By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/8/25 – Amid the cinematic buzz of this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, a unique and enchanting storytelling experience unfolded, not on the big screen, but in the lobby. I was passing thru the lobby at the theatre after covering the red carpet but at the heart of it all was JeanBookNerd Storytellers. It was led by the ever-passionate Jean Vallesteros, a longtime champion of authors, readers, and the art of narrative.
JeanBookNerd created a warm, immersive pop-up where film met fiction, and every visitor has the chance to discover new voices in the literary world. My curiosity got the best of me, so I made myself over to ask, “What is this all about”? I was directed by one of the authors to introduce myself to Jean. She explained to me as part of the HollyShorts experience, some of the VIP guests are invited to choose a book of their liking from a curated collection of exciting new titles. I selected a supernatural mystery that immediately caught my eye “The Paper Trail” by D.J. MacHale a captivating read that promises secrets, twists, and eerie intrigue.
Jean didn’t stop talking to me about the authors and books at the tables and even more incredible, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with seven authors, each promoting their latest work. Every one of them brought a different genre, energy, and creative voice to the table, reflecting the diversity and power of independent storytelling. Here’s a look at the authors and their books:
Ford 
Ting 
Jacobson 
Wells 
Worthington 
Milano getting her book signed by MacHale -
Destiny Ford – The Devil Drinks Coffee
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Mary Ting – When the Wind Chimes, Isan
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Tom Savini – The Heir of Ambrose (not pictured)
** Clarissa Jacobson – I Made a Short Film Now WTF Do I Do With It?
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John W. Wells III – The Heir of Ambrose
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Jones Worthington – Omni Violence
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D.L. MacHale – The Paper Trail
Each conversation offered a glimpse into their inspirations, processes, and the worlds they’ve crafted for readers. It was a rare treat to connect with authors face-to-face in a space traditionally reserved for cinema & highlighting just how interconnected storytelling truly is, whether it’s told through frames or pages.
After my questions were answered, she handed me a thoughtfully curated gift box packed with charming essentials: a travel-size mirror, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, cookies, a can of Trader Joe’s Matcha Green Tea, plus a tote bag to carry it all in style. It felt personal, welcoming, and perfectly in line with the intimate atmosphere JeanBookNerd is known for cultivating.
JeanBookNerd’s activation at HollyShorts wasn’t just a booth. It was a celebration of stories, a cozy refuge for book lovers, and a perfect blend of literature and film. For anyone lucky enough to stop by, it serves as a reminder that while films can light up a screen, books light up the imagination.
I had the coolest & most unusual experience at #HollyShorts in the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre lobby thanks to JeanBookNerd Storytellers!
A huge thanks to @JeanBookNerd for creating this magical storytelling space. Where books meet film, and every story has a voice.
** Clarissa gave me a warm hello and remembered THT right off the bat since we had done a story she was involved in:
