Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Authors of books published by the Stephen F. Austin State University Press will be among the more than 60 Texas writers celebrated at the fifth annual East Texas Book Fest this month in Tyler.
The SFA Press will sponsor a booth at the event and will offer copies of university press books for sale, including "Let the River Run Wild," a book SFA Professor Emeritus Dr. Francis E. Abernethy co-authored with Adrian Van Dellen. Local authors Charles D. Jones, Mark Sanders, and Bobby and Myrna Johnson will be among those on hand at the Book Fest to discuss their work.
SFA Professor Emeritus Charles D. Jones is a writer, artist, creator and printer of fine press books. His books, produced under the imprint LaNana Creek Press, are in the collections of the Bodleian Library, the Victoria and Albert Library, and special collections libraries throughout the United States. His recent book "Chopper Blues" earned the 2013 International Book Award in the history/military category and the 2013 Texas Association of Authors Award for autobiography.
Dr. Mark Sanders, chair of the SFA Department of English, has written "Conditions of Grace," published by the SFA Press in 2011. His poems, stories, and critical and creative essays have appeared in numerous publications in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Canada. "Conditions of Grace" is Sanders' fourth book of poetry.
Dr. Bobby H. Johnson of Nacogdoches is a retired SFA history professor. His most recent work, "A Texas Tragedy: The New London School Explosion: A Play in Two Acts," was published by the SFA Press in 2012. His wife, Myrna E. Johnson, also will be a featured author at the East Texas Book Fest. She wrote "Let's Take a Hike" in 2000 with her grandchildren. She also illustrated the book, which was published by the SFA Press in 2012.
The East Texas Book Fest is planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Tyler Rose Center, 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler. Award-winning and best-selling authors for readers of all ages will be available to talk to attendees and autograph books at this popular regional event celebrating writers, books, reading and libraries. Featured authors hail from throughout Texas and write in many genres in both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to the book exhibits, the Book Fest will feature storytellers in a special nook for children and free take-home books for the first 100 children to arrive. In addition, the first 150 adults to arrive will receive goody bags full of coupons and other small gifts.
The East Texas Book Fest is presented by Smith County Area Libraries Together (SALT). For the complete list of authors at Book Fest 2013, the event schedule and other information about the East Texas Book Fest, visit www.etxbookfest.org.