[KHTS] – In an effort to promote local authors and their work, the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library are hosting their inaugural “Celebration of Local Authors” event on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jo Anne Darcy Canyon Country Library.

The free event will feature at least 35 local authors in moderated panel discussions focusing on autobiography, juvenile fiction, local history, romance and nonfiction, among other topics. The authors will also be available after the discussion to sign their books.

Among the authors included are Bill Miranda, CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Latino Chamber of Commerce and author of “Profiles in Latino Courage.”

Kim Stephens, E.J. Stephens and Alan Pollack will also be featured. They collaborated on the local history book, “Legendary Locals of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Dr. Lance Fogan, a professor at UCLA’s school of medicine will join the discussion on fiction. His novel “Dings,” about epilepsy was released in March. 2013.

Each discussion will last between 20 and 30 minutes. The schedule and featured authors are listed below.

10:00-10:20 – Autobiography/Voices of Courage

* Bill Miranda

* Norma Yeager

* Veronica Pinckard

10:30-11:10 – Children’s Literature/Juvenile Fiction/YA

* Laurisa White Reyes

* Janet Squires

* David Derrick

* Ryan and Clarence Rector

* Frans Vischer

* Rich Grimes

* Sarah Skilton

11:20-11:50 – Local History/Cowboy Poetry

* Biskit Hatch

* P.W. Conway

* Ted Fay

* Kim Stephens, EJ Stephens and Alan Pollack

12:00-12:30 – Romance

* Tania Penn

* Kimi Flores

* Chana Keefer

* T.K. Leigh

* Margaret Brownley

12:40-1:15 – Non-Fiction

* Harriette Knight

* Renee Coleman

* Wendy Beth Baker

* Joanna Mastopietro

* Esther Lepisto

* Becca Keating

1:35-1:55 – Fiction

* Deen Ferrell

* Venita Louise

* Dr. Leighton J. Reynolds

* Jim Christina

* Gretchen Mcneil

* Dr. Lance Fogan

How-To

* Rhonda Vigeant

About Friends of the Library

The Friends of Santa Clarita Library is a group of volunteers dedicated to the success of the Santa Clarita library system.

Since its inception in 2011, FOL has supported the grand opening of the Newhall Branch, provided funds and volunteered for children and adult programming, including story times and classes. They organize and sponsor author events, watercolor classes, ARTSLAM activities, and more.