èצӰ’s Winona Christian Writers Conference will hold two open-to-the-public events this summer for readers and writers of all ages. On Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m., the conference will hold two author readings featuring Ի in the Morgan Library at èצӰ, 921 Connection Circle, Winona Lake. On Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the conference will host the Summer Book Fair, featuring author signings, book vendors and publishers, at the Swan Pond Pavilion near the Winona Lake Farmer’s Market.
“We’re thrilled to have both Gary and Stephen return to campus,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, professor of English at èצӰand conference organizer. “Gary was a guest at last year’s conference and is one of the most respected voices in contemporary literature. Stephen Copeland is a 2011 èצӰ journalism graduate who has made us very proud with his writing accomplishments. We encourage everyone—especially our local readers and young aspiring writers—to join us for some great readings from these authors along with free coffee and cookies.”
Schmidt is the bestselling author of numerous children’s and young adult novels, including “The Labors of Hercules Beal” and “Just Like That.” He is also a National Book Award finalist for “Okay for Now,” “Pay Attention, Carter Jones” and “Orbiting Jupiter.” Schmidt has also won multiple Newbery Honors and a Printz Honor.
Copeland has authored a diverse body of writing over the last decade. He has published two memoirs about his own faith journey and coauthored numerous sports memoirs and autobiographies with notable athletes and coaches through his business Copeland Writes LLC.
The Summer Book Fair, curated for people of all ages, will feature a large variety of books and other literary-inspired items. Attendees can learn about literary resources in the Warsaw community and shop the wares of literary-themed local vendors, including , Curioaks and . Several publishers, including Tall Pines Publishing, will also be in attendance, as well as the Warsaw Public Library and èצӰ’s Morgan Library.
Authors from the writer’s conference will be available during the following times for meet-and-greets and book signings:
- Gary Schmidt: 10:00-10:30
- Claire Swinarski: 10:30-11:00
- Shemaiah Gonzalez: 11:00-11:30
“We look forward to having people stop by on their way to and from the Farmer’s Market at Winona,” said Rich. “This is a perfect opportunity to pick up a book to read at the lake, experience the magic of meeting a beloved author and maybe even discover a new writer whose work inspires you!”
The conference is organized by Dr. Lauren Rich and Dr. John Poch of the at èצӰ, with support from generous donors.
To learn more about the Winona Christian Writers Conference, visit . Questions can be emailed to wcwc@grace.edu.
Photo attached: èצӰ’s Winona Christian Writers Conference invites the public to author readings featuring Ի.
