You have a story you want to tell.
Maybe it’s a novel or a memoir. It’s been rattling around in your brain for years, but it’s so hard to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard.)
Fortunately we’ve enlisted a cadre of authors to help you during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this November.
We’re celebrating NaNoWriMo with free programs that are open to everyone, readers and aspiring authors alike.
Highlights include:
- Bestselling writer Paula McLain, author of “The Paris Wife” and “Circling the Sun,” will visit the our Main Branch on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to discuss her work.
- D.M. Pulley, the award-winning author of “The Dead Key,” will both kick off and wrap up our NaNoWriMo series. She’ll offer writing tips and encouragement for facing the blank page on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Then she’ll lead a session where writers can share and discuss their stories Thursday, Nov. 30. That will be followed by a free author talk where Pulley will discuss her newest novel, “The Unclaimed Victim,” which was inspired by the Cleveland Torso Murders.
- Claire McMillan, author of “The Necklace,” will teach how to craft convincing dialogue on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
- Author Jennifer Kelly will share her perspectives and insight on independent publishing on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Wildwood Cultural Center. She’ll explain how to edit, format, and otherwise prepare one’s text for publishing.
- Jill Grunenwald will teach the art of the flash essay—a short story, no longer than a few hundred words—on Monday, Nov. 20. Afterward, she will discuss and sign copies of her book, “Running with a Police Escort.”
- Finally, the library will host a series of write-ins with author Alexandra Hupertz on Nov. 2, 9 and 29 at Wildwood Cultural Center. Writers can discuss ideas, share selections of their work, and get their creative juices flowing.
All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be at our Main Branch, unless otherwise indicated. They are free and open to the public. However, registration is required. You can sign up on our event calendar or by calling us at (440) 255-8811 ext. 216.
Finally, we’d like to thank the Mentor Community Arts Commission and Friends of the Mentor Public Library for helping fund our NaNoWriMo programming.