By AMY ADAMS
For the Reporter
Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) welcomed nearly 300 guests to the Local Author Fair at the FORUM Event Center in Fishers, which showcased nearly 60 area authors on Saturday, April 15.
“We can’t accommodate every author’s request for a book signing,” said HEPL Adult Engagement Coordinator Danielle Acton. “The Local Author Fair is just a great way for authors to connect with the community.”
The family-friendly event began nearly 10 years ago as Booktoberfest. Last year, the event moved off site to allow for greater participation and attendance.
“It’s definitely grown from year to year,” said author Christopher Clouser. “The crowd was even bigger this year than last year as far as the number of people coming out.”
Clouser, who has been writing for almost 20 years, has had a book table at multiple fairs. His most recent science fiction adventure, Argent’s Menagerie, gives him 15 fiction and non-fiction titles to his name.
This year, HEPL received a record number of more than 100 applications from local writers. Following a juried process, the library selected fewer than two-thirds of the authors, namely those who have new or more recent publications.
Annie Sullivan (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Sponsored in part by the Friends of Hamilton East Public Library, the fair is free for applicants as well as attendees.
“It’s so nice to have a free event where everyone is welcome,” said author Annie Sullivan. “It’s been great to be here to meet and connect with other authors.”
While this was Sullivan’s first year at the fair, she has published several fantasy books. Movie rights to her novels A Touch of Gold and its sequel A Curse of Gold have been purchased by the producer of such big screen hits as National Treasure and The LEGO Movie.
Authors represented all of Hamilton County, as well as Indianapolis and other towns in central Indiana.
DeShane and Barbara Reed came from Marion County with their children decked out in matching T-shirts to promote their first book. Lucky Are Those Born Black was inspired by an award-winning poem written by DeShane’s brother in 1972.
DeShane and Barbara Reed (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
“It was a great event for us,” said Barbara. “The HEPL team was so welcoming, attentive, and accommodating. We understand the demographic regarding the growing diversity landscape in Fishers. The first book in our series has a pretty bold title but once inside it you will discover a positive message that is inclusive, inspirational, and educational. That is what our Lucky Are Those series is all about.”
In addition to featuring authors from diverse areas and ethnicities, the event also included writers of all ages and abilities.
Tyrell Smith wrote his first book when he was seven years old. Yes, We Are Twins, But We Are Different tells the story of Tyrell and his twin brother Tyrese who has been diagnosed with autism. Now at 11 years old, the brothers have another book coming out soon called Bully, You Don’t Scare Us.
“It’s all him,” said mom LaTosha Walker. “He told me he wrote a book, and I was thinking we were just going to get it printed and bound.” After consulting with a publisher and finding an artist, the first book has now sold more than 600 copies.
Tyrell and Tyrese Smith (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Jason Funk, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was also diagnosed with autism. Like Tyrese Smith, Funk does not let his diagnosis define or limit him. He hopes that his comic books, like his latest The Merchant of Misfortune, bring joy and laughter to others. After graduating from high school and college, he plans to embark on a full-time career in the comic book industry.
In addition to more authors than ever, several literary organizations offered information about memberships and activities: Indiana Writers Center, Poetry Society of Indiana, and Gal’s Guide Library in Noblesville, the first women’s history lending library in the United States. Voice actor Macabee Griffin was also on hand to talk to writers about The Journey of an Author for his podcast, “Behind the Pen.”
In the past, Clouser and some of the other authors suggested that the library offer breakout sessions to the public in conjunction with the fair in order to bring in more traffic.
“This is the first year to offer writing workshops,” said Acton.
With the help of the Indiana Writers Center, three free workshops gave 50 participants the opportunity to learn more about the writing process from beginning to end.
Chadwick Gillenwater, a.k.a. Professor Watermelon, led a family-friendly workshop titled “Embellishing Vivid Memories into Fictional Tales.” Author of several children’s books, Gillenwater serves on the board of Indiana Writers Center and teaches writing classes.
“It was really great for families to be able to write together,” said Gillenwater. “They chose memories and then imagined ways to embellish them. Maybe they went on a family vacation to Florida – but they got there in a hot air balloon.”
Scott Murray of Trident Gamebooks led a workshop on self-publishing. Murray has published numerous books and specializes in pick-a-path gaming adventures for teens.
“I loved the workshops,” said budding writer Nichole Mathews.
Mathews, who teaches German at Hamilton Southeastern High School, said this was her second year attending the Local Author Fair. This year, her student, Bailey Schafer, was published in Gal’s Guide Anthology: Journey.
“I was so proud of her!” said Mathews. “I actually wish it had been four hours instead of three. I have several author friends here. I got seven books, but it was hard to get around to see everything.”
What will be new at next year’s Local Author Fair? Will it last an hour longer as Mathews hopes? Will the library bring in food trucks as Clouser suggests?
Director for Marketing and Communications Kesley Sweet said HEPL will announce the date for next year’s fair and any related details through its blog at hepl.lib.in.us/blog and @hamiltoneastpl on social media.
“It was a better event this year,” said Clouser. “I’ll continue to do it for as long as they’ll let me.”