Are you an aspiring author? Do you have fantasy worlds, epic love poems or even a memoir that you've been meaning to put down on paper? What's stopping you ? Everyone has a story and on March 14, National Write Your Story Day challenges you to tell your story in written form. Jacksonville Public Library loves local authors - so much so that we have free, monthly writing workshops and lots of great books and online resources to help you get your book ready for submission or self-publishing.
# Upcoming Programs & Events for Writers
Get help writing, publishing and marketing your own book with FREE Writer's Lab workshops!
Writer's Lab: Finding Poetry with Taryn Wharwood
Having trouble finding inspiration and your voice as a poet? In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to get started crafting a poem. Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood is a multifaceted force, renowned for her roles as a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and curator. Affectionally known as Love, she has become a catalyst for empowering performers, artists and entertainers in Jax.
Saturday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. | Bradham and Brooks Branch
Currently serving as the Program Director for The Performers Academy of Jacksonville, Love's mark on Jacksonville's artistic landscape is undeniable, as she stands as the founder of Artis(Tree) Live, The Closet Jax, and as the Co-Founder of The Cypher Open Mic Poetry & Soul—an event that boasts the title of the longest-running open mic in Jacksonville's history, and recently served on the Mayor's transition team for Arts, Culture & Entertainment.
Writer's Lab: Learn Fantasy World Building with Author Django Wexler
Are you excited about Jax Pop Con Vol. 2? Our featured Lit Chat author and guest of honor, Django Wexler, is joining us a day early to present a free, hour-long workshop on fantasy world building. Wexler is the author of many fantasy novels, including How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, Ashes of the Sun, and The Thousand Names. His next book, Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me, is due out in May.
Friday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. | Main Library (Lounge at 303 North)
Note: The author returns for a Lit Chat Interview at 4 p.m. on Saturday (during Jax Pop Con). An audience Q&A and book signing will follow the interview. Books will be available for sale on-site from Happy Medium Books Café. RSVP now!
Get Geeky With Us at Jax Pop Con Vol. 2
Dust off those capes, grab your favorite set of dice, and get ready to start your next adventure at the Main Library. Back for it's second year, Jax Pop Con is a celebration of all the books, comics, games, TV shows, and movies you love... all in the heart of downtown Jacksonville! Make memories, make friends and show off your best cosplay or fandom-inspired art this Spring Break! This is a FREE event, open to the public.
Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Main Library
# First Saturdays Are For Authors
Authors Roundtable: Cultural Connections: Uniting People Through Diverse Genre
This month, the Author Roundtable discusses Cross-Cultural Storytelling. You'll learn how to use different cultural perspectives and genres to create stories that resonate with and unite diverse audiences.. Presented by Authors Roundtable of Northeast Florida - a 501c3 that supports authors reaching their highest potential. All genres are welcome.
Saturday, April 5, at 10:15 a.m. | Main Library (Conference Level)
# The Library Loves Local Authors
Browse our Local Author Collection
Jacksonville Florida is the home of many talented writers. To make their work accessible to the entire community, Jacksonville Public Library created the Local Author Collection. Physical items in this collection are housed at the Main Library and are available for customers to check out through the Library's catalog.
Donate Your Book
Want to see your book on the shelf? For selection criteria and a submission form, click here.
Create Your E-Book or Print-Ready Manuscript
Create, edit, format, and generate print-ready and eBook formats for your book—no matter how where in the writing process you are! Pressbooks Public is a free, online tool that gives you complete control over your content and the ability to collaborate with other authors and editors. It's browser-based, so you don't even have to download software. You can access it from anywhere!
Share Your E-Book with Readers in Florida
Jacksonville Public Library is partnering with Library Journal and the Indie Author Project to help readers discover local authors just like you through the BiblioBoard discovery platform. To get started, just submit your e-book (via the Indie Author Project website) for inclusion in this online collection. For more information, visit Self-Publishing E-Books with the Library.
# You May Also Like...
Meet the authors that everyone's talking about, from New York Times bestsellers to up-and-coming local writers. Each Lit Chat includes an audience Q&A session, so be sure to come ready to ask questions of our featured guests!
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