The Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) is excited to expand our annual Local Author Fair into a weekend-long celebration of writing! On Saturday, April 18 at our Noblesville branch (1 Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060), the library will host four workshops for writers and aspiring writers alike. Read more below about each of these fantastic workshops!
The next day, we are delighted to host our long-running Local Author Fair, a free open house-style event for all ages. The event will be held offsite at a NEW venue on Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Exhibition Center, 2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville, IN 46060.
Nearly 70 local authors and literary organizations from Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, Cicero, Indianapolis, and beyond will have exhibit space for the public to meet them, with opportunities to purchase their books. Authors will be available for book signings. There will be chances to win book bundles and other prizes for those who attend.
“Hamilton East Public Library is excited for the return of this annual event showcasing the talent of local authors! Our service area within Hamilton County, and Indiana at large, has many gifted writers, some of whom have self-published and others who have launched their works through traditional publishing houses. The HEPL Local Author Fair provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with nearly 70 authors and literary organizations as you support local storytelling. During the event, you can purchase books for yourself or as gifts, network with other authors, ask them about their writing inspiration or process, and learn more about their journey to publishing,” said Allison Kartman, Systemwide Program Coordinator.
A fantastic array of local author talent representing a broad range of genres, including picture books, mystery thrillers, action, adventure, true crime, biographies, romance, self-help, local and Indiana history, science fiction, and much more, will be at the event. The Local Author Fair is a free event for all ages, including children, teens, adults, and families.
Writing Workshops
Please register for all workshops on our events calendar.
Creative Writing and Illustrating with Professor Watermelon and Mister Smart
Meeting Room B
Sat. 4/18 | 10-11am | NOB
Join Professor Watermelon & Mister Smart and learn how to write and illustrate your own stories while using the library for inspiration and research!
Objectives:
1. Learn basic story elements: characters, setting, plot and dialogue
2. Learn basic illustration elements: background, foreground, middle ground, shapes, shadows and details
3. Learn basic library skills: Dewey Decimal System
Top 10 Mistakes We Writers Make – Writing Coach Myra Levine
Meeting Rooms C+D
Sat. 4/18 | 11am-12:30pm | NOB
Well, April 18 is your lucky day! Writer and Writing Coach Myra Levine will explain what she considers to be the TOP 10 MISTAKES AUTHORS MAKE. Most of them are about the craft of writing. The last one might surprise you, but it could save you thousands of dollars and a TON of frustration. Myra made more than a few of these mistakes when she started working on her first novel. You don’t have to learn these things the hard way! Get a head start on a stronger early draft and a final draft that will earn you lots of happy readers. If you’re thinking about a CAREER as a writer, this seminar will help you get off to a strong start. You’ll find these ideas helpful no matter what you’re writing—a novel, memoir, or short story.
Self-Publishing Demystified – Author Chris Clouser
Meeting Room B
Sat. 4/18 | 1-2:30pm | NOB
Ready to embark on your self-publishing journey? Local author Chris Clouser will walk you through the process of self-publishing! Learn the differences between traditional and self-publishing, discover essential steps from writing and editing to cover design and formatting, and explore top publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.
We’ll touch upon marketing strategies to build your author platform, launch your book, and boost reader engagement.
Using Sensory Details to Enhance Your Writing – Author Michelle McGill-Vargas
Meeting Rooms C+D
Sat. 4/18 | 3-4:30pm | NOB
Whether you’re hoping to land an agent, looking to self-publish, or putting a collection together for your family and friends, the addition of sensory details in your writing will enhance the reader’s experience with your book.
Fiction, nonfiction. Doesn’t matter. Your words are meant to transport the reader somewhere: a place and time, a truth, a way of thinking. Sensory details will connect readers with whatever world or experience you are creating.