Author Fest of the Rockies 2009

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Press Contact:
Laura Ettinger
719-231-7202
Laura.ettinger@authorfestoftherockies.org

Author Fest of the Rockies Slated for October 2-3 at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs

Statewide literary event brings over 50 Colorado authors to Manitou for conference.
MANITOU SPRINGS, CO—August 21, 2009—The fourth annual Author Fest of the Rockies is scheduled for October 2-3 at the historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs. A signature event of the Friends of the Manitou Springs Library, Author Fest is a statewide literary conference that brings over 50 Colorado authors, illustrators, editors, publishers and poets to the historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak for a two-day conference of over 40 sessions on all things literary.

The Cliff House has been the setting for Author Fest in a previous year, but with its recent expansion, will now be an ideal location. “As we continue to expand the Cliff House, Author Fest will also be able to grow and accommodate more presenters and attendees,” said Paul York, General Manager of the Cliff House.

The Manitou Springs Public Library, a 1910 Carnegie, is slated for restoration in 2009. The Friends of the Manitou Springs Public Library, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the library, has now focused its efforts on expansion. Author Fest, as a Friends event, centers attention not only on the library, but on Manitou Springs. "This is the kind of event we love to see in Manitou Springs," said Eric Drummond, Mayor of Manitou. "Author Fest engages the community, reflects the importance of reading and literature and brings visitors in from across the state."

“For aspiring and established writers, poets and illustrators, avid readers or book club members, Author Fest offers useful information, interactive sessions and an opportunity to learn, collaborate and share,” said Rita Lewis, President of the Friends of the Manitou Springs Public Library Board. “The art of the written and spoken word, next generation Internet marketing, how to critique a book, memoir writing, how to start a book club, social networking---we have gathered a wealth of expertise for conference attendees.”

Keynote speakers for the event include Michelle Vandepas (Conscious Livelihood), Alec Greven (How to Talk to Girls), illustrator Mark Ludy and Nancy Atherton (the Aunt Dimity series). Over 50 other Colorado authors will be presenting in the largest Author Fest to date. There is also an Arts-in-Education component to Author Fest, as authors will be visiting Manitou Springs and Ute Pass schools. An art/short story/poetry contest is also held and 10 scholarships to attend the conference will be available to high school seniors and college students.

Events related to the conference include a kickoff party on Monday, September 28, at D’Vine Wine of Manitou Springs; Banned Book & Poetry night at Black Cat Books on Tuesday, September 29; Literary Movie Night at the Manitou Springs Public Library, on Wednesday, September 30, featuring “The Hours”; a VIP Reception at the Avenue Hotel B&B on Thursday, October 1; Open Mic Night at Kinfolks on Friday, October 2; and an Authors’ Showcase at the Cliff House on Saturday, October 3. All events except the VIP Reception are free to the public.

Registration for Author Fest is $30 for each day or $50 for both days. Keynote breakfast and luncheon sessions are $20 each. In-kind sponsors for Author Fest of the Rockies include The Colorado Springs Independent, Black Cat Books, the Colorado Center for the Book, Stagecoach Inn, Kinfolks, The Avenue Hotel B&B and D’Vine Wines of Manitou Springs. For more information, to register or to become an AF sponsor, go to www.authorfestoftherockies.org. Author Fest also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Friends of the Manitou Springs Public LibraryRestoration of the Manitou Springs Public Library, a 1910 Carnegie, is an important element in the historic preservation movement in Manitou. Founded in the 1880s as a health resort, Manitou Springs is a thriving town where art, history and nature come together in a unique and diverse mix. The Friends of the Manitou Springs Public Library is a 501c3 that exists to promote and support the Manitou Springs Public Library as a full service library by supplementing the City’s normal processes. For more information about the restoration/expansion project for the Manitou Springs Public Library, to register for or sponsor Author Fest of the Rockies, call Laura Ettinger at 719-231-7202, email pressroom@authorfestoftherockies.org or go to www.authorfestoftherockies.org.