by Cathy Cooney

Looking for your next favorite author? They might (literally) be just around the corner. Join us Saturday, October 12 from 2-5 pm for Ames Public Library’s 2^nd Author Fair, presented in partnership with the Iowa Center for the Book. We’ll have 28 Iowa authors spread throughout our Auditorium on the main floor and Gallery space on the second floor, as well as representatives from two Iowa publishers.

If you’re already a fan of one of our authors, bring your copy of their book to have it signed. If you’re exploring and hoping to discover a new favorite, come chat with our authors and publishers. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

We’ll have a variety of different reading interests represented, but here’s where to head if you’re looking for a specific genre or type of book. For picture books, check out Teresa Bjelland and Cathie Gebhart. Biography and memoir readers, take a look at Deb Kline, Hank Kohler and Andrea Lex. If you’re interested in Christian fiction, stop by Gina Fiametta and Lois Kennis. Fans of coming of age stories should visit Nick Holmberg and short story readers might like Jeremy Griffin. If you’re interested in history, check out Anthony Capps (nonfiction), Ann Hanigan Kotz (fiction), and Anna Loan-Wilsey (mystery). Mystery and thriller lovers should take a look at Gene Gross, Joseph LeValley, R. L. Link, and Miles Tritle. Nonfiction readers may be interested in Shannon K. Evans, Charles Kniker and V. V. Raman. Poetry fans might enjoy Abby Jacobson and Kelli Lage. Romance readers may like Natasha Harsh (who also writes horror), Garrett James and Destini Taylor. Science fiction and fantasy readers may find new favorites by Harold Cloninger, Ricky Dragoni, Kelsey Josephson and Sophia M. Preston.

Are you an aspiring author? Get your questions answered or find resources by chatting with representatives from Ames Writers Collective, Past Present Future Publishing and Sensiil Studios.

You might also be interested in the Generative Writing Workshop, a monthly program in partnership with Ames Public Library, Ames Writers Collective, and the Iowa Center for the Book. The next meeting is October 26 from 10am-12pm. The library also has a robust collection of books on the craft of writing, and on writing specific genres and topics. Look for nonfiction call numbers starting with 808, or ask a librarian for help.

Find out more at www.AmesPL.org/event/author-fair-2024