MILLBROOK LITERARY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES LOCAL AUTHORS,
BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
May 18 event showcases author-led panels and discussions
for adults, teens and children, plus book-signings, music and more
Millbrook, NY – April 22, 2019 – Now in its 11th year, the 2019 Millbrook Literary Festival (MLF) will welcome visitors on May 18 in Millbrook, New York. More than 40 local authors of adult, teen and children’s books will participate in the daylong celebration of panel- and author-led discussions, plus book signings, music and more. The event also will include award presentations for winners of the MLF’s Young Writers Showcase in the short story category, plus the Scott Meyer Award that honors of the MLF’s founder and, this year, will recognize the author of an unpublished children’s book.
The rain-or-shine event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public, with author-led presentations to be held at the Millbrook Library, 3 Friendly Lane in Millbrook. Book sales and signings from local authors of adult, young adult, middle grade and children’s books, will be held on the library’s front lawn all day.
The day’s adult authors and presenters—including Andrea Barnet, Akiko Busch, Dana Czapnik, Joanne Ramos, Laura Sims, April Eberhardt, Emma Sweeney, Della Ross Ferreri, Karen Kaufman Orloff, Mison Kim, John Ebbert, Alisa Kwitney, and Jean Michel—will discuss their latest books and present sessions on nonfiction and fiction writing, the role of gender in fiction, writing for children, publishing options, comic books and graphic novels, and using illustrations to help children learn. Two highlights will be best-selling authors Dani Shapiro and Maxine Paetro, who will engage in lively conversations about their books and careers. Additionally, there will be a discussion between seniors from Millbrook High School and residents from The Fountains in Millbrook about books they have shared.
Picture-book readings for children and lively author-led children’s presentations will include Gail Carson Levine’s sharing of her latest book, “Ogre Enchanted,” Alan Katz’s sing-along of writing techniques for new and hilarious lyrics to familiar songs, and Iza Trapani’s mastery of turning short rhymes into longer stories for more fun.
As well, author, storyteller and composer, Marian Grudko, will perform Beatrix Potter’s classic, “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck,” with musical accompaniment; Jennifer Castle, author of the “Blair Wilson American Girl” series that is set in the Hudson Valley, will present an American Girl tea party including a raffle to win a Blair doll; and author/illustrator Gilbert Ford will lead children in an illustration workshop to create their own book covers.
Hudson Talbott, Gilbert Ford, Jana Laiz and Nancy Furstinger also will share fascinating facts about notable figures in history, including Thomas Cole, Ruth Wakefield, Herman Melville, and Queen Elizabeth’s devoted beagle, Guy. Other presenting and available children’s book authors will be Catherine Ciocchi, Della Ross Ferreri, Tania Guarino, Raven Howell, Karen Kaufman Orloff and Timothy Tocher.
“It is wonderful to see Scott Meyer’s vision of bringing together our communities’ talented authors, aspiring writers and families come to life each year during the Millbrook Literary Festival,” said Cathy Morrell, co-chair of the MLF Planning Committee. “Spending the day sharing a love of books, poems and creativity with others is as inspiring as it is fun.”
For more information, visit the MLF website at https://millbrookliteraryfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
