This is the fifth of a series of guest columns that highlight the upcoming second annual Austin ArtWorks Festival

By Janet Anderson

Austin ArtWorks Festival

The Austin Artworks Festival is this Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Downtown Power Plant on Fourth Avenue Northeast. Author presentations are in a new location, so watch for sign or ask a festival volunteer. Look forward to an intriguing variety of authors with a wide range of storytelling styles from romance and urban fantasy, to memoirs, mystery, graphic novels, art, children’s book and non-fiction. It is well worth taking time to go to the website at austinartworksfestival.org to read their bios. Books will be on sale with plenty time for autographs and interacting with authors following each presentation. A reading list is posted on the website. There’s not enough space here for insights on all the authors but be confident that each one has planned a fascinating presentation.

The Saturday schedule begins at 9:30 a.m. with Joanne Hansen talking about her newest release “Sacramental Moments.” Presentations continue with Dan Kubicek, Eric Anfinson, Nona Babcock, Carole Hyder, Amanda Hocking, Sean E.Williams, Therese Pautz and Brad Zellar. Find out what motivates them to write and for Sean E. Williams to write his graphic novels.

The Artworks Festival is thrilled about Amanda Hocking’s presentation at 1:15 p.m. Last summer, she was away on a book tour during the festival. This incredibly successful Austin native is the author of the USA Today bestselling “Trylle Trilogy” and “My Blood Approves” series. St. Martin’s Press acquired the rights to her “Trylle Trilogy” which has been optioned for a film with Academy Award Nominee Terri Tatchell (District 9) adapting the screenplay. Amanda will also talk about her new four-book ”Watersong” series, how she started her career by self-publishing e-books and more.

Brad Zellar caps off the Saturday schedule. He graciously agreed to fill a spot that opened for 3:30 p.m. so note that he has been added to the author schedule. Brad has worked as a writer and editor for daily and weekly newspapers, as well as regional and national magazines. By the way, his first writing job was for the Austin Daily Herald. Brad will share his experiences with both nonfiction and fiction. One more Zellar note, you can enjoy the music of his brother Martin at the Saturday night Marcusen Park Concert. This is most definitely a talented family.

Sunday’s author presentations begin at noon with Jeffery Ollman. His novels are set primarily in southeast Minnesota and provide the reader with his views on the topography and people of the region. Next, the tone changes to children’s books by the mother & daughter duo of Joy Dey and Anna Skarie at 1:15 p.m.  Presentations continue with memoirs by Terry Nelson and Randy Krulish and end with Dan Urlick at 3:30 p.m. sharing his writings on bike riding in Austin area and beyond. Friends of the Austin Public Library volunteered to handle book sales and other logistics so special thanks to all of them.

Enjoy the Austin ArtWorks Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Historic Power Plant in downtown Austin. A schedule is available on site and on the website at austinartworksfestival.org. Admission is free to Austin Artworks Festival site at the Historic Downtown Power Plant, 105 Fourth Ave. NE. It’s a celebration of the arts … because art works!