I had this idea to bring Noble County authors together as a club,
armed with clubs … a club club. Its goal: to force everyone else to read. But
that seems excessive and possibly illegal, so how about we all get together for
an author appearance?
Actually, that’s the idea of Joy LeCount and the Albion
S.T.A.R. Team, which plans a Noble County ALL-IN Block Party around the
courthouse square Saturday, June 25. (ALL-IN is a statewide effort by Indiana
Humanities.)
Joy asked me to reach out to Noble County authors, and I
think we can include authors from
Noble County and those with a heavy presence in Noble County. Her idea was to
have the authors together during the event, which goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
for book signings, photo opportunities, question answering, solving mysteries,
and being ruggedly handsome.
It might be under the umbrella of Noble County libraries,
which makes sense to me, but that hasn’t been decided yet. For now, anyone
who’s interested let me know with your name and contact info (preferably an
e-mail address), so we can get a count and give further information as plans
firm up.
I’m not going to organize it myself, due to time constraints
and the inescapable fact that I’m a terrible organizer, but I’ll be as involved
as possible. If anyone is interested in being the official author organizer,
please let us know.
S.T.A.R., of course, stands for the Super Town of Albion
Revitalization Team. If you look carefully, you’ll find their website here: http://www.albionstarteam.org/#.
The S.T.A.R. Team does all sorts of neat things around
Albion, but in this case it’s a Noble County-wide event highlighting county
organizations. The block party is designed to get residents more involved in
their communities, and to celebrate that aforementioned bicentennial which, after
all, doesn’t happen every decade.
Look for scads of activities on the square that day, and as
you all know a scad is substantially more than a dozen, so let me know soon if
you’re interested. There are plans for a photo booth, a book exchange, DNR
demos on boat safety, and participation by groups like the Noble County
Extension Homemakers and the Noble County Saddle Club. Also, yes, the Noble
County Quilters are making a Noble County Quilt. (Maybe I’m getting older, but
I think that’s a cool idea.) There’ll be an eight foot Indiana State Torch on
the Courthouse lawn, so lighting won’t be a problem. There is also, naturally,
a plan to honor veterans, and look for a United Way sponsored Bison-tennial
Statewide Art Project. (‘Cause it’s Indiana’s bicentennial, and we had bison,
so …)
So let me know, and I’ll start compiling a list of interested
authors. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there! (Also, please repost
this unnecessarily long appeal.)
Sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteIt does! Of course, all-outdoor events bring with them the fear of the weather, but still.
DeleteI do hope you had a response on this from the authors of Noble County.
ReplyDeleteNothing so far, but since it just came out I'm not going to panic ... yet.
DeleteI'd love to mention this to my wife, Amanda Blackman. She has recently published her research on the Anderson family (African-American family here in the 1800's) plus given many Tombstone trail talks and published other research she has found. I'll see if she can do this..I'm Jon Blackman, owner of Computer Oasis in Kendallville. 260-349-0170.
ReplyDeleteBy all means, let her know about it! If you want to send me your e-mail address, I'm compiling a list to keep in touch with authors about the event--but either way, I'll contact you when I know more.
DeleteIf you're seeing this, have you talked to Amanda about the ALL-IN author appearance yet?
DeleteI would love to be involved. I have a written a book about my personal journey through domestic violence and how God brought me through it. My email address is sheli@elijahhaven.org
ReplyDeleteI've got you on the list, Sheli!
DeleteThanks Mark! I'll try to have my baby in early June! Haha! :D Here is my bio. You can edit it down as needed.
ReplyDeleteDawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning inspirational historical romance series The Everstone Chronicles which is published by Whitaker House. Her books include: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter. Her newest release, The Cautious Maiden, will be available in bookstores in October 2016.
Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a full-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and a baby due summer of 2016. She also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com
Good luck with the soon to be new arrival!
DeleteHi, Mark. This looks such a great event! I've written a book about Robert H. Wilson which includes memories of life in Albion during The Great Depression. I also have freelanced for The News-Sun and other area publications. I'd love to part of this event. My e-mail address is ialochamire@gmail.com. Oh, and I also blog at www.ingridsjourney.com
ReplyDeleteI'll put you on the list!
Delete