East Texas Book Fest announces feature speakers

by Piney Woods Live Staff

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"It's fun! It's free! And it's here in Tyler!"

TYLER — More than 50 Texas authors, including 12 award-winning authors who will headline as featured speakers, will be in Tyler for the 4th annual East Texas Book Fest next month. The free all-day event will take place on National Literacy Day, September 8, and will be held near the UT Tyler campus. Adults and children can take part in the special events as the Book Fest celebrates writers, books, reading, and libraries.

Featured speakers will lead workshops or discussions about their work and the art and craft of creating and publishing books. Among this group are best-selling fiction writers Taylor Stevens and Reavis Wortham, political scientist Cal Jillson, historian Derek Catsam, folklorist Jerry Lincecum, and Hispanic writer for readers of all ages Carmen Tafolla.

Keith Graves and Alan Stacy, both children’s books authors and illustrators, will work with event participants to prove that reading is fun and everyone can draw. Other speakers will talk about the latest phenomenon of Young Adult fiction; Joy Preble and Varian Johnson will talk about their novels, and Marianne Dyson and Laura Edge will explain their research and approach to Young Adult Nonfiction.

In addition to those who will lead discussions and workshops, more than 40 authors will display and sell their books and chat with East Texas Book Festival attendees throughout the day.

These authors come from many areas of Texas - from as far away as Odessa and San Antonio and as nearby as next door. "It's fun! It's free! And it's here in Tyler!" says Book Fest Chair Dee Brock. "This year’s lineup of outstanding Texas authors is exceptional in quality and includes writers in a broad variety of genres for readers of all ages.”

Attendees have the opportunity to meet authors, ask them questions, and learn about crafting, publishing, and promoting books.

For the complete list of authors at Book Fest 2012, as well as their biographies, pictures, and a schedule of events, check the festival's website.

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