31 authors attending Sunday's Writers on the River
MONROE — More than 30 authors will attend this year’s Writers on the River.
The Monroe County Library System's annual celebration of writers, readers and books will take place noon-3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Ellis Library & Reference Center, 3700 S. Custer Road. Admission is free; the public is welcome.
Attendees can speak to local and regional authors, learn about their books and purchase personalized copies. Prizes also will be awarded.
Writers on the River debuted in 1999. Attending the first event was famed Monroe author, the late Elizabeth "Aunt Bett" Upham McWebb.
“Writers on the River is getting bigger and better every year. This year, we have more authors, more prizes, a bake sale for the Ellis Friends and free coffee and water for patrons who attend the event,” Jaclyn Curcillo, Ellis librarian, said.
Books of many genres will be featured.
“We have a wide variety of books represented at Writers: fiction, non-fiction, adult books, kid's books and everything in between,” Curcillo said.
The authors are from Michigan and Ohio, including many from Monroe County. About half are new to the event.
“We have some newer faces, such as Ana Bruck, T. Ariyana and Brenda Ynclan, as well as familiar faces, such as Joyce Harvey, Keith Julius, Lannie Stabile and many more,” Curcillo said. Ana, 16, is perhaps the youngest participant ever. The Monroe County native wrote about her family’s struggle with PTSD.
“If she isn't the youngest, she is certainly one of them. We are happy to support her book. My hope is that she will inspire other young authors to participate in future events,” Curcillo said. Drawing for prizes will be at 2:45 p.m. Prizes include two Kindle readers, 10 $25 gift cards to local businesses and tickets to Monroe Community Players holiday shows.
Last year, about 100 guests attended.
“We are excited for this year's event and look forward to seeing everyone at Writers on the River 2023,” Curcillo said.
For more information, visit mymcls.com/events/writers-on-the-river.
Earlier Coverage: Celebrating the spooky: 10th annual Old Mill ParaFest set for Saturday
The writers:
Jim Abb of Monroe is the author of “Even Trolls Love Pasties,” “I Brake for Humans,” “Huckleberry Finishes” and “Far, Far Away in an Irish Pub.”
Christine Allen writes young adult romances. “The Veil of Sea and Secret” is her first book.
Myrna Allen Austin is a Monroe native, gospel vocalist and voiceover artist. She wrote the children’s book “Be the Best.”
T. Ariyanna began writing in high school. Her first book is “The Mage’s Son.”
Robert Austin, formerly of Monroe, is the author of “The Gingerfolk Ball.”
Nichole Beauchamp of Bay City is the author of “Haunted Bay City, Michigan,” “Haunted Detroit” and “Haunted Bars & Pubs in Michigan.”
Jim Bolone wrote “Somewhere in Crime: A Mackinac Island Novel.”
Ana Bruck of Monroe is the author of “Hope on Four Hooves,” about her family’s journey through PTSD.
Andy Butler of Monroe wrote “Even the Road Follows.”
Will Canduri is an award-winning author who was honored this year for his book “Twisted Crows.”
Jeff Ferris wrote for nearly 13 years for Toledo’s “Pathway Christian Newspaper.” He is known for his Amy Brooks memoirs “Unseen Arms” and “Unseen Arms, Reaching Out.”
Susie Finkbeiner was selected for a 2020 Michigan Notable Book award. “The All-American” is her ninth novel.
Dr. Arun Gupta is a Monroe physician who wrote “The Preventable Epidemic: A Frontline Doctor’s Experience and Recommendations to Resolve America’s Opioid Crisis.”
Joyce Harvey has written seven books, including “I’m With the Angels,” an illustrated children’s book on dying and life after death.
Jeri Holland of Monroe County is the author of “Haunted Monroe County, Michigan.”
Franklin R. Jackes wrote “What a Way to Make a Living,” an autobiography about his dream of flying airplanes.
Keith Julius of Temperance has written several books, including several titles in his “CASA Chronicles” series.
David Kiluk is the author of “Diamond Eyes Make His Mark.”
Amanda Liford wrote and illustrated “Feeling Monsters.”
Shawna Lynn Mazur of Carleton wrote “Hidden History of Monroe County.”
Jeremy McGarry of Erie wrote “Karter: The Return of the Realm Keeper.”
Tara Michner is the author of seven children’s books.
H.H. Miller is the author of “Grave of Brothers.”
Cynthia Olsen of Monroe County wrote “The Home for Friendless Children” and the children’s book “Old Crabby Turtle.”
Brandon Robinson wrote “Fallen into the Shallow: Sirens and Seers.”
Jen Shaffer is the author of “A Reason to Live” and “And Save My Soul.”
Tim Shannon of Brownstown Township, a retired police officer, wrote the mysteries “A2 Death Knell” and “The Hole Story.”
Lannie Stabile is a poet who’s written two books of poetry and a novel.
Albany Walker is the author of four romances.
Danni Williams wrote three books.
Brenda Ynclan wrote “Shots from the Joe: A Red Wing Bartender’s Tale.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 31 authors attending Sunday's Writers on the River
