February 2, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Authors impart knowledge to library patrons
Authors impart knowledge to library patrons
By Kayla Thomason-
Corporate and Christian fiction author Linda Weddle was the guest Jan. 18.
"I always like to talk about writing," she said.
Weddle has been writing fiction for readers of all ages for the past 24 years and has worked at Awana as a curriculum writer, author, speaker, ministry leader and teacher.
Weddle's father was a writer, so she picked up a lot of information from him as well. She said she knows other people don't necessarily have that kind of background and need someone to help them understand the ins and outs of the publishing world.
"A lot of people don't have that background and so I think these kind of events are important because you can help somebody with those logistics that they aren't getting anywhere else," she said. "If something I say could help somebody who's just starting, (I'm) glad for the opportunity."
Some key advice she offers to writers is basic - you have to write. She said some people want to be writers but don't set aside the time each day to actually write.
"When I was little my dad always said 'write a little bit every day,'" she recalled.
Weddle also encourages writers to embrace technology and start a blog.
"Now, in the dynamics of the world we live in and the society we live in, starting with a blog is really smart because not only is it the discipline of writing something every day but if you get followers and then you go to publish a book, they'll look at the blog and if they see that what you're doing is attracting people that's going to make them more apt to want to publish what you say," she said.
A good reference for prospective writers is "The Writer's Market 2018" she added.
Library patron Betty White enjoyed her conversation with Weddle.
"I learned that she writes great stuff," White said, adding that she knows publishing is difficult and talking to Weddle made it more real for her.
She also had questions about marketing and finding someone to publish her work.
"I know that if you don't have computer skills it's going to be really hard these days, especially for something like I do," White said. "I do games and puzzles and that kind of thing and I also write a little bit of stories and poetry."
She was grateful that the library had arranged for authors to come in to share their knowledge and experience with fledgling writers.
"I appreciate that the library has assumed the responsibility to do this kind of thing," she said. "I think it's important and I certainly enjoy the option to talk to someone who might be able to help me or encourage me."
Upcoming writing/language events include an appearance by memoir author Ed O'Casey from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 5.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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