Media Contacts:
Diana Friend, Communications and Marketing Director
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
dfriend@tscpl.org
(785) 580-4486
Leah Sewell, Communications Editor
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
lsewell@tscpl.org
(785) 580-4487
Sept. 22, 2014
For Immediate Release
Community novel project launches books this weekend
Topeka, Kan. – The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is home to a vast collection of books, but it’s also creating new books. The library’s Community Novel Project is self-publishing its third and fourth serialized novels, Superimposed, adult fiction, and Spirits of Oz, fiction for tween readers.
More than 35 members of the Topeka community authored the books collaboratively. Those authors and the public are invited to the project’s Book Launch 2-4 p.m. Sun. Sept. 28 in the library’s Marvin Auditorium.
From 2-3 p.m., the authors will speak about the novels and their experiences writing chapters collaboratively. From 3-4 p.m., authors will meet and greet readers and sign copies of the novels. Food and refreshments will be available from the Millennium Cafe.
The novels were published serially on the library’s Digital Branch beginning in April. Now, for the first time, the books will be available in printed form to read, purchase for $6 each, get autographed or even to check out from the library. This is the third year the library has led local writers from start to finish through the process of writing and publishing a novel.
The demand for participation was high, with so many writers volunteering that project leaders Miranda Ericsson Kendall and Lissa Staley decided to add another title, a novel for young readers, in 2014.
The Community Novel Project was honored Aug. 30, 2014 with an ARTSConnect Arty Award for its literary contribution to the Topeka community.
“We’re demonstrating to the local writing community that the library is a convener, an encourager and supporter. We’re more than just a place to have your book shelved when it’s published. We’re giving them experience,” said Staley.
The setting for each novel is placed in the city of Topeka, so that every writer has a knowledge base for exposition.
“I’m still getting used to showing my work to people,” said Community Novel contributor Stacy Spilker. “I’ve received positive feedback and actually been told I should look at getting it published.”
For more on the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library’s Community Novel Project, visit tscpl.org/novel.
The Topeka & Shawnee County Library offers an outstanding collection of books, movies, music in print, digital and audio formats. It also features the Alice C. Sabatini Art Gallery, the Millennium Café, the Chandler Booktique, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and free computer/Internet access and training.
Library hours are Mon. through Fri. 9 am to 9 pm, Sat. 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm.
All library press releases can be found at tscpl.org/pressroom
Library hours: M-F 9 am to 9 pm | SAT 9 am to 6 pm | SUN 12 pm to 9 pm
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