Find Your Next Favorite Author At Iowa City Books Event
John LaBella wants to help you find your next favorite book.
The area author is helping to organize a string of events at various locales which feature local authors reading and signing their books. The next is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at High Ground Café, 301 E Market St., Iowa City.
“This event is one in a series,” LaBella said. “At each event anywhere from 4 to 6 authors are present. For the first hour the authors interact with visitors directly – answer individual questions. For the second hour we have a roundtable discussion where the authors answer questions and talk about the “business” of being an author, from plot and character development to marketing and publication. The public can ask questions and get replies from all of the authors.”
So why start the events?
“Independent authors struggle to introduce readers to their books,” he said. “Residents of smaller towns and communities may not be exposed to works by different authors or know about the wealth of literary talent in Iowa and the Midwest. The hope for this and future events is to put the two together.
“Previously the event has featured authors from Muscatine, West Liberty, Clinton and Davenport. In this particular event there will be authors from Chicago, Clinton, Iowa City and Davenport. The authors cover a wide variety of genres from Romance to Cozy Detective to Autobiography and Memoir. Authors present gradually change as the events progress. Readers will have the opportunity to discover a genre of personal interest to discuss with the people behind the book.
“Connecting authors to readers is the continuing goal of this and future meet and greet events. As long as this goal is realized, the events will continue.”
And they might continue beyond the brick-and-mortar world, he said.
“We’re working on the concept of a combined virtual and real time event where readers beyond those who can attend in person will be able to engage with the authors via social media,” LaBella said. “Stay tuned! We are constantly on the lookout for new authors and new locations and welcome suggestions.”
For more info on the events, see www.Labelladesigns.net.
