Literary festival planned for Milford

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 8/21/12

MILFORD, PA — A new festival celebrating Milford’s rich history and current population of writers—and readers—is coming to town in the last weekend of September/beginning of October this …

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Literary festival planned for Milford

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MILFORD, PA — A new festival celebrating Milford’s rich history and current population of writers—and readers—is coming to town in the last weekend of September/beginning of October this year. Working with area writers and volunteers, its aim is to connect readers and local and/or aspiring writers with already established literary figures for inspiration and enjoyment, Amy Ferris, one of the board members explained.

The line-up of authors is impressive, starting with Gloria Steinem, a world-renowned icon of the women’s movement, a writer and political activist. Her most recent book, “My Life on the Road,” is on the current New York Times bestseller list.

One of the originators of the festival, Susan Braun Levine, was the first editor of Ms., where she and Steinem worked together, and the friendship that developed has stood the test of time.

“They worked together and remained great friends,” Ferris said, so when the festival started to take place, Levine invited her. Other literary figures who are coming include John Berendt, author of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and MK Asante, best-selling author of “Buck: A Memoir.”

The festival focuses on interaction and conversation between readers and writers. Originally the festival was planned as a more writer-centered event, but now readers are an important, integral part of the festival.

Berendt, Asante, and Steinem will all take part on panels and also be present at a cocktail reception at Hotel Fauchere. The other founders of the festival are Susan’s husband Bob Levine, Ferris, and Hotel Fauchere owner and current Milford Mayor Sean Strub.

“The four of us had a conversation wanting to do a literary festival here, and it finally has come to fruition. We have amazing people who have come to help us—authors, artists, writers—and this year we’re bringing it to fruition. We’re thrilled,” Ferris said.

To honor the area’s legacy of science fiction writers, “We’re going to have a very large science fiction compartment at the Columns Museum, with a variety of panels,” Ferris said.

She continued, “The goal is for the readers to get to know their favorite authors so it feels very intimate. When you read somebody’s book, you feel you know them as well as the characters, and when you meet them, it’s like meeting a friend.”

No agents or publishers will be present at the festival. “It’s not about the craft of writing, agents, or the business of writing, it’s about the art of writing,” Ferris expounded. “It’s not like a typical writers festival, it’s more like ‘The art of the word, an interaction, a conversation between the writer and readers.’”

Local writers too will have the opportunity to have conversations one on one, to find out how the authors write. “It’s more about how the author got that story on the page, which will inspire the reader and probably writers. It’s more a learning thing… It’s very different from any other writers’ festival, unique. The fact we’re emphasizing the reader opens it up in a different way.”

Local libraries will be involved by hosting readings for young adults and children. There will be poetry slams, and a pop-up bookstore where local authors can come and read their work and sign books.

Ferris, who sits also on the board of the well-established Black Bear Film Festival, said the two festivals complement each other. “This is an extraordinary community. We have so many talented people here both in terms of film and writing, we get to honor them and highlight them, and create some magic here.”

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