Are you interested in writing but don’t know how to get started? Do you like to write but don’t know how to be published? If so, we have a wonderful program for you called Creative Minds. In this program, local authors come to Mifflin County Library and talk about their personal writing journey and explain how to get work published.

This program started last September and has been very successful. The original goal was to have one author visit each season. But so far, we’ve had one author every month. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website where you will find Photos and other Upcoming Programs.

The first author to visit was Ron Erskine, who writes as R. J. Erskine. MCL owns three of his Malcolm Cromarty series. Other authors who have visited include Kevin Macomber and Gary Drake. Kevin Macomber’s book “Walking from the Shadows” details his journey with PTSD brought about by his time in the military. Gary Drake is a native of Mount Union and has written two books, “Enduring Love” and “Christmas in Peppermint Springs.”

Christopher Greyson writes mystery-thrillers and, in January, he shared his writing journey with Mifflin County Library readers via Zoom all the way from Tennessee.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m., we will welcome our fifth author, Laurissa Mary Rex. She will discuss her book, “The Waldorf Effect.” In this book, Ms. Rex explores the thrilling world of paranormal research. If hauntings or ghostly images are interesting to you, then you may want to come and hear what Ms. Rex has to say.

We have several authors scheduled including Kathy Pennell in March. Ms. Pennell writes the Treadwill mystery series which is reminiscent of Agatha Christie mysteries. Vicky Burkholder will visit in April. Ms. Burkholder is a native of Pennsylvania and writes romance books with a touch of the paranormal.

The library’s adult programmer, Cheryl, works tirelessly, emailing authors to come and visit. It can be even more daunting because, at this time, there is no budget for this program. But the authors have been gracious enough to visit and talk about their work. The author is welcome to sell their books while they are here and many have donated a book to the library. The library doesn’t pay the authors nor do we charge people to come and watch.

Creative Minds is such a great program. It’s a wonderful way to talk to a writer who may be just like you. It’s a great way to gain insight into the world of writing. What I find fascinating is that all of the authors are different. Some write fiction, some write nonfiction. Some write romance, others write mysteries. Laurissa Mary Rex will discuss her journey into paranormal research while Madalene Rutherford, a licensed doctor of occupational therapy, will discuss her book in May.

Authors are scheduled through July with more authors showing interest. There is no need to sign up to attend. Just come and get out of the house for an hour and enjoy.

If you are an author and would like to share your writing journey with library patrons, please fill out the form located on the Upcoming Programs tab on the library website. We would love to host you.

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Susan Miriello is the Executive Director of the Mifflin County Library. You can call the library at (717) 242-2391. Kish Library’s phone number is (717) 935-2880. Visit the library website at www.mifflincountylibrary.org.