in 1980s London.
In addition to her novels, Pat has authored memoirs and guides, including “From There To Here (With An Awful Lot In Between)” and “The Abandoned Wives Handbook: A Gentle Guide to One of Life’s Great Traumas”. For more information, visit her official website at patbackley.com.
Lucia Matuonto
Lucia Matuonto is the creator and host of The Relatable Voice Podcast and Catch The Story! Podcast, as well as the founder and CEO of Relatable Media LLC. She is also the producer and chief editor of The Relatable Voice Magazine and The RV Book Fair. Anaward-winning author and entrepreneur, Lucia has published five books, including the beloved Zoe the Crab series and Out of The Box, A New World. Her latest book, Homegrown Superheroes, is set to be released soon.
In addition to her podcasting ventures, she hosts UNCUT with Lucia, where she spotlights unique voices and stories. Lucia’s passion for storytelling and connecting creatives shines through her work, making her a cherished figure in the literary and podcasting communities.
Find out more at www.relatable-media.com