2023 Author Stage Event Schedule

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 10:00 am – 10:30 am – Artistic Bookmark Making A fun event for students of all ages. Art supplies provided. Location: Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Author Stage Main Event Location: The event tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater. 11:00 am – Minnesota Author: Joseph Kuefler World-renowned author and illustrator of children’s books shares his remarkable journey. 11:30 am – Local Author Spotlights Rose Garry, Anthology Ben Green, Young Adult, Fantasy, Action Adventure Helen Holder, Children’s Books Lydia Emma Niebuhr, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mysteries Gary Peters, Young Adult K A Stevens, Young Adult AJ Sullivan, Children’s Books Ricki Walters, Middle-Grade Fantasy 12:00 noon – Featured Minnesota Author: Nancy Carlson An accomplished children's book author and illustrator of more than 60 books reveals the secret of her muse. 12:45 pm – Multi-Author Book-Signing Event Meet all of today’s featured authors and get their signatures on your books. Books are available for purchase at Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street, from the sales tent located near the Author Stage, or you may bring your own. Location: The Event Tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Writers and Poets Open Mic Join us in sharing stories, poetry, and writings of all kinds. Location: The Event Tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater. 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Children and Teens Artistic Showcase Sponsored by the Austin MN Writing Community. All children and teens are welcome to share artistic pieces including original writing, artwork, or their favorites readings from other authors. Early sign-up is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome! More information is available through the QR Code or at Sweet Reads Bookstore. Location: Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street All Day – Story Walk Be sure to keep an eye out for the Art Festival’s Inaugural Story Walk featuring local authors. SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 10:00 am – 10:30 am – The Art of Getting Published Learn how to get published from a panel of published authors: Ricki Walters, Sallianne Hines, and Susan Joyce. Location: Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street 11:00 am – Author Stage Main Event Location: The event tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater. 11:00 am – Minnesota Author: Stephanie Landsem Historical fiction writer shares how a little-known true events involving a handful of inexperienced operatives who foiled Hitler’s plot to take over the world prior to WWII became inspiration for her latest novel. 11:30 am - Local Author Spotlights Josiah Bartlett, Historical Fiction Linda L Christianson, Memoir Sherrie Hansen, Non-Fiction, Mystery Sallianne Hines, Non-Fiction, Historical Romance, Fiction Susan Joyce, Non-Fiction, Fiction Sarah Lysne, Memoir Eric Shoars, Fiction- GenX Nostalgia Chaunce Stanton, Fiction, Magical Realism, Cozy Mystery, Jim Troe, Thriller 12:00 noon - Featured Minnesota Author: Peter Geye The author of the award-winning novels SAFE FROM THE SEA, THE LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, and WINTERING, and winner of the Minnesota Book Award shares his triumphs and trials. 12:45 pm – Multi-Author Book-Signing Event Meet all of today’s featured authors and get their signatures on your books. Books are available for purchase at Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street, from the sales tent located near the Author Stage, or you may bring your own. Location: The Event Tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Writers and Poets Open Mic Join us in sharing stories, poetry, and writings of all kinds. Location: The Event Tent on the green across from the Paramount Theater. 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm – The Art of Creative Cooking Former B&B owner and author, Sherrie Hansen, shares how to create and present foods that taste delicious and look beautiful. Location: Sweet Reads Books & Candy, 407 N. Main Street All Day – Story Walk Be sure to keep an eye out for the Art Festival’s Inaugural Story Walk featuring local authors.