Massanutten Regional Library is pleased to announce the return of Rocktown Author Festival, an event which highlights local authors and offers support to attendees who wish to become published authors. Rocktown Author Festival will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from Noon – 4:00 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg.
Rocktown Author Festival includes an open forum for the public to meet and greet 18 local authors, purchase their works, and have books signed. The event also includes two panel sessions, led by local experts, designed to inform attendees about getting started in publishing their own works, as well as how to bring their own writing and idea to print. The Festival is free and open to the public but advanced registration is requested for the two panel sessions (see links below).
The schedule for Rocktown Author Festival is as follows:
Noon – 4:00 p.m. - Meet & Greet Local Authors (drop-in; no advance registration required) held in the Central Library 1st Floor Meeting Rooms. 18 authors are exhibiting this year and represent a variety of genres and areas of specialty. Attendees can meet and purchase works/have books signed by: Cara Sue Achterberg, Ryan B., Everett Brubaker, Heather Cole, Laura Copley, Mollie Cox Bryan, Melodie Davis, P. A. Duncan, H M DuVal, M. K. B. Graham, Carl Hansen, Alan W. Harris, Susan Hasler, Jeff W. Ishee, Sarah Lamb, John Norment, Kywn Townsend Riley, and Greg Wrenn.
1PM-2PM - Publishing Paths: Which One Is Yours? held in Central Library's Community Youth Center on the second floor. Whether you're a budding novelist or an experienced writer, this session will guide you through the labyrinth of publishing options, helping you to discover the path that best aligns with your literary aspirations and goals. Join us for an engaging and informative exploration into the diverse world of publishing, where your perfect path awaits. Panelists for this session include: Cara Sue Achterberg, Heather Cole, Mollie Cox Bryan, and M. K. B. Graham. Advance registration requested, click here to register.
2:30PM - 3:30PM - From Concept to Page: Bringing Your Ideas to Life held in Central Library's Community Youth Center on the second floor. Attendees will learn techniques for idea development, tips for maintaining momentum in their writing, and methods to effectively channel their thoughts onto paper. This panel is perfect for anyone struggling with the early stages of writing or seeking to reignite their creative flame. Join us for an enriching discussion that promises to turn your brilliant concepts into written masterpieces. Panelists for this session include: Ryan B., Alan W. Harris, Susan Hasler, and Kwyn Townsend Riley. Advance registration requested, click here to register.
Since its inception in 2019, the Rocktown Author Festival has been free and open to anyone in our service area who has an interest in writing, becoming published, or who would like to meet and support local authors. MRL is pleased that to be the gathering place to support and celebrate current local authors, as well as a hub of information and resources for those just getting started in the industry. To learn more details about the festival head to www.mrlib.org/raf or download the 2024 brochure with complete details at this link.
