'Next great read': Auburn expo connects local authors with readers
AUBURN — Samantha Parish was able to enjoy Seymour Library's annual Author Expo on Saturday from both sides of the table.
Parish was one of about 30 authors with tables of their books at the expo, which took place at the Ukrainian National Club.
An avid reader herself, Parish told The Citizen that two entries in the "Super Mental" sci-fi series from Auburn writer Mackenzie McMillan were among the five books she purchased at the event. Parish, whose own books include psychological thriller novels and a poetry collection, said the local expo was her first as both a reader and an author.
"I read as much as I write, so I really enjoy supporting other authors as well," she said. "I understand how it can be difficult to get out there. It's good to support and also be supported."
The event also allowed Parish to network with other authors and sell copies of her own books. Now in its third year, the expo is an annual fundraiser for the Auburn library and organized by its Friends of Seymour Library group. Along with the author tables were raffles, refreshments and a panel discussion on writing featuring some of the guests.
Among the organizers of the event were Susan Eoannou, a member of the Friends of Seymour Library and chair of the expo committee, and the library's director of programs and outreach, Jackie Kolb. They told The Citizen all of the authors at the event are from New York state. The tomes on their tables included children's books, mysteries, fantasy, true crime and romantic comedies.
Eonnoa said that while she believes many community members want to support the library, the event is far more than just a fundraiser.
"I think the larger goal is to introduce different authors to the community, authors who people in Auburn might not have the opportunity to meet or read their works," she said.
Kolb noted the library has a local author collection, and a lot of writers who come to the expo donate copies of their books to it.
Looking out at the people browsing and chatting with authors, Kolb said she believed people "are looking for their next great read."
Writer Crystal Wolfe, who lives in Auburn and is founder and president of the nonprofit The Solution to Hunger , greeted people at the expo with a wide smile. She said she has brought copies of her work, including a fantasy series, a nonfiction look at homelessness and a book on positive thinking, to around 90 events this year in 20 counties throughout the state.
Noting that most of the proceeds from the books go to her nonprofit, she said events like the expo allow her to reach out to more people and organizations.
Wolfe also said she was happy to be a part of an event supporting the Auburn library, and said she enjoyed the expo.
"I think it's informative for people to understand the role of a writer more," she said.
Kathy DeJoy-Genkos, who also lives in Auburn, had local history at her table. Her first book was "Hometown Heroes: The History of the Auburn Fire Department," which was co-written with her brother Scott DeJoy, a retired assistant chief for the department. The cover features a photo of their father, Frank DeJoy, who was also an Auburn firefighter.
DeJoy-Genkos' latest book tackles the life of Gladys Johnson, a Finger Lakes daredevil active in the 1920s. The author said she is interested in happenings in the region from years past.
"Learning about the who and the what and the when and the where of Auburn and Cayuga County draws me in," she said.
DeJoy-Genkos said she was enjoying the event, and was glad to have the opportunity to connect with other wordsmiths.
She also said she believes the expo allows readers to get a better understanding of the people behind the pages.
"I think it's an opportunity to meet with the authors, learn about who they are are and how they connect to their own books," she said.
Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or . Love
Education, court and crime reporter
