by Cathy Cooney

Looking for your next favorite author? They might (literally) be just around the corner. Join us Saturday, September 20, from 2-5 pm for Ames Public Library’s 3^rd Author Fair, presented in partnership with the Iowa Center for the Book. 

We’ll have 38 Iowa authors spread throughout our Auditorium on the first floor and the upstairs Gallery space. There will also be representatives from a local publisher and writers’ group. 

If you’re already a fan of one of our authors, bring your copy of their book to have it signed. If you’re exploring and hoping to discover a new favorite, come chat! Books will be available for purchase at the event.

We’ll have a variety of different reading interests represented, but here’s where to head if you’re looking for a specific genre or type of book:

• For picture books, check out Cathie Gebhart, Lisa Lemons, Victor Orne and Lynn Sausville.
• Biography and memoir readers, take a look at Craig Bishop, Timothy Diebel, Joe Geha, Allan Hogue, Deb Kline, Philip Larson, and Andrea Lex.
• If you’re interested in Christian fiction, stop by Adriana Ballew.
• Short story readers might like Elliott Coffey (Young Adult) or Jeremy Griffin.
• If you’re interested in history, check out Anthony Capps (nonfiction), David Dubczak (Juvenile/YA), Gina Fiametta (Gothic mystery), and J. Susanne Wilson (fiction).
• Mystery and thriller readers should take a look at Gene Gross, Fern Kupfer, and R.L. Link.
• Nonfiction readers may be interested in Justin Bennett (financial literacy), Dan Coffey (music criticism), and Susan Harper (feminist witchcraft).
• Poetry fans might enjoy Kelli Lage, Livia Lois, and Joseph S. Plum.
• Romance readers may like Stephanie R. Caffrey (romantic suspense), Rhonda Mumby, Moriah Rose (YA), Jamie Seitz, and Destini Taylor.
• Science fiction and fantasy readers may find new favorites by Harold Cloninger and Sophia M. Preston.
• If horror is your vibe, take a look at Mike Evans and Miles Tritle.
• And for general fiction stop by Lois Kennis and Nicole Muller. 

Are you an aspiring author? Get your questions answered or find resources by chatting with representatives from the Boone Writers Group, Filthy Loot Press and the Iowa Center for the Book. 

You might also be interested in the Generative Writing Workshop, a monthly program in partnership with Ames Public Library, Ames Writers Collective, and the Iowa Center for the Book. The next meeting is September 27 from 10-12. 

The library also has a robust collection of books on the craft of writing, and on writing specific fiction genres and nonfiction topics; Look in the 808 section of Nonfiction.