Southwest Florida Reading Festival

FORT MYERS, FL.–We’re just hours away from one of the biggest events of the year in our area.
The Southwest Florida Reading Festival opens to the public at 10 am and WINK News is a proud sponsor.

“I think when authors have an opportunity to connect with readers they are doing their part in fostering their love for reading,” said author Kim Boykin.

This is Boykins’ first time at the reading festival. Tonight at the Evening with the Authors event, she, along with other authors, got to personally connect with readers.

“You write these stories in your pajamas and you feel compelled to tell the story and that is why you publish it to get it out. And to have somebody accept it is like having somebody accepting your child , it’s amazing,” said Boykin.

This year, nearly 30 authors are featuring their books and ready to get up close and personal.

“To be able to find out from the author what kind of person they are, how they work, what their inspiration came from, that just rounds out the whole experience,” said Sheldon Kaye.

Tonight, many authors also tell WINK News, today’s technology makes it tough getting more people to read.

“I think we are competing with mass media all the time for grabbing attention,” said The New York Times Best Selling author Mary Alice Monroe.

Monroe is this years winner of the Distinguished Author Award and says reading events like this are very important for everyone.

“To remind people that there are adventures to be had, so when you have events like this that celebrates reading and brings together authors, it reminds people that reading is fun,” said Monroe.

The Reading Festival runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm tomorrow.

For all the information, CLICK HERE.