BookCon: Read. Write. Connect.

Saturday, March 21 – 11am to 3pm

Main Library’s Community Learning Center

Step into a world of words at BookCon! Join us for a vibrant celebration of the local literary scene, where book lovers, aspiring writers, and local authors come together to share their passion for stories.

Browse books from independent booksellers, connect with your favorite local authors, and get inspired by hearing from a panel of experts. Whether you’re here to discover your next great read, hone your craft, or simply immerse yourself in the magic of books, BookCon is the ultimate gathering for readers and writers alike.

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Panel Discussion

The Prologue: Starting Your Author Journey

Join us for a panel discussion with five talented authors writing across genres and age groups to learn how you too can publish and promote your written work.

Panelists

Heather Novak: Heather Curlee Novak, AKA the ‘Lazy Bombshell,’ writes spicy, suspenseful stories packed with humor, unexpected twists, real-life locations, and unforgettable characters who feel like lifelong friends. She’s a lover of all things sparkly, cheeky, and mischievous—qualities that shine through in her work.

Cindy Lynn Sawyer: Cindy Lynn Sawyer is an award-winning children’s author, content creator, and speaker from South Bend who writes imaginative picture books that blend STEM and social-emotional learning. She is the author of The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, and the creator of Step into Story, a resource highlighting picture books with paired STEM and SEL activities for families, educators, and churches.

Nyteria Redding: Nyredd book club is a podcast where members dive into thought-provoking reads, share insights, and connect over discussions. Hosted by Ny, the club explores various genres and themes, fostering a community of book lovers and curious minds. From self-reflection to cultural explorations, Nyredd book club is all about meaningful books and conversations.

Pebbles Wireman: Pebbles Wireman, PhD, is an award-winning author and speaker who draws from her own lived experiences to encourage faith, resilience, and hope in the midst of life’s storms. Through her books Finding Faith in the Storm and Mooky & Me, she offers compassionate reminders that even when healing is incomplete, faith can carry us forward.

James Zarzana: James Zarzana is originally from Sacramento, California, but has lived in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. He holds a BA in English from St. Mary’s College of California and an MA in English from Sacramento State University. He eventually completed his PhD at the University of Notre Dame. His specialty areas are 19th Century British literature and the British novel. After finishing his degree, he taught at Valparaiso University then at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. In 1989 he came to Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota, as an assistant professor. In May 2015 he retired from fulltime teaching to devote myself entirely to my writing. 

Attending Authors