Legal Landmines and Lessons: What Every Bookseller Should Know
A March Madness Event
March 18: Writer's Block in Winter Park, FL
Owner Lauren Zimmerman, who is also an attorney, will share her insights and experiences applying her legal knowledge to run her bookstore. This session draws on real-world cases covering lease negotiations, partnering with other organizations, financing, and contract review. Attendees will also learn the legal community’s predictions regarding AI in the arts, copyright law, and ethical implications.
Zimmerman says that she has wanted to host a March Madness event for a long time, as her store is centrally located in Florida and has a large children's area that can be converted into a comfortable event space. She chose the topic because it "...is one that booksellers should be familiar with, as we often overlook the legal issues I encounter in my daily activities." Zimmerman says she has attended many programs herself about legal issues and questions, but the presenters tended to be generic in their approach and didn't understand the specifics of the book business. "My plan is to use real-life scenarios in contracts, HR, liability, and AI," says Zimmerman.
At lunch, booksellers will meet Ayana Lage, Madeline Martin, and RJ Valldeperas.
Ayana Lage is a blogger and freelance writer with bylines in The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more. She has a B.S. in journalism from the University of Florida. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring her hometown of Tampa, Florida, with her husband and two children.
Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty different languages.
R.J. Valldeperas is a Peruvian Venezuelan writer living in South Florida with her husband and five children. She has experience in academics as a teacher and tutor and also in the creatives sphere as a photographer, content creator, and small shop owner selling custom-designed bookmarks. She enjoys writing fantasy and contemporary novels with characters that look like her and live in worlds steeped with culture. Visit her online at rjvalldeperas.com.
The Important Stuff:
If you want to make a trip of it: Apply for a Travel Scholarship
Hotels close to Writers Block Bookstore:
Hilton Gardens Inn - $$
Park Plaza Gardens - antique furniture, old world feel, right on Park Avenue - $$+
The Alfond Hotel - High end boutique hotel with a great spa. $$$$
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott - $$