The next couple of months are filled with book related events that bring together readers, authors and booksellers to celebrate reading.
The first is MegaCon March 15th – 17th, 2013. It is the awesome yearly convention that takes place at the Orange County Convention Orange County Convention Center, Hall D, 9800 International Drive Orlando. This is the amazing event that brings together comic book artists, comic book dealers, old TV show actors, movie stars and authors under one banner. This year some of the biggest names are Patrick Stewart (Capt Jean-Lu-Picard), Jonathan Frakes (William Riker). Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), Michael Dorn (Lieutenant Worf), Brent Spiner (Commander Data), Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi).Will Wheaton (Wesley Crusher), Levar Burton (Geordi), All from Star Trek The Next Generation. To my knowledge this is the first time all cast members are together for a single event like this in the state of Florida. Even Denise Crosby who played the short lived Tahsa Yar is to be attending. Also on the billing are Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), Michael Hogan (Saul Tigh, Battlestar Galactica) Also returning from numerous Star Trek series is John De Lancie who played the mysterious(Q), Lou Ferrigno “The Incredible Hulk” (Hulk), these are just some of the guests of the convention. Others to be announced. There are talks by many of the stars, panels on comic related subjects, tables galore of merchandise to purchase, and lots of comic book artists and authors of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, to meet up close. For more information on this one go to http://www.megaconvention.com/
Next, I received the information on this event and have included the press release below:
Authors in the Park returns to picturesque Mount Dora on Saturday, March 30th for the “Spring Into Art” event featuring twelve authors from the Central Florida area. The event will feature a casual author meet and greet from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and an exclusive gallery walk from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring the artwork of Amy Sellers. The event will be held rain or shine inside the Renaissance Building at 411 North Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora.
Mark Miller, co-founder of Authors in the Park, said, “We are excited to be back in Mount Dora. It’s my adopted home town. The people are great and the downtown is unique with fabulous dining and delightful shops.” His website is www.MillerWords.com.
In addition to Amy Sellers artwork, she will have her children’s picture books available. The other participating authors include: Janet Beasley, president of JLB Creatives (The Hidden Earth Series); Valerie Hart, a member of the Association of Food Journalist and weekly food writer for the Leesburg Daily Commercial (The Bounty of Central Florida); Jean E. Lane, young adult science fiction (Lill and Mewe and the Secrets of Mars); Gary Larson, local businessman (HighFive Your Life); De Miller, local Christian filmmaker (Murder in Mount Dora); Jeanne Selander Miller, London International Book Festival award winner for Best Spiritual Book of 2012 (A Breath Away); Mark Miller, young adult fantasy and inspirational (The Empyrical Tales); Theresa Oliver, writer and independent publisher (Angels Among Us); Keith Rommel, psychological thriller (The Cursed Man); C. Kevin Thompson, Christian suspense (The Serpent’s Grasp); and Elise VanCise, photojournalist and award-winning author (Don’t Touch).
“Since our debut event last December, Authors in the Park has grown beyond our wildest dreams,” Janet Beasley, one of the three co-founders of the event along with Mark Miller and Jean E. Lane, said. “Our long term goal is to help promote and support the many talented authors we have in Lake County, and throughout Central Florida.” During the meet-and-greet, readers and fans are encouraged to come speak to the authors, get autographs and discover some incredible new books, which will be for sale during both the afternoon and evening sessions. For the gallery walk, expect to hear live entertainment and taste complimentary appetizers provided by event sponsor One Flight Up Café (www.oneflightupmtdora.com). Amy Sellers art will be presented at each of the authors’ tables and she may even have a few surprises, Miller said.
Authors in the Park can be found on Facebook at www.FB.com/AuthorsInThePark and on Twitter (@AuthorsPark, #AIP). Follow them for upcoming events and special announcements. According to JLB Creatives executive Jean E. Lane, “Authors in the Park plans to have at least four author events each year and plenty of opportunities to showcase local and independent authors.”
The March 30th event starts at 2:30 p.m. and after a brief intermission, the gallery walk begins at 6 p.m. It all happens in downtown Mount Dora at the Renaissance Building, 411 North Donnelly St.
A few weeks later is the UCF book fest April 13th at UCF Arena. All events are free. There will be over 50 authors of all genres. Some of the writers are Lisa Scottoline, Steven Barnes, Heather McPherson, Bob Kealing. Sheri Wilkens, and there is a separate list of children’s writers as well. The day will be filled with talks by the authors, discussions, signings, and lots of tables with lots of books for sale. This is now an annual event that promises to be great fun. For a more complete list, author bios and more information on the event go to the website http://education.ucf.edu/bookfest/authors.cfm
And the last event on this list is Oasis 26, science fiction convention Memorial Day Weekend. May-24-26, 2013. Oasis is one of the longest running fan conventions in the state of Florida and it is easy to see why with all that it continues to offer. The writing guest of honor is Seanan McGuire, Publisher guest of honor Jacob Weisman. This is a full convention that has a little of everything and many new things have been added. Some of the established things to look for are the gamers, costume contest, art room, and panel discussions on art, science fiction poetry, and many helpful talks by authors and artists on how to break into the industry. Some of the other author guests are Ben Bova, Richard Lee Byers, E. Rose Sabin, Rick Wilber and more. This year The Castle Hotel on International is where the event will take place and its a lot roomier with lots of free parking. For more info on this one go to http://www.oasfis.org/oasis/
