Tyler Holt, a Franklin resident, will be part of the Local Author Fair on Saturday at the Clark Pleasant branch of the Johnson County Public Library. More than 30 writers in all kinds of genres will be present to interact with readers and share their books.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Inside the imaginations of local authors, a world of stories await, if readers know where to find them.
Step back into the earliest days of Johnson County history, or unravel the mystery of one of the area’s most notorious murders. Explore fantastical realms and get lost in wild romance. Drift away in poetry, graphic novels and other unique forms of storytelling.
Find these, and many more, during a special event planned by the Clark Pleasant branch of the Johnson County Public Library.
“We want people to know that they can read local and there are a lot of local authors,” said Erin Cataldi, adult and teen services librarian at the Clark Pleasant branch.
The library system’s Local Author Fair brings 31 area writers — many of them from Johnson County — together in one place. Guests to the fair can interact with those authors, finding out more about their writing and ways to purchase their books.
All kinds of genres, from true crime to religious nonfiction to children’s books, will be available.
For participating authors, it’s a perfect opportunity to market themselves and show off their talents to the general public.
“I published my book through Barnes and Noble, and they told me I had to publicize my own book. I did not know how to do that because I have never done it before. So, I have only sold a few copies of my book, thanks to my family and friends,” said Tyler Holt, a Franklin resident and “No Rest for an Angry Soul” author. “I think this event helps people show their books to the world, or at least Johnson County.”
The Johnson County Public Library has built a robust program of author visits to its branches over the years, hosting dozens of best-selling national writers at well-attended events.
But Cataldi was interested in supporting local authors at the same time.
“I have had several authors reach out to me over the years wanting to do speaking events. We don’t want to overlook the writers who are local who are trying to get recognition,” she said.
Reaching out to as many area authors as she could find, Cataldi put together a lineup of diverse writers who wanted to take part — both those who have found success in their writing already, and others who are just getting started.
J.W. Surface, a New Whiteland writer, is in the process of reviewing the second draft of his debut novel, though his poetry and fiction have appeared in publications such as Etchings Magazine, The Ekphrastic Review and The Bangor Literary Journal.
For him, the opportunity to meet local readers is extremely valuable.
“It’s great to have a live event like this, one where you can spread your work to readers, not just reviewers/editors/judges. It’s terrifying and exciting,” he said.
Jennifer Young has written a children’s picture books, “Tea for You and Me,” as well as a wholesome, teen-centric romance novel, “The Blue Diamond Box.” The New Whiteland resident is looking forward to the author fair as a way to connect in a new way with people about her writing. Her writing mentor, author Joyce Long, is also taking part in the event, which adds a level of meaning.
Young already has plans to fully immerse herself in the day.
“I also like helping fiction come to life — so I will be wearing a costume right out of the book at the author event,” she said.
Authors will be spread out throughout the entire Clark Pleasant branch, and people can drop in during the course of the fair to browse and learn more. Each author will have their own table.
“They can talk to authors, enter to win giveaways, they can purchase books from the authors if they want. It’s going to be a really informal event,” Cataldi said.
With the event offering a central location where people can check out different authors, Cataldi hopes the fair generates momentum for others in the area who are interested in writing.
“There is a great contingent of local of people who are writers, so maybe we can get a writers group going from it,” she said. “People feel like they’re pretty isolated sometimes, especially the authors themselves, so it can be hard to connect with other writers if you don’t know they’re around.”
