Author Showcase and Book Festival for Women Writers
JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville is pleased to announce its second annual Author Showcase and Book Festival to bring readers and women writers together on Sunday, June 4, 2022. The one-day event is free and open to the public.
At a time when books are being banned in our schools and libraries here in Duval County, we are proud to provide a platform for diverse voices at this family-friendly event, produced by Women Writing for (a) Change Jax with support from local sponsors. Come enjoy an indoor-outdoor celebration meant to lift the voices of female authors and other marginalized voices on the First Coast.
The showcase of more than 35 authors will be held on the campus of the Winston Family YMCA, 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL, 32202. It begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Programming includes author readings, a children’s reading room, an update on the status of book banning in Florida, and a writing circle on the topic of banned books.
Special guests include Leah Wolchok, the Jacksonville native who co-directed the recently released documentary, “Judy Blume Forever,” celebrating the often-banned and much-beloved author. (A watch party for the documentary will be held at Rain Dogs on Park Street in Riverside on June 1, at 7 p.m.) Leah will speak live to the book festival audience on June 4 via Zoom. Other speakers include Nina Perez on behalf of the national group MomsRising and Elizabeth Anderson on behalf of the Florida Freedom to Read Project and the Public School Defenders. Nationally recognized artist Dr. Lisa Meeks has loaned the group a special piece of art made titled “Banned Books,” made from the pages of the book “1984” and featuring a flower sculpture of carnivorous plants.
Visitors can meet and engage with the authors, purchase books, and get copies of their books signed. They will find books in many genres and for all ages. A children’s reading room will be managed by MomsRising; they will also provide an opportunity to take specific actions to help preserve the freedom to read for all.
Authors will read their works throughout the day, and drawings will be held on the hour for free books.
“We are thrilled to present this showcase of talented women writers,” says Jennifer Wolfe, Executive Director of Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville. “Their books and stories are unique and powerful, and they offer a diverse range of perspectives on life, love, and the world we live in.” She adds: “We believe the banning of books—which is really about banning people, cultures, and ideas— particularly targets women, people of color, our indigenous communities, and our LGBQTIA+ community. This is unacceptable. Our stories need to be told, in the classroom and in our communities. And we need to trust our teachers and our librarians, who are also primarily female, to use their highly developed skills and education to make good choices for our children. Parents can make their own choices at home.”
Wolfe says, “This author showcase and book festival is an opportunity for our community to celebrate these voices and to support the vital work of Women Writing for (a) Change in Jacksonville.”
Women Writing for (a) Change® Jacksonville is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for women and other underrepresented groups to develop their writing skills, connect with other writers, and amplify their voices. The Author Showcase and Book Festival is just one of many events and programs the organization offers throughout the year.
For more information about the Author Showcase and Book Festival or to learn more about Women Writing for (a) Change Jacksonville, visit the website www.womenwritingjax.org.