Bookmark This

Redding Author Fair connects Local Storytellers…

It’s a reciprocal relationship as old as the written word itself: Authors need readers and readers need authors. Luckily, both parties will have the opportunity to grow that relationship in early May when the Redding Writers Forum hosts the 2026 Author Fair.

The fair will be held from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 2, at the Lake Redding Park pavilion adjacent to the boat ramp. Organizers expect between 20 and 30 authors will participate. “We’ll have pretty much every genre you can think of represented,” says Amy Rowland, president of the writers forum.

“We get an interesting variety of people,” adds Jennifer Levens, a longtime member of the Redding Writers Forum. “Science fiction, romance, historical fiction, non-fiction, poets. They’re all interesting to talk to and that’s so cool. It’s an opportunity for authors to get together and say, ‘Hey public, I’m here.’”

The fair will have plenty for readers, as well. Levens says a writing contest for kids is planned and participating authors will contribute a book to a big basket that will be raffled off. Authors will decorate their own tables and offer a variety of promotional items. “It gives people a chance to see the people in the community who are writing and expand their universe a bit.” 

Sharon Owen, a traditionally published author (under the Sharon St. George pen name) who is working on the seventh book in her Aimee Machado mystery series, says author fairs give writers of all stripes a crucial link to prospective readers.

“They’re really very important,” Owen says. “Any opportunity where writers can sell in person is always well worth it. Authors such as myself have to take every opportunity to get our books out.”

Author fairs have a big upside for readers, as well, Rowland says. “You get to meet the author and talk about the book. You can see their eyes light up when they talk about their characters. You can get your book signed and maybe get some swag. And you’re also knowing the vast majority of the money is helping the author. We love selling our books, writing our books, the high we get when we get to talk about the books. It’s a highlight of our year to get to mix in with readers,” Rowland says. “It’s the bread and butter for an indie author. To get out and be seen and meet other authors. Most authors sell more at in-person events than they do online.” 

Rowland, who publishes under the pen name Uriah Rowland, has three books out in what she describes as a mix of urban fantasy and psychological thriller. She is shopping a fourth, in the science-fiction genre, and expects it will be published in 2026.

While publishing “has always been pretty saturated,” the advent of the digital age has made it easier for independent authors to self-publish their work, Rowland says, but it also means “there are some authors who probably shouldn’t be doing it. There’s some poorly edited work out there.” 

Independent authors “have to do everything ourselves and we take it very seriously,” Rowland says. “It’s not an easier route, it’s just an easier way to go” compared to obtaining management, contracting with a publisher and relinquishing some rights and creative control.

Independent bookstores, like Shop Around the Corner (1430 Butte St. in downtown Redding) and Bailey’s Book Nook in the Sherven Square building (1330 Market St.), are a valuable asset for independent authors and help them gain a little recognition. “We love partnering with independent bookstores. It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Rowland says.

The Redding Writers Forum, established in the early 1980s by Lois Cecil-Bisset and John Lawson, meets on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Pilgrim Congregational Church.  

At its April 11 meeting, the forum will host a screenwriting workshop featuring Paul Zeidman, an award-winning screenwriter and host of the Creative Writing Life podcast. The event is from 10 am to 3 pm and includes lunch. Cost is $15 for Forum members and $25 for nonmembers. •

2026 Author Fair 
10 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 2
Lake Redding Park pavilion adjacent to the boat ramp
Free
www.reddingwritersforum.com