Local author to speak at writer series

Published 12:47 pm Monday, April 30, 2018

Next Tuesday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m., the Library’s Writers Series presents a talk by local author Debbie Hatfield.

Debbie always liked to write but she didn’t always see herself as a writer.

She took writing classes in college and got published in Kentucky Explorer.

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After achieving those goals, she felt she wanted to do more.

So, she joined Write Local at the Clark County Public Library and began to get into her groove.

The turning point occurred when she read one of her historical pieces, and a member of the group said, “I don’t get. From what I know, I can’t believe your character would act that way.”

Rather than being dismayed, Debbie set out to bring her female protagonist to life.

That process took her on a wild ride of research and talks with older individuals.

But, Debbie did even more than read books and record interviews.

Like all good writers, she started to pay attention to everything going on around her.

Debbie began to note qualities of things, characteristics of people, and features of events that she applied to her story, turning her characters into real person readers care about.

By doing research, interviewing people and paying attention to the world around her, Debbie has vividly created the life of a young girl growing up in Prohibition Era Eastern Kentucky.

Come learn how she did this and apply these lessons to your own writing.

This presentation is free and open to the public.

Please register to attend by calling the Library 859-744-5661 or use the Evanced online registration system at www.clarkbooksorg.

You’ll want to bring pencil and paper in order to take notes.

Other programs this week?

Tuesday, May 1, 10 a.m. Internet 1, basic computer operation and internet searching. This class is limited to four, so you must register to attend.

If you have your own laptop, please feel free to bring it.

This class is for beginners.

We do not work fast. You get to use the computer at your own speed.

Wednesday, May 2, 2 p.m. Kentucky Picture Show presents a quirky 2016 comedy. In 1979, an Indian family moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream.

Their 10-year-old boy, Smith, falls head-over-heels for the girl next door and his desire to become a “good old boy” propels him further away from his family’s ideals. Rated – PG – 13

Wednesday, May 2, 7 p.m. Head on down to Winchester’s Engine House Pizza Pub for a rousing and challenging evening of trivia.

Reference Librarian, Jeff Gurnee, has the resources to find really esoteric trivia questions.

Friday, May 4, Write Local.

Want to hear some of Debbie Hatfield’s novel before she makes her presentation next Tuesday?

Come to Write Local. Bring some of your own work, too.

Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. You know, there is something beautiful and satisfying about making the world a more colorful place, and the members of Outside the Lines are masters.

The Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program begins in one month on Monday, June 4.

This year the ASRP will feature a community photography show. Start looking through your photographs for scenes, group shots, portraits, and events you’d like to show in the exhibit.

More about that next week. There’s always something new and something brewing at the Library.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.