Each year, libraries and organizations bring local independently published authors and readers together for a day of education, networking, live panels and book events. This year, the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library is teaming with the local chapter of the Florida Writers Association, and sponsorship by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, to host Indie Author Day 2023 on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the library.
The daylong free event is open to the public, but participants must first register online at: sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase.
Indie Author Day begins at 10:30 a.m. with a keynote talk by Nancy J. Cohen, the award-winning indie author of the “Bad Hair Day Mysteries.” Her novels, featuring South Florida hair stylist Marla Vail, were named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won the Reader’s Favorite Book Award and many other accolades. Her nonfiction titles have also won several awards.
Starting at approximately 11 a.m., three indie authors will discuss the pros and cons of being an independently published author in a panel discussion titled, “So, You Want to be an Indie Author?” The authors include Nancy J. Cohen, Eric Hoffer Prize winner Julie G. DeLegal and Jacksonville children’s author Melody Pendlebury. Each author will be available to sign and sell their books following the panel discussion.
Light refreshments during the lunch hour will be available on site, made possible by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.
The final event of the day, beginning at 2 p.m., is a book fair with area indie authors who will briefly discuss their writing journey and their books. They will all be available for one-on-one conversation and book sales. The authors are Martha Louise, Skye Taylor, Eileen Erikson, Maggie FitzRoy, Patricia Daly-Lipe, Judith Erwin and the writing team of Rich and Lucy Lipari.
The sale of books by the various authors will benefit Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. The event is free and open to the public.
