Overview

• The A Million Lives Book Festival, held May 2–3 in Baltimore, attracted only about 30 attendees despite promises of a large-scale romantasy gathering.
• Promotional materials advertised immersive experiences, including author panels, a themed ball, and a vendor hall, but these failed to materialize as promised.
• Authors, many of whom paid for tables and travel, reported financial losses, with some earning less than their parking expenses for the event.
• Organizer Grace Willows issued a TikTok apology, acknowledging the event's shortcomings and offering refunds to dissatisfied attendees.
• Archer Management, the event's organizing company, committed to refunding all ticket holders by May 31 in response to widespread criticism and online backlash.