(Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Brown for the information in this story.)
Chelsea District Library (CDL) is honored to announce its 2019 Local Author Fair featuring 10 local authors writing for all ages and genres. The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m. throughout the library. It includes author mini-talks, book signings, and is free of charge and open to the public.
Children’s book authors, Karen Patterson and Theresa Nielsen, delight young readers by using animals in their storytelling. Patterson, a former elementary school teacher, just published her first book, Harley Saves the Day, depicting a large dog with a loud bark that teaches his neighborhood to look beyond physical appearance.
Nielsen, author of Pickles and Olive, writes about a stuffed bunny left behind in the hospital nursery until a new baby is born. The book is illustrated by high school student, Jake Goodgall, who asked to create the book’s pictures when he was just 8 years old.
For those who like humorous reads, these two authors won’t disappoint. Steve Daut, a geologist and geophysicist for 20 years and graduate of Second City Comedy Club, recently published Telling Twain, an updated comedic version of Mark Twain’s classic stories. It has been accepted for inclusion in the 2018–2021 Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Directory.
Alex R. Weddon is a series author of Close Call on the Farm, four books of humorous depictions of country life. Growing up on an 80-acre farm in the 1960s with four siblings, one being a twin, and both parents working outside the home (Weddon’s dad was the family doctor in Stockbridge), Weddon’s work is full of hysterical childhood memories.
Adult non-fiction is also an area writers’ staple.
Angela Berent is the author of two journals for people who want to write but never have time: List Your Life, A Modern-Day Memoir, and Trace Your Travels, An Adventure Journal. In short lists of three, readers can share their feelings on topics ranging from fun facts to deep thoughts.
Micki Woods Wante, author of Tumble Needs – Poetry Bubbles, celebrated her 60th birthday by publishing this lifetime collection of heartfelt poetry. Her verses have been used for all occasions including birth announcements, proms, and eulogies. In The Fall and Rise of Tyler Johnson, Patrice Johnson writes a powerful account of her son’s life as a fugitive of the U.S. government. Her creative nonfiction work shows the price of living in a post-9/11 world, the limitations of law and order, and reveals the degradations of homelessness and the resilience of the human spirit.
And one cannot forget fiction.
Doris Lemcke “search(es) for the truth hidden behind family myths” in Legacy of Lies – Love, Lies and Family Secrets, and the four-book Langesford Legacy Series. A Pennsylvania native, Roger Peters writes as Taylor Penfield in his newly published book, Wonder Clearing, a tortured, but ultimately faithful journey between a Methodist minister and Catholic cleric. Eilinland: Through the Wall is Bailey Davenport’s first novel. A bestseller on Amazon’s Christian Fantasy New Release List in 2018, this young adult novel follows four warriors as they search for a young girl locked in a cell.
“The amount of local-area writing talent always amazes me,” said Laura Brown, adult librarian, in a press release. “This is CDL’s second year hosting a local author fair and fair-goers will not be disappointed. The author mini-talks at the beginning of the event give people an idea of each author’s writing process, which adds a bonus to the book fair experience.”
The library’s first local author fair took place last summer with rave reviews.
“I had fun, met some great people, heard some neat stories, plus got to sell some books. I’d call that a success,” said Meg Gower, participant in last year’s local author fair.
Interested in showcasing your published work at next year’s fair?
To be considered, participating authors must be residents of Michigan, and are required to submit an application for inclusion.
For more information about this year’s event or how to apply to participate in next year’s fair, contact Laura Brown at 734-475-8732, ext. 224 or visit www.bit.ly/CDLAuthorFair.
