There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “Thoughts from a Spiritual Mind: The Salvation” by Chad Gerald Crump. The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
“Thoughts from a Spiritual Mind: The Salvation” is an inspiring collection of biblically rooted poetry that examines the human experience through the enduring themes of faith, repentance, struggle, and redemption. In this heartfelt work, Chad Crump weaves together spiritual wisdom and personal reflection to illuminate the realities of human frailty, the pursuit of forgiveness, and the redeeming grace made possible through Jesus Christ. Every poem offers readers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and draw closer to God while navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Written with authenticity, compassion, and deep spiritual conviction, the collection speaks to those seeking hope, healing, and renewed purpose in the midst of hardship or doubt. Through expressive and faith-filled verses, Crump reminds readers that even in life’s darkest moments, God’s unwavering love provides strength, restoration, and the promise of salvation. At its heart, the collection affirms that no soul is beyond God’s reach and that His grace has the power to restore, renew, and transform every broken journey.
Chad Gerald Crump is a Christian poet and spiritual writer whose life journey reflects perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to sharing God’s message through poetry. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Chad was brought up by hardworking, God-fearing parents who devoted themselves to providing for their family and instilling strong Christian values in their children. Their guidance laid the foundation for a lifelong relationship with faith that would later become the central influence in his writing.
Following his graduation from high school, Chad honorably served four years in the United States Navy. Like many people, his path was not without challenges, mistakes, and unexpected detours. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to continue moving forward and eventually earned a college degree in Animal Science. His passion for animals led him to spend more than two decades working in the field, a career that fulfilled a lifelong dream and allowed him to dedicate himself to the care and well-being of animals.
In later years, physical limitations forced Chad to step away from the profession he loved. While this transition marked the end of one chapter, it also became the beginning of another. Believing that God had called him toward a new purpose, Chad turned his attention to publishing the poetry he felt inspired to write through faith and spiritual reflection. He has devoted himself to sharing both newly inspired works and the poetry he has crafted throughout his life, viewing his writing as a ministry and a means of encouraging others.
Chad’s poetry centers on themes of faith, redemption, repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God’s grace. Through reflective biblical verse, he explores the struggles, doubts, and challenges people encounter while offering hope rooted in Scripture and the message of Jesus Christ. His writing seeks to connect timeless biblical truths with the realities of everyday life, creating poetry that is both spiritually meaningful and personally relatable.
Having sacrificed greatly in pursuit of publishing his work, Chad views his books as more than literary projects—they are the fulfillment of a calling and the beginning of a new journey guided by faith. His debut publication marks the first installment in a planned seven-book spiritual poetry series, with each volume exploring deeper themes of spiritual growth, redemption, and God’s enduring presence in the lives of believers.
Through his writing, Chad hopes to inspire readers to strengthen their relationship with God, seek forgiveness and renewal, and trust in the divine purpose woven throughout life’s challenges. His mission is to remind others that no matter their past struggles, God’s grace remains available to all who seek Him with faith and an open heart.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers.