Beyond the Page: Bringing Local Authors, Readers and Stories Together
Well, fall showed up right on schedule. The first official week of fall actually brought us some cooler weather - even if it was mostly in the mornings. I’ll take it. Thank you, Mother Earth.
An Afternoon of Authors, Books and Conversation
And now that we’re into October, we’re getting even closer to something I am really excited about: Authors on the River: A Literary Luncheon, happening Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Grille at Riverview in New Smyrna Beach.
In my last letter, I mentioned we were still looking for our third featured author. Well, we found him, and our lineup is officially complete. I’m excited to welcome Sean Donovan, a published author, author coach, ghostwriter and publishing consultant. I’ve known Sean for more than 10 years, and he brings a unique perspective not only as an author himself, but as someone who helps others bring their own stories to life.
The event will feature three local authors: Shelley Lynch, Lee Davis Jr. and Sean Donovan. Each will have time to share their story, talk about their work and give us a little peek behind the curtain. I’ll be moderating the event, introducing each author and then leading a Q&A after all three presentations.
If you want to learn more about each of them before the event, click here. It will take you to the same place where you can purchase tickets, read more about our featured authors and find links to their websites.
When you arrive, you’ll get seated upstairs in The Promenade, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, put in your lunch order and settle in. Then we’ll get started.
After lunch, the presentations and our Q&A, we’ll head downstairs to the Reef Bar for a meet-and-greet. Each author will have a table set up where you can purchase books, have them signed, take photos and actually spend some time talking with the people behind the stories. ECC will have a table there, too, and we may add another vendor or two. If that interests you, reach out and let us know.
Tickets and Event Details
Tickets are $35 and include admission to the event, lunch, one nonalcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Of course, cocktails will also be available for purchase because if you’d rather sip champagne than sweet tea during our event, who am I to stop you?
Lunch choices include the turkey avocado croissant sandwich - my personal favorite - the new herb-crusted salmon salad, their classic chicken Francese and pasta primavera for our vegetarian option.
We can only sell 60 tickets, and at the time of writing this, we are at 50, so if you want to come, don’t wait too long.
The easiest way to purchase yours is to scan the QR code on this page. If technology decides not to cooperate, head to SeeVolusia.com, click “Signature Events” in the main menu and you’ll find Authors on the River. You can also call The Grille at Riverview or stop in and purchase your ticket in person. Just remember, they open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
And if you’ve never been to The Grille at Riverview, you’re in for a treat. Located at 101 Flagler Ave., tucked beneath the North Causeway, the restaurant has been part of New Smyrna Beach for more than 20 years and has one of the prettiest views around. You can read more about it in my feature on pages 15 and 16 of this issue.
This event is also rain or shine. We’ll be inside, air conditioned and overlooking the water, so the weather can do whatever it wants.
One of my favorite things to come out of announcing this event has been hearing from so many local authors. I received emails from people all over our area, and I hope I got back to every one of you. I’m keeping a list because one thing has become very clear: We’re going to have to do this again.
There is just something different about holding a book in your hands, meeting the person who wrote it and hearing the story behind the story. I think we need more opportunities to connect like that.
So, come have lunch with us. Meet some incredible local authors. Buy a book. Get it signed. Hear a good story and maybe share one of your own.
And if you’re a local author interested in being part of a future Authors on the River event, come introduce yourself.
I’ll see you there.
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