Library hosts local author in conjunction with NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, and the North Shelby Library will provide the opportunity for guests to come to the library and spend time writing.

“This is our third year inviting people to come write in our space,” said Michelyn Reid, reference librarian at North Shelby Library. “We provide a space upstairs from 4-8 p.m. every Monday and more days in November to provide a quiet working space and snacks.”

In conjunction with NaNoWriMo, the library will host local author and Shelby County resident K.B. Hoyle on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. for an Aspiring Author Workshop.

There will be a two-hour general talk about the writing process, including a Q&A session. She will then meet with individuals for 20 minutes at a time for a one-on-one critique of their work.

“She has spoken at the library several times before, and we wanted to tie this event in with National Novel Writing Month and wanted to have her back,” Reid said. “She is a full-time writer who used to be a teacher. We have all her series here at the library. Her events have always been well attended.”

Participants in the individual sessions may send Hoyle up to three pages via email no later than Nov. 9 for her to review prior to the event. Submissions will not be returned until after the individual sessions Nov. 16. Hoyle will critique the work and have 20-minute sessions with the individuals at the event.

This event was made possible by a grant received from the Alabama Humanities Foundation.

“We were awarded a grant of $1,000, and we have to match that,” Reid said. “That covers the cost of hosting Hoyle and allows us to purchase some books and things for the participants to take home.”

Guests do not have to participate in National Novel Writing Month to attend the workshop. There is no cost to attend the author event, but registration is required at northshelbylibrary.org.

For more information on National Novel Writing Month and how to participate, please visit nanowrimo.org.