PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bowie, Md.—Committed to the literary needs of its community, RGMI Press is holding its 2nd Annual National Authors Day Celebration for writers, authors, and content creators on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center. For RGMI Press, a local Christian publisher, it is excited to host the free event sponsored by Barnes & Noble, Staples, and John 3:16 Bookstore, featuring this year’s keynote speaker, USA Today Bestselling Author Vanessa Miller.
“This year’s event is aligned with my mission to write and publish compelling works that probe the mind, heart, and soul of each reader through dynamic Christian and historic fiction,” Miller states. “I have been blessed to be a successful and prolific writer in this distinct publishing niche, particularly for my latest books, The Filling Station and The American Queen. These works will be featured and signed at the event, which will inspire upcoming writers and aspiring authors in the Bowie community.”
Miller, along with two RGMI Press authors—Folk Performance Poet Billye Okera and Motivational Speaker Roderick K. Mitchell—will serve as panelists to discuss their unique perspectives and relatable challenges to overcome in the industry.
“This year’s theme, ‘We Are the Tablets: The Path of the Christian Author,’ involves discussing the joys and pains of writing and publishing in the Christian Publishing market,” shares Aisha Asare, RGMI Press Publisher and event host. “Through her characters in The Filling Station and the theme of redemption, a theme shared in common with Ms. Okera and Mr. Mitchell, Vanessa Miller is a shining example of the tremendous reach and reader engagement that can be achieved as a Christian author.”
Poetry by Okera will also be featured from her book, Stumblin’ Towards Calvary. Okera has shared stages with Nikki Giovanni and has been recognized as Poet-in-Progress by former DC Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick. “As an advocate for social justice, mental health, and sexual assault survivors, it is a privilege to converse with other authors and writers this year as we share our truth,” she states.
Mitchell, a retired DC Firefighter who served as the first keynote speaker for the 2024 event, possesses a different insight as an event panelist. “My book, Fire, Fury, Faith, encourages those whose emotional world has blazed into destruction to emerge from the flames with tools to stand resiliently on a fresh path,” he shares. “Considering characters affected by the Tulsa Race Massacre in The Filling Station, I look forward to thought-provoking discussions on overcoming challenges along the path of the Christian author.”
The community is welcomed to participate in writing prompts, a quick journaling session, and a silent auction of a limited-edition figurine, “Somewhere to Turn” by artist LaShun Beal, donated by sponsor John 3:16 Christian Bookstore. Other special presentations include “A Love of Literacy” by Study Street K8 Educational Director Lanee Sheffield, “Breathtaking Book Covers” by Artist, Muralist, and Author Barry Barnett Keith, and “Hydration Demonstration” by Fine Water Academy Sommelier Charlemange. A reception of light fare and author book signings to follow.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-national-authors-day-celebration-tickets-1672197440559?aff=oddtdtcreator
Contacts:
Aisha Asare
RGM International
(240) 441-0122
publisher@rgminternational.org