GPL Author Talks
We're excited to offer a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. All Author Talks are streamed live allowing for engagement with the authors. While most are virtual-only events, we will offer some group viewings.
Register for an upcoming Author Talk
Upcoming Virtual Author Talks
Virtual Author Talk with Smithsonian Biologist Jay Falk
Tues | Aug 5 | 2pm
Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography and clear explanations in this absorbing global guide, The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds.
Virtual Author Talk with Casey McQuiston
Wed | Aug 20 | 7pm
Bring an appetite for sizzling drama as we discuss New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston's latest romantic comedy, The Pairing.
Virtual Author Talk with Dr. Tasha Eurich
Thurs | Aug 28 | 2pm
Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And why resilience alone isn’t enough).
Virtual Author Talk with Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Wed | Sept 3 | 7pm
Embrace your dark side (and your best evil laugh) and join us in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of the New York Times bestselling Assistant to the Villain series.
Virtual Author Talk with Jeffrey Fisher
Wed | Sept 10 | 2pm
Join us (and be ready to take notes) for an afternoon virtual conversation with communication expert Jefferson Fisher, as we chat about his book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
Virtual Author Talk with Gabe Henry
Wed | Sept 17 | 2pm
Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules.
Virtual Author Talk with Nuestra América
Thurs | Oct 2 | 2pm
Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.
Virtual Author Talk with Leigh Bardugo
Thurs | Oct 9 | 7pm
Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm–and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully-structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself, celebrating the release of her Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition).
Virtual Author Talk with Philippa Gregory
Wed | Oct 29 | 2pm
Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025).