Kentucky Writers' Day 2014

We'll be celebrating Kentucky Writers' Day on April 24.

We're blessed in the Bluegrass State with a rich literary heritage featuring writers such as James Lane Allen, Harriette Arnow, Harry Caudill, John Fox Jr., Janice Holt Giles, Elizabeth Madox Roberts, Jesse Stuart, Allen Tate, James Still, Hunter S. Thompson, and Robert Penn Warren (the nation's first poet laureate and the only three-time Pulitzer Prize winner). 

Among the present day literary stars include Wendell Berry, Chris Holbrook, Bobbie Ann Mason, Sue Grafton, Karen Robards, Teresa Medeiros, Silas House, Gwyn Hyman Rubio, Sena Jeter Naslund, and Frank X Walker, the current state poet laureate. 

And we have a few with strong Kentucky connections such as Barbara Kingsolver, Fenton Johnson, and Chris Offutt. The Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort has compiled an impressive list that includes websites.

A ceremony will be held in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort at 10 a.m., featuring Walker and past poets laureate Maureen Morehead, Gurney Norman, Jane Gentry Vance, Naslund, Joe Survant and Richard Taylor reading from their works.

It will be followed by a public reception at 11, in the Capitol mezzanine.

For Kentuckians, this is an excellent opportunity to celebrate literature, poetry, and writers in your communities. The Kentucky Arts Council has a planning guide to help libraries, schools, civic organizations, senior citizens centers and more to join the effort.

"Kentucky Writers' Day is celebrated uniquely all across the Commonwealth," Lori Meadows, arts council executive director, said in a news release. "Our hope is that communities will use this resource as inspiration to plan their own way to honor the day."

So let's get ready to celebrate!

Until the next time...

Post Kentucky Book Fair

The 2013 Kentucky Book Fair is over, and it was a tremendous success.

Last year's fair generated only $110,000. This time it was $145,000, one of the highest in the 32 years of the event. 

A lot of work went into the book fair. It's primarily a volunteer effort with only a couple of folks on the payroll -- the manager and bookkeeper. It's a labor of love for everyone involved.

There are a lot of folks who donate time, expertise and effort into making this Kentucky's, and one of the nation's, top book fairs. And it helps to have authors such as Sue Grafton, Rick Pitino, Ann Ross, Eleanor Clift, Rick Pitino (coach and author) as well as the other talented writers, illustrators and photographers who provide the books that people want to have signed, and I hope, to read. 

I always enjoy the book fair. As an author, it's great being around other authors and meeting readers (more than 4,000 in attendance, but not all to see me). As a volunteer, I love giving back to my community and state. And I like the idea that what I'm doing is helping public libraries and literacy programs across Kentucky. The ripple effect is simply amazing with all the lives that are touched. 

If you love to read and write, I urge you to get involved in community and state programs that promote literacy. Perhaps work to organize a book fair -- local, state or regional -- where you live. And go to your local library and set up author readings and discussion groups. We have an excellent library where I live -- Paul Sawyier Public Library.

Now that the Kentucky Book Fair is over for another year, I'll turn my attention to writing. I have several ideas swirling about in my head that I hope to develop. 

Until the next time...

Authors for Libraries

One of my favorite places in the world is a library because, for the most part, when I'm there I have the whole world at my fingertips. 

It's easy for me to get lost in a library. Once I step inside and start exploring, I lose track of time going from one thing to another. 

It's wise for me to have a "to-do" list so I can stay somewhat focused on my initial purpose for venturing down those hallowed shelves.

Of course, much of the excitement for me in going to the library is to have no purpose at all except to explore the books, music, magazines, newspapers, movies and anything else I stumble upon in my journey.

The other day I was in a hurry and returned books that were due that day. On my way out, I couldn't help but take a look at some of the books and media being offered at the used book store, operated by the Friends of the Library group. I ended up purchasing four books and three CDs.

I recently joined Authors for Libraries, which is part of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.

Why did I join? Well, some of the reasons are mentioned above. I believe libraries are vital to communities by what they have to offer. And they're free (with support from tax dollars)for anyone to use.

And because I'm an author, I feel it's important to offer support for places that house my works as well as those of thousands of other writers. Furthermore, it's somewhat of paying back since I've done research for my books at libraries.

And the benefit will be mutual since it will connect me with libraries and vice versa for presentations, speaking engagements, and ways to promote writing and reading.

So my message to all those authors out there: Support your local library!

National Library Lovers' Month

I suppose it's appropriate to have National Library Lovers' Month during the same month of Valentine's Day.

For those who love to read and participate in the various activities at their local library, there is a passion among patrons in their support of the facility and all it does for their communities.

 I've always considered the library one of the main hubs of any city. In fact, I wouldn't want to live in a city that didn't have a good library. Often when I visit towns in Kentucky, I'll stop by libraries and browse through their collections.

For authors and readers, a library is a great place for readings and book discussions. Authors also can sign copies of their latest book.

I've been fortunate to reside in places in Kentucky with excellent libraries, such as the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, Lexington Public Library, and Louisville Free Public Library.

The Friends and Foundations of California Libraries has these recommendations to show your love: Contribute, Be a Friend, Volunteer, and Promote.

If you get a chance over the next couple weeks, go over to you local library and show your love!

Until the next time...