Literacy Lubbock in partnership with the Lubbock Public Library is hosting the Lubbock Book Festival September 25 and 26, 2021. In coordination with the always amazing Friends of the Library Book sale, the much-anticipated event will be at the Mahon Library and will feature author panels, writing workshops, booths, and music. Let’s take a sneak peek at what to expect.
The keynote speaker on Saturday will be the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels, Jodi Thomas. Thomas is a Texas Tech University Distinguished Alumna and highly regarded author. She will discuss today’s book market and industry and share her own experiences as an author and how the industry is impacted by digital media.
On Saturday, authors Bob Horton (Of Bulletins and Booze), Sixtus Atabong (My Father’s Gift) and Frank Sikes (West Texas Middleweight: The Story of LaVern Roach) will team up for a panel discussion on creating an engaging non-fiction story. The panel will be moderated by a member of the Texas Tech University Press.
In addition, a panel about women’s literature will take place. Three award-winning women writers will discuss writing for women. The panel will include Teddy Jones (Making it Home), Carol Lipscomb (The Lady Makes Boots: Enid Justin and the Nocona Boot Company) and Jan Sikes (Ghostly Interference). These talented ladies will be facilitated by Kim Hunt Harris (Trailer Park Princess series) for a great visit about women’s fiction.
Other panels on Saturday which will be offered include Legends of Lubbock, Cowboys, Monsters and Lovers and the genre of science fiction. And of course….it wouldn’t be a Lubbock event without live music! Two Lubbock favorites, Cary C. Banks and Cathy Jewell will be joined by other musicians as they perform “On the Lawn” (the area just behind the Mahon Library’s building).
On Sunday, the panel discussions and writing workshops continue. The Director of the Library, Stacy McKenzie and Mahon Branch Manager Charley Whalen will present a discussion to help authors get their children’s books purchased by libraries and schools. This will be a great panel for those seeking to appeal to the children’s market and hit the STEAM components, Lexile levels and even readability write on the mark.
There will also be many visiting and local featured authors who represent a wide variety of writing styles and topics. The festival’s genres will run the gamut of non-fiction to graphic novels and will include children’s authors as well. There will truly be something to appeal to everyone.
This is one festival you won’t want to miss – it will prove to be inspiring. You can also pick up some great bargains at the Friends of the Library Book Sale happening the same weekend in the Mahon Library basement.
For more information on the festival, visit https://literacylubbock.org/lubbock-book-festival/
