I was overjoyed to join Wake County Public Libraries’ Read Local 2024, a celebration of local authors and the craft of writing. Open to residents of all ages who are invited to discover the creative voices within their community through a series of virtual and in-person programs. Bridget Booher (pictured with me above), a non-fiction writer based in Hillsborough, kindly served as my “conversation partner” at this event.

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“We’re thrilled to bring together our community’s talented authors and provide a platform for them to share their stories and insights,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “Read Local is all about celebrating the creativity that exists right here in Wake County. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply love a good book, we encourage everyone to explore the opportunities available.”

Read Local 2024 offers a unique opportunity to connect with local authors, learn about the writing process and find inspiration. With a wide range of events tailored for families, kids, teens and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights include:

Write Here, Write Now: Crafting Your Story
Wednesdays, Sept. 11–Oct. 16
6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join bestselling North Carolina authors for this six-part series that dives deep into the craft of writing a successful novel. Get insider tips and practical guidance on everything from plot development to character creation. Participating authors include Heather Frese, John Kessel, Evelyn Goldman, Meagan Church, Mazey Eddings and Daniel Wallace. Learn more and register at guides.wake.gov/write.

Read Local Celebration
Sunday, Oct. 6
1–4 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Enjoy an afternoon of authors at the park! Bring books or purchase them on-site to be signed.

• 1 p.m.: Kwame Mbalia, award-winning and best-selling author of the Tristan Strong trilogy and editor of New York Times best-seller “Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood,” takes us on a fantastical journey with his newly released book “Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek.”
   
• 2:30 p.m.: North Carolina Piedmont Laureate Steven Petrow, award-winning journalist and author, reads from and discusses his newly released book “The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings – Even on Your Darkest Days.”
   
• 4 p.m.: Vanessa Miller, best-selling Christian fiction author, playwright and motivational speaker, will read from and discuss “The American Queen,” a historical novel featuring a strong Black woman who became queen in the post-bellum South.