OCEANSIDE — The upcoming Write On Oceanside literary festival allows readers to meet local authors and offers tips and training for aspiring writers.
This year the annual event will expand beyond Oceanside authors to include authors from greater North County. The festival is touted as the largest local literary event.
“There’s a lot of activity going on,” Naomi Olsen, event co-chair, said. “It’s a fun day celebrating literature.”
More than 20 local authors from a wide range of genres will share a quick introduction of their book, and be available for fan photos and questions.
Renowned local author Victor Villaseñor will present and read from his latest novel “Revenge of a Catholic Schoolboy.”
There will be a panel discussion on book publishing and marketing. Aspiring authors are invited to share a brief description of their book idea and receive feedback.
“Authors can look at work and decide if it’s publishable,” Monica Chapa-Domercq, principal librarian, said.
A second workshop will be held on screenwriting.
People can also participate in writing the Never Ending Story. A scroll of paper invites participants to add a line to a collaborative story, which is read at the end of the festival. Chapa-Domercq said the Never Ending Story has become an annual tradition. She added the final story is full of twists and turns, and usually funny.
A kids area will feature a Dr. Seuss story time, hands-on activities and costumed characters. Activities include book making, and an interactive story board with comic cutouts.
There will also be live music, raffle giveaways and booths selling books and sharing program information. People can also pick up a free copy of Oceanside’s Big Read selection, “True Grit” by Charles Portis.
The festival is held by Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation, Oceanside Public Library and Friends of the Oceanside Public Library, in collaboration with KPBS, Barnes & Noble and Hill Street Country Club gallery.
Write On Oceanside will be held Aug. 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza and library community room. The event is free to attend.
For more information go to ocaf.info/woo.
