34 Local Writers Share Their Passion at Greet the Authors Weekend

Thirty-four local authors gathered under tents spread across the lawns of Olde Mistick Village Saturday and Sunday to sell and sign copies of their books, and to discuss their work with shoppers.

Greet the Authors Weekend, organized by the Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association (CAPA), was a fist-time event for the group.

“We’ve done things similar to this on a smaller scale, but never anything quite of this magnitude,” said Southeastern Connecticut CAPA Chairman Tom Santos.

Olde Mistick Village seemed the perfect venue for a larger event, according to Santos.

“It’s a great place for people to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and learn about the books written by people who live right here in the area,” he said.

Authors at the event represented more than 15 literary genres, including mystery, horror, romance, children’s, and memoir.

Many authors chose activities that would draw crowds into their tents and set themselves apart from other writers.

Tracy D. Marlor, author of the children’s book Jack’s Journey to the Pond brought an aquarium filled with tadpoles for curious children to view.

“The kids love watching them hatch so it brings them over to see what’s going on,” said Marlor.

Some writers wore costumes, sang songs, or offered gifts such as bookmarks or pens. Others simply offered lively conversation on the topic of their book.

Business at the event was steady but not extremely busy, according to Santos.

“Things have been pretty slow so far, but we figured we’d have fun one way or the other while we’re here,” said memoirist and musician Ames K. Swartsfager, as he ran his fingers over the buttons of the concertina he brought for the occasion.

In addition to writing memoirs, Swartsfager has written several volumes of sea hymns and chants.

For some of the writers, the event was rewarding just because they were able to share their passion with others for a few hours.

“After talking with them, you can really tell how much of a labor of love it really is for them,” said Barbara Holtkamp, as she made her way through the tents lined along the sidewalk.