Grand Lake Area Literature Festival

Today, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival, where we got the chance to connect with authors and celebrate the love of reading. 

The event featured 25 talented authors and illustrators from across the country, offering a rich variety of stories and insights. This literary festival had something for everyone, from a craft room for children to engaging storytelling workshops, author presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and, book sales.

In the image at the top, you will find Sharon Short. Short is known for her engaging storytelling and knack for creating unforgettable characters. Her book, Trouble Island, is a thrilling and captivating read that blends mystery with heart. Set on a seemingly idyllic island, her vivid storytelling transports readers to the island, where danger lurks beneath the surface and relationships are tested in unexpected ways. 

Across the way from her was Michael P. Spradlin, a New York Times Bestselling author and Edgar Award nominee. Spradlin is known for writing for all ages. His Spy Goddess series and The Youngest Templar series are popular among teens, yet I am more familiar with his works of historical fiction. His books offer action, adventure, explosions, and a look at both history and contemporary subjects. 

I continued exploring the tables and stopped to check out the cover of Andy Mozina's book Tandem. Mozina asked me about my current reading habits. I informed him I was currently reading non-fiction and he made a comment about fiction and non-fiction, which made me smile. Mozina’s talent for creating relatable characters and his ability to balance humor with the more serious sides of life have made him a distinctive voice in contemporary American fiction. Fans of his work appreciate his honesty, wit, and emotional insight.

As I made my way around the tables, I saw my husband had stopped to admire  Lynne Schmidt's Great Pyrenees, Zoë. We chatted with Schmidt about our three dogs, and she showed us an image of Zoë snuggling with her pit bull. In addition to being a dog lover, Lynne is a renowned poet. She’s the second-place winner of the 2024 National Federation of State Poetry Societies Founders Contest and the author of several chapbooks, including Dying Dog Poems, The Unaccounted For Circles of Hell, Dead Dog Poems, and Gravity.

While we enjoyed a chance to visit with authors/ illustrators, the highlight of the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival was the recognition of 169 elementary students from Auglaize and Mercer counties. These students were nominated by their second, third, and fourth-grade teachers for exemplifying exceptional progress in reading. Each young reader, patiently stood in line, awaiting their turn, to go up on stage and receive their well-deserved Reading Excellence Award. The award included a certificate and voucher for a free book.

We had a wonderful time at the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival. It was a day filled with books, conversation, and inspiration!