Bookworms of all ages can gather for author discussions and book signings during the Alexandria Library’s Winter Book Festival next month.
The festival is expected to draw more than 20 authors for discussions on their journeys to publishing, as well as to sell and sign copies of their books. The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street). Registration is not required.
The event is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Writers Club, a group of about 200 authors including Alexandria resident and festival organizer David Wessel. The festival has “several goals,” he told ALXnow.
“First, and foremost, to reinforce the value of books in today’s world,” Wessel said. “Second, to introduce readers to local, independent authors. And third, to provide writers an opportunity to share the joy they feel for the art of writing. They’re hoping to connect with area book enthusiasts — and will, of course, be happy to sell a few copies that day.”
Attendees can expect to see a wide variety of genres represented, including children’s and young adult books, biography and memoirs, historical fiction, science fiction, romance and contemporary literature, social and political issues, motivational books and travel guides.
Some members of the Northern Virginia Writers Club will give presentations on the processes of writing and publishing. Wessel is slated to host a discussion about historical fiction writing as part of a national 250th anniversary celebration, according to the Alexandria Library.
Author talks will happen in the library’s youth services area, and meet-and-greets with authors will happen on the second floor.
The library branch does not have a parking lot, so attendees are encouraged to use public transit or seek nearby street parking or paid parking.
A schedule of author talks for the festival, according to the Alexandria Library, is available below.
- 10:30 a.m. – Can A Magic Ball of Light Really Help You Fulfill Your Dreams? – Margie Hamner
- 11:15 a.m. – Writing Historical Fiction – David Wessel
- Noon – How Science Influenced My Science Fiction – Tom DeWitt
- 12:45 p.m. – The Cost of Living with Conviction – Toby Dorr
- 1:30 p.m. – Every Life is Filled with Non-Fiction – Including Yours – Katherine Schweit
- 2:15 p.m. – Stories Need Shelves: Finding your Genre, Audience & Niche – Sharon Wishnow
- 3 p.m. – Different Ways to Publish: Which One Is Right For You? – Paula Weiss
