Authors around the nation celebrated National Authors Day November 1. Here in Knoxville, the celebration went into the evening. The event was presented by the Authors Guild of Tennessee, in collaboration with Union Avenue Books and the Knoxville Writers Guild.
Eight featured authors were selected by a distinguished panel of booksellers and literary professionals as some of the best in the area. Those authors were Bethany Stahl, Anna Skjei, Jim Hartsell, Melanie Hutsell, Ginny Ayers, Devon Koren, Laura Mansfield and Carolyn Welch; who held readings and signed books throughout the day.
A presentation from special guest Robert Gipe, the award-winning author of Weedeater and Trampoline, closed out the inaugural event at the East Tennessee History Center. Gipe, a genuine storyteller, delivered an entertaining session straight from the heart, filled with his unique wit and wisdom.