Valley authors ready to help peers

Almost 20 authors from around the state, including many from the Valley, are gathering Aug. 17 for the first-ever Valley Authors Book Signing at the Mat-Su Resort.

Not only will authors be available to sign copies of their books, but the event is also a great chance for aspiring authors to get critiqued by a professional editor.

Marthy Johnson will be meeting with writers for 10 minutes to critique and offer assistance. Authors are required to bring three double-spaced typed pages to the sessions, which you can sign up for at the door.

The event is being sponsored by the TaleSpinners Mat-Su Group, a nonprofit organization that meets regularly in the Valley.

"So many times people think that Wasilla and the Valley gets overlooked for events like this," said Avril Johannes, the main organizer and a member of the TaleSpinners. "There are a lot of authors out here who have a lot of information for people."

At the event, Iditarod legend Ramy Brooks, who finished second in this year's race, will be signing autographs. He will appear from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Also at the event is a silent auction. The items being auctioned include fishing charters, scenic riverboat trips, chainsaw art, a tour on the Chena and Tanana Rivers, paintings by Judi Rideout and Shane Lamb and other items.

"People have been so helpful in donating things for the silent auction," Johannes said.

There are several goals the TaleSpinners have for the event. The first is to help promote literary work in the Valley, and to give authors opportunities to market their books and their talent. The second goal is a little more lofty.

"Hopefully, we can make enough money to cover our expenses and be able to put out another book this winter," Johannes said. The TaleSpinners published "Between Two Rivers" last winter, which was a collection of stories by Valley authors.

"And we'd like to be able to have a regular convention here, and bring publishers up from the Lower 48," Johannes said. "Attracting large publishers would help the writers out a lot."

While that is farther down the road, a poetry contest is more immediate.

Entries are already being judged, and four winners will be announced at 3 p.m. at the event.

Winners of four age groups, from grade school through adults, will receive prizes and cash.

The door prize for the event is an ivory and jade earring and necklace set, donated by the TaleSpinners.

The authors scheduled to appear are: Roberta Sheldon, Marlene Peterson, Dave and Deann Gleason, Audrey Leighton, Charles Hayes, Anne Nolting, Leon Kania, Sally Pollen, Tony Russ, Elverda Lincoln, Avril Johannes, June Robinette, Marthy Johnson, Anne Coray, Carol Staats, Lillian Staats, Pam Flowers and representatives from Alaska Women Speak magazine.

For more information about the event, interested people may contact Johannes at 357-2177.