More than 60 renowned local and national authors whose works range from thrillers to political novels to children’s books will speak at UCF’s Second Annual Book Festival.
Maxine Paetro, co-author with James Patterson of the best-selling thrillers in the Women’s Murder Club series, is a keynote author. Other authors scheduled to appear include former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr.
The public is invited to attend the festival, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Admission and parking will be free.
Attendees can listen to readings and panel discussions, receive book appraisals and purchase the authors’ books. Book signings are planned for all of the authors, and there will also be activities for children and teens throughout the day.
The University of Central Florida’s College of Education, in association with UCF’s Morgridge International Reading Center, is hosting the event, which is geared towards students and Central Florida residents of all ages.
Authors from a wide variety of genres will be available to discuss their works. They’ll give audience members the opportunity to learn about their creative process and how they bring their characters to life.
Local authors who are scheduled to participate include former Orlando Sentinel restaurant critic Scott Joseph, aviation legend Col. Joe Kittinger, and Pat Duggins, a former reporter for WMFE-FM, Orlando’s National Public Radio affiliate.
UCF professors participating in the festival include Susan Hubbard and Cecelia Rodríguez Mílanes of the English Department and Richard Lapchick, the director and endowed chair of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program.