Collier Library hosts local authors book signing

Local author Jerry Danley chats with Michael Danley at Collier Library’s local authors book signing April 18. The book signing was a part of the events to celebrate National Library Week.

Collier Library hosted a book signing for local authors April 18 to celebrate National Library Week April 14-20.

The event featured 17 local authors who displayed their books for interested students and faculty members to discuss and share their stories as authors with them.

The books on display ranged from historic to children’s books, fantasy fiction to Christian romance and motivational to financial readiness.

Many of the authors present said they utilized self-publishing. Rebecca Linam said she chose to self-publish her book “Journey of the Nightisans” after she was rejected by agents who required previously published authors and publishers who required clients to have agents.

Brad Bradford, former running back coach for University of Louisville, shared his experiences as a coach and motivational speaker. His book “Hang in There like Hair in a Biscuit” discusses overcoming adversity and “Selling the C’s of a Winner”.

“It was not difficult to transition from speaker to author,” Bradford said. “It was more of an added benefit. The toughest part about writing is getting your thoughts organized and getting started. Knowing the emotions that you would like for your readers to experience is of utmost importance.”

Jerry Danley, author of the children’s book “Billy’s Black Ant,” said the biggest problem he ran into was distribution.

Annie Cole, author of the “Bell Forest” series, spoke about her success with distribution and commented on her feelings toward the feedback she receives on Amazon.

“As an author, putting your work out is like putting your ego out there; it’s very personal,” Cole said. “I was very intimidated when I started getting feedback because it’s like you’re saying ‘OK, take a shot.’”

“I enjoyed seeing all the different genres of books that have been published by the members of the community and learn about the process they went through to get their works published,” said Elizabeth Kee, UNA student.

UNA librarian Doris McDaniel said she feels National Library Week is important to celebrate because it not only brings recognition to the library but invites people who have not visited a library recently to do so.