News

Authors and publishers give insights at DuPage library seminars

Posted January 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By Nadia Malik

Caryn Lazar Amster

Caryn Lazar Amster's journey in writing a book about her father's murder included the creation of her own publishing company just so "The Pied Piper of South Shore, Toys and Tragedy in Chicago" could make it into print.

Amster will share her ordeals as a writer and publisher as part of a series at local libraries.

Eleven libraries in DuPage County pulled together authors with differing experiences to give advice in their "Inside Writing & Publishing" seminars.

The first event will include the Daily Herald's own Russell Lissau who, along with fellow local comic creator Josh Elder, will discuss how to create comics and graphic novels. The event, at the Glenside library, also will feature Gene Ha, a comic book artist who will create an original sketch for some of the attendees.

"It's a hands-on workshop that gives the participants insight into how comic books get made and how they're written," Lissau said. "We're going to have fun exercises for participants of all ages."

Lissau, who was always a comic book fan, also will discuss how he was able to break into the industry.

At the end of January, the Glen Ellyn library will feature Robert Goldsborough. He is the author of seven murder mysteries and will talk about blending reality with fictional characters.

Amster's discussion will take place Feb. 4 at the Wheaton library.

The Elk Grove Village woman was raised in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. Her father, Manny Lazar, was shot and killed in 1970 at the toy store he ran with his wife.

Although it's based around her own family's history, the story also explores the rise and fall of the neighborhood.

"I thought writing a story about your own family was going to be pretty easy," Amster said.

After hundreds of hours of research, Amster realized that the story was not just about her father but about the area she lived in.

"By the time I'm through (with my talk), I get more people interested in writing a book about their history," she said. "It has to be done because we're the only ones that know that information. When we're gone, that information is gone."

February will feature Laura Caldwell at the Hinsdale Library. A former trial attorney who began writing mysteries while trying cases, she will talk about writing as a second career.

Rich King, a veteran sportscaster for WGN, will share his thoughts about writing for broadcast on Feb. 15 at the Addison Library.

The series will wrap up with Jennifer Flannery, a literary agent who will speak Feb. 28 at the Bartlett Library. Flannery lives and works in Naperville and opened her own agency in 1992. She represents authors who write for children and young adults.

For information on any of the events, or to register, contact the sponsoring libraries.

Josh Elder

Rich King

Laura Caldwell

Robert Goldsborough

Russell Lissau

Writing & Publishing Several DuPage libraries will sponsor free seminars that give insight into writing and publishing. Contact each library to sign up for programs. Calling all caped crusaders: How to create your own comics and graphic novels When: 2 p.m. Jan. 24 Where: Glenside Public Library District, 25 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights Authors: Josh Elder and Russell Lissau with artist Gene Ha Info: (630) 260-1550 or glensidepld.org Mixing fact and fiction in your writing When: 7 p.m. Jan. 29 Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St. Author: Robert Goldsborough Info: (630) 469-0879 or gepl.org Telling and selling your family's true story When: 7 p.m. Feb. 4 Where: Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St. Author: Caryn Lazar Amster Info: (630) 868-7520 or wheatonlibrary.org Moonlighting: Writing as a second career When: 7 p.m. Feb. 11 Where: Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St. Author: Laura Caldwell Info: (630) 986-1976 or hinsdalelibrary.info Writing for broadcast When: 2 p.m. Feb. 15 Where: Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza Author: Rich King Info: (630) 458-3320 or addisonlibrary.org Literary agent When: 2 p.m. Feb. 28 Where: Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road Presenter: Jennifer Flannery Info: (630) 837-3560 or bartlett.lib.il.us

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