Glittering literati: 'An Evening with the Stars' brings together authors and readers
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Editor's note: Chris Kridler is a representative of Florida Star Fiction Writers.
Reading is a quiet pastime, and so is writing. But the love of books is boisterous, and maybe that’s why a gathering of readers and authors is so much fun.
“Writing is a very solitary job,” says Viera’s Kristen Painter, a USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romance who is one of more than 35 authors appearing at "An Evening with the Stars."
“For me, a reader event is a chance to connect with the people I’m writing for," Painter said. "I am always so humbled that they actually come to see me. Readers are why I do this job, so getting to meet them is fulfilling in a way that nothing else really touches.”
The event is a free book signing set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at the Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center, but it’s more than that. Presented by Brevard-based Florida Star Fiction Writers, the night will feature complimentary desserts, a cash bar, a photo booth, giveaways and raffle baskets, according to event chair and Melbourne author Maria Geraci.
The updated format is designed to let authors and readers mingle. “Having the ability to ask questions and tap into an author’s creative processes, as well as get to know their personalities, enriches the reading experience in a way that you can’t get over the Internet,” said Geraci.
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Authors appearing at the event write in a variety of genres, including romance, mystery, thrillers, paranormal, young adult and historical fiction.
“It’s just so much fun to see someone get really excited about picking up a new story you wrote or to hear them tell you that one of your books is their favorite,” said Ginny Myers Sain, a New York Times bestselling author of young-adult thrillers who lives in St. Cloud. She is also a speaker at the weekend writers’ conference held in association with the book signing.
Myers Sain have all her books for sale but will focus on her newest, "One Last Breath."
“I’ll have some special promo goodies to give away that go along with that story,” she said.
In addition to giveaways authors will have at their tables, where readers can also buy books—Painter, for instance, is featuring a special edition of the first book in her "Nocturne Falls" series—the first 125 guests will get a free bag stuffed with swag.
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While there will be several bestselling authors at the event, including Eliza Knight, R.L. Syme, Emily Colin, Madeline Martin and Valerie J. Clarizio, for some authors, the signing is a celebration of publishing their first book.
“After attending the 'Stars' writing conference two years ago, I was filled with motivation and made a promise to myself," said urban fantasy writer Chrissy Chicory of Daytona Beach. "By the time 'An Evening with the Stars' 2024 rolled around, I would have my first book completed and be a signing author.”
“Flash forward to now, and I am ecstatic to say that I have kept that promise. At this year’s event, I will proudly sign copies of my debut book, 'Unabashedly Chosen,'” she said.
Rockledge’s S. Jennifer Paulson, author of the domestic thriller "Boomerang," made a similar vow. “It’s an honor to be amongst so many talented writers there. And to finally share something I’ve worked so hard on, for so many years, and to meet some of the people who will read it—it’s indescribable.”
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If you go
'An Evening with the Stars'
Where: Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center, 8298 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 5
Admission: Free
Registration: Not required, but advance registration includes a free raffle ticket
Website: floridastarwriters.com
Chris Kridler is a former FLORIDA TODAY reporter and an author who writes these days as "Lucy Lakestone." She’ll be signing her mysteries at "An Evening with the Stars."
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Find your next great read at 'An Evening with the Stars' book signing
