19th Annual Books by the Banks
Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., FREE
Main Library of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
800 Vine St.
See the schedule at booksbythebanks.org.
You’ll definitely want to bring your biggest book bag to the Main Library this Saturday for Books by the Banks! Cincinnati’s regional book festival returns, celebrating its 19th year of books, reading, and the cultural arts.
The day-long festival, free and open to the public, features national, regional, and local authors and illustrators; book signings; panel discussions; and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
With more than 120 authors attending, and panel discussions on reading, writing, and publishing, the festival offers the chance to talk to authors about their process and explore how to get your own work published.
This focus creates a way to nurture working writers and help build on Cincinnati’s storied literary tradition.
During the seven free sessions on getting published, writers are invite to come with a draft, a question or just a notebook. For one ession, industry expert Jane Friedman explains how book publishing works today, offering the pros and cons of each path. She’ll cover traditional publishing, what mid-size and independent publishers can do, and every kind of self-publishing in use today.
Local authors will offer insight into forming writing circles, and the intrinsic valute of being around other writers. Manuel Iris, Dr. Eric Jackson, and Michael Peterson will discuss the writer’s role in the literary landscape and how advocacy and community building can increase literary awareness and promote literacy.
A robust local interest section at the festival includes Amy Brownlee, author of “Lost Treasures of Cincinnati,” John E. Hancock, author of “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley,” and Dann Woellert, author of “Cincinnati Chinese Food: A Sweet and Sour History.” Their varied topics serve as inspiration for other writers to find their passion and get to work on their own project.
Along with area talent, Books by the Banks welcomes national authors, with a trio of healineres
Pierce Brown: Author of the “Red Rising” series, Brown will in conversation with fellow sci-fi author John Scalzi.
George M. Johnson: Author of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” will talk about his new memoir “And If I Die Before I Wake” with in conversation with Mariama J. Lockington, with the
Kate Quinn: A “New York Times” bestselling historical fiction author, Quinn will be in conversation with library director Paula Brehm-Heeger, with her new novel “The Astral Library.”
Beyond the festival, Books by the Banks works throughout the year to present and promote authors, while promoting the joy of literacy and lifelong learning through reading and writing.
