Would-be writers can get help from professional authors, including bestseller Paula McLain, during the month of November at Mentor Public Library.
For the second consecutive year, the library will celebrate National Novel Writing Month with free programs that are open to everyone, readers and aspiring authors alike. Events are geared towards adults and teens, and include:
- McLain, author of “The Paris Wife” and “Circling the Sun,” will visit the library’s Main Branch on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to discuss her work.
- M. Pulley, the award-winning author of “The Dead Key,” will both kick off and conclude National Novel Writing Month at Mentor Public Library. She’ll offer writing tips and encouragement for facing the blank page on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Then she’ll lead a session where writers can share and discuss their stories Thursday, Nov. 30. That will be followed by a free author talk where Pulley will discuss her newest novel, “The Unclaimed Victim,” which was inspired by the Cleveland Torso Murderer.
- Claire McMillan, author of “The Necklace,” will teach how to craft convincing dialogue on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
- Author Jennifer Kelly will share her perspectives and insight on independent publishing on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road. She’ll explain how to edit, format, and otherwise prepare one’s text for publishing.
- Jill Grunenwald will teach the art of the flash essay — a short story, no longer than a few hundred words — on Monday, Nov. 20. Afterward, she will discuss and sign copies of her book, “Running with a Police Escort.”
- Finally, the library will host a series of write-ins with author Alexandra Hupertz on Nov. 2, 9 and 29 at Wildwood Cultural Center. Writers can discuss ideas, share selections of their work, and get their creative juices flowing.
All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave., unless otherwise indicated. They are free and open to the public, however, registration is required. Sign up at mentorpl.org or by calling 440-255-8811 ext. 216.
