Love of literature inspires the Millbrook Literary Festival

MILLBROOK — The upcoming Millbrook Literary Festival on Saturday, May 30, is “shaping up to be our best yet,” according to Millbrook Literary Festival Committee volunteer Sam Falk.“We have over 50 authors participating from a wide variety of genres. We are excited to offer a program with almost literarily something for everyone, from picture book authors for children to mystery, history, cookbooks and poetry for adults and everything in between!” continued Falk.The upcoming festival is the seventh and as always is billed as promoting literacy. The day will be filled with author book signings, poetry, a Young Writer’s Showcase, spotlights on writers and lively panel discussions. All events will take place at the Millbrook Free Library this year.“I’m excited about our very strong journalism line-up this year with a talk by Rex Smith from the Times Union and NPR’s The Media Project, followed by a panel discussion with editors from five local newspapers,” said Falk. The panel of editors will include Millerton News Editor Whitney Joseph.A coup for the festival this year will be the appearance of Jim DeFelice, co-author of the book “American Sniper,” on which the acclaimed movie is based. He will talk about that and his new book, “American Wife,” released on May 4.This year’s festival features panels of interest to writers as well as readers. “I would definitely recommend that anyone looking to have their work published attend the festival this year. The panel discussion on the varied paths to being published should prove invaluable,” said Falk.Also on the schedule is a Trends in Cookbooks panel discussion including authors Mark Scarborough and Bruce Weinstein (“The Great Big Pressure Cooker Book”) and Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine. Merritt Books will be on hand with books by all authors and illustrators at the festival available for purchase.One of the highlights of the festival has always been the opportunity for young writers to submit original creative writing, have it published in the festival’s Young Writers Showcase publication and have the opportunity to read their work to an appreciative audience. Guidelines for entering the 2015 Young Writers Showcase are at www.millbrookbookfestival.org. The deadline for entries is Monday, May 18. The Literary Festival is completely organized by volunteers. “We’ve got a small team of very dedicated people who are putting in a lot of work in their free time to make the festival happen. We’ve got community members, authors, library staff, bookstore employees; the only qualification to join us is a love of literature. I’m a chemistry teacher,” said Falk.The festival is also completely nonprofit and relies on the generosity of others. Falk commented that the Millbrook Tribute Garden, Hudson Valley Parent and Fountain Press “have been especially supportive.” To donate, make checks out to the Millbrook Rotary with Millbrook Literary Festival in the memo line. All supporters are mentioned on the festival’s website and in printed materials.For information about the authors and activities planned for the day go to www.millbrookbookfestival.org.