If you’ve stopped reading books, us writers hope that you’ll reconsider. Writing is my life-long passion. I have a photo of myself in diapers with a number 2 pencil and a notepad, grinning happily into the camera. If books are no longer a thing for you, try meeting some authors and have a conversation. Many years ago, the Chattanooga Writers Guild produced the Authors Fair, bringing readers and writers together. It was wonderful to attend then and again in October when the event was hosted by the downtown library.
I definitely relate to these words of Guild President Sherry Poff: “The Authors Fair is always a fun time to see old friends and make new ones around our shared love for words and stories. Chattanooga is rich with creative people in every genre. Truly, there is something for everyone …”
It’s perfect that the library hosted this year’s Authors Fair. I got to talk with the event organizer, Richard Groves, the library’s Asst. Director for Adult Services: “This is the 3rd Authors Fair for the library, bringing local authors together to meet each other and area readers. It is wonderful to meet the variety of authors writing in so many different genres, with each having their own take on the genre.”
There were authors of fairy tales, scary thrillers, poetry, novels, how-to guides, historical and religious books. Some addressed issues that Chattanoogans need to investigate and understand, such as Mark J. Anderson, a former president of the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild. He began by sharing the value of the event: “This annual event represents the beautiful community of creative people in Chattanooga that I am so proud to be part. This city really is a breeding ground of creativity, and the writers are a big part of that spirit.”
Writers also bring attention to issues that affect the community and should be more broadly understood. That’s why Mark went on to talk about his current project that involves a collection of interviews with homeless people of our city. He describes his book, “Chattown Chatta: Our Homeless,” as “… helping us get to know the people we view from a distance on our streets. I love Chattanooga and hope that my writing will contribute to a better city, for us all.”
The Authors’ Fair not only engages published authors, but attracts aspiring writers for opportunities to network. As author Ray Zimmerman said, “It gives the community an opportunity to meet authors and some may decide to join our ranks. I spoke to one person who considered participating but said ‘I’m not an author’. I have seen work that they’ve published and told them to sign up next year.”
It’s good to encourage writers to believe in themselves and grow into the title of “author.” We need to encourage young people to meet authors, hear them talk about how writing shapes and transforms our minds. There are good reasons why books have a history that is centuries old. And good reasons why Benjamin Franklin created our first lending library back in 1731.
Let’s all show appreciation for writers and their books. Read children’s books out loud to your children. Become a library fan and take time to read books yourself. And consider transforming from a reader to a writer. At the very least, attend next year’s Authors Fair and support both the library and Chattanooga’s writers.
Let’s follow Guild President Poff’s dream: “… I hope to see the event grow into a large celebration that we all anticipate every year.”
Contact Deborah Levine, an author, trainer/coach and editor of the American Diversity Report, at Deborah@AmericanDiversityReport.com.