Nearly three dozen authors will gather in the name of literacy tonight and Saturday at the Arkansas Convention Center to promote their books.
A fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Arkansas Children's Hospital, the Fall Gathering of Authors features a range of writers who pen everything from romances to westerns, science fiction to inspirational books, thrillers to children's books, paranormal to young adult.
Authors' tables, vendors, a kid's corner with activities and more will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the convention center, while a charity dinner with western writer Dusty Richards, author of more than 100 books, as keynote speaker happens tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Other participating authors include another western author, John T. Wayne, Harlequin romance writer Penny Richards, science fiction writer Garon Whited, young adult author LaQueisha Malone, adventure/thriller writer Michael Hawron, and a couple of dozen more from this area and elsewhere.
Richards' books include two recently published titles, including "The Pride of Texas," another installment in his Brandiron Series, and "The O'Malleys of Texas," a new series he's started.
"He's a cowboy," said event organizer Tammy Thompson about the Spur Award-winning writer. He's also an inductee into the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame.
Hawron, who hails from New Boston, Texas, followed up his memoir with a new book titled "Just Good Clean Fun," a spy story that's now available in paperback and Kindle versions.
At tonight's charity dinner, two local families will speak about their experience being helped by both St. Jude and Arkansas Children's Hospital.
"They're going to tell about their journey," Thompson said. A live auction will feature items like a gift basket from Dillard's, a dining gift basket worth more than $500, home items from Gateway Furniture and more.
About the Saturday main event, Thompson said, "You can visit and get autographed books." Children who wrote inspirational stories for the Dream Catchers volumes will also be signing their books. There's a treasure hunt, too.
"It's fun for the whole family," Thompson said, noting how important it is to have events where families can bond and teach children the importance of literacy. Several children's authors will have their books on hand at the event.
Saturday admission is free. Tonight's charity dinner will be catered by Naaman's Championship BBQ, The Lunch Box and Whisk Catering. Admission to the dinner is $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. RSVP for the dinner at GatheringOfAuthors.com.
(More info: Visit GatheringOfAuthors.com or call 903-701-1205.)