OLC is excited to announce that best-selling authors and best friends Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone will open the 2023 Convention and Expo on Wed., Sept. 27 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati.

In this fun and engaging session, Murphy and Simone will talk about their friendship, their work as librarians, and what they learned from forming this “odd couple” writing partnership. They will also discuss why body positivity in their characters is so important and how the romance industry is changing to feel more inclusive. Murphy is the author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix starring Jennifer Aniston with music by Dolly Parton), Puddin’, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Simone’s many novels include Priest, American Queen, and Misadventures of a Curvy Girl.

Registration for the Convention and Expo will open in July, but you can book your hotel room now at a reduced rate. More information is available at conventionexpo.olc.org.