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Local Writers Celebrate National Authors Day and National Novel Writing Month
OXON HILL, Md. — During National Authors Day weekend on Nov. 2, 2024, Keynote Speaker Roderick K. Mitchell shared with featured authors, readers, and content creators how to maximize success overall in life and literary endeavors. The event, “Wondrous Words and Works” Celebration held at the Oxon Hill Branch Library at 6200 Oxon Hill Road, marked 25 years of publishing for Temple Hills, Md., Christian publisher, RGMI Press.
Mitchell, an experienced leader, motivational speaker, 28-year veteran D.C. firefighter, and author of Fire, Fury, Faith, challenged his audience while inspiring them through every word and gesture.
“Did you walk on the water?” asked Mitchell, now a D.C. Fire and EMS retiree who facilitates professional workshops. “When it’s time to journal write, do we make excuses, or do we rise to the occasion?” With this idea in mind, Mitchell helped audience members refocus during the event designed to spark creativity and prompt new authors.
D.C. and Prince George’s County-based featured authors participating in book readings and writing exercises included Bridget P. Robinson, Cori Holder, Gwenivere McClain, and Kisha Bridges-Ward.
“Influential Christian publishers like RGMI Press empower authors to spread Jesus Christ’s inspiring teachings through diverse platforms,” said Robinson, an ordained minister and author of A Single Woman’s Guide to Protecting and Defending Her Celibacy in God. “I am thankful to have my role in Christian literature acknowledged,” Robinson added.
“November 2 was a great Authors Day event!” said Holder, author of Passing the Baton to the Next Generation. “It was an honor to be invited and to give my first book reading,” added Holder, a fellow ordained minister who writes about fatherhood and family legacy.
His wife Roxy Holder acknowledged that authors can present their perspective. “His book was birthed from his love and respect for his grandfather,” she stated. “His story reminds us that we all have a story to be told,” she added.
Author E. Nadine Thaxton-Tensley was among recognized authors for her historic biography The Cry That Wasn’t Heard. It chronicles the life of her husband, an army veteran who lost his life over 50 years ago in Vietnam. The story aired Nov. 11 on News4 Washington, D.C., and event attendees who connected during the Authors Day event expressed thankful sentiments for his sacrifice on social media.
“We as authors and writers will continue to share our stories because it is how we encourage each other to write, no matter how difficult it may seem,” said Aisha Asare, RGMI Press publisher and event host.
Allen J. Hall Sr., author of Benny, a crime novel; Marry Harris, contributor to Faith for Fiery Trials anthology; Jean Lee, children’s book author of Jeffrey and Jasmine; Janice Liggins, author of Journey to YourCalling; and Andrew C. Walker, author of The Successful Sinner were among authors attending the milestone event.
“Authors told their compelling stories. The love shown for authors will spark more conversations,” said Lee.
“Wonderful event!” proclaimed Walker. “A tremendous learning experience with talented authors, poets. I was blessed to be in the flow and mix,” he added, referring to other featured writers Gwenivere McClain, author of poetry collection Conversations From Above, and Kisha Bridges-Ward, author of Separated, Not Single.
“We’ve had extraordinary authors and authors in the making,” said fellow ordained minister Bridges-Ward, who writes about issues of marriage and divorce.
Also in attendance and part of a journal-writing exercise were emerging authors Justine Ingram, Victoria Lay-Johnson, and Thomas Green. Green, author of the fantasy manuscript “The Starry Seas,” has met the National Novel Writing Month challenge of at least 50,000 words. All attendees were encouraged to keep writing wondrous words throughout the year.
Contacts:
Aisha Asare
RGM International
(240) 441-0122
publisher@rgminternational.org