Meet Local Voices at The Write Crowd: An Evening of Footnotes & Friends

Abbey Smith
Apr 26
6 min read

If you love books, stories and the people who create them, The Write Crowd is the event for you. On May 16, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, come to the Chelsea Public Library patio for a cozy evening of author talks, book signings, and community connection. No charge, just great company.

This isn't a stuffy lecture or a formal reading series. It's a cozy gathering; the kind where you might end up chatting with a published novelist about their indie publishing journey while holding a signed copy of their latest book.

The Friends of the Chelsea Public Library and the Chelsea Public Library itself are proud to bring this community together, because 100% of the mission here is connecting people to stories and to each other.

What Authors Will Be at The Write Crowd and What Do They Write?

The Write Crowd showcases a talented group of 12 local and regional authors, each bringing their unique voice and genre to the event. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, dark fiction, or travel writing, there’s something here for every reader and writer.

Angela Morse is the author of “The Thief’s Relic” and “The Bloodstone’s Curse,” the first two books in the Son of Avaria fantasy trilogy. A lifelong fan of fantasy inspired by “The Lord of the Rings,” Angela crafts immersive young adult and new adult fantasy adventures filled with rich world-building and compelling characters.

Danika Rose Lynn writes sweet romance stories that transport readers to charming small towns filled with sugar, spice, and happily-ever-afters. Her recently released novel, “Sweet Redemption,” offers a heartwarming escape with plenty of sweet moments and spicy love scenes.

Valerie Pepper brings warmth and humor to contemporary fiction. After years of working in Memphis and now living in Birmingham, Alabama, Valerie’s latest novel, “Worth the Try,” is filled with heart, humor, and relatable characters that feel like old friends.

Kimber Delaney is a nonfiction editor by day and romance author by night. Her stories explore the many facets of love, often blending heartfelt emotion with real-life grit. Kimber’s writing reflects her diverse interests, including crafting and travel, adding depth to her romantic tales.

Kayla James is a romance reader turned author who writes swoon-worthy love stories filled with epic book boyfriends and heartfelt moments. Her work celebrates the joy of happily-ever-afters with a playful, engaging style.

River Gardner is a dark and horror romance author from Central Alabama. Their debut novella, “Good-Bye, Valentine,” and upcoming dark romance “Beg For Me” explore messy, slow-burn relationships set against atmospheric and emotionally intense backdrops. River also runs a kitten rescue, balancing creativity with compassion.

Brenda Hancock spent 38 years as an educator, using storytelling to engage students across the U.S., Korea, and Germany. Now writing from her home in Chelsea, Alabama, Brenda’s work often reflects memoir and historical themes, including stories connected to the Holocaust.

B.W. Green writes honest, heartfelt stories about humanity and hope. Raised as a missionary kid in Southeast Asia and now living in Alabama, her novels are grounded in authentic experiences and explore the complexities of life with compassion.

Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer and blogger who champions the art of slow travel and mindful living. Through her writing, she encourages readers to savor life’s simple moments and embrace intentional exploration, often sharing stories inspired by her adventures with young adult children.

Halcie Dawn is a lifelong reader and romance writer whose love for books began with The Baby-Sitter’s Club series. Her contemporary romance novels feature strong characters and heartfelt stories, reflecting her passion for the genre and life in Alabama with her family.

Hollie Luckie is a small-town Alabama author who wholeheartedly believes in happily ever afters. Between writing and reading romance, she enjoys life on her farm with her high school sweetheart, dog, and a quirky collection of farm animals. Her upcoming book, “Bring Me Back,” debuts this summer.

Sabreena Rodgers is a multi-genre author and storyteller who creates dark, emotional worlds filled with magic, mystery, and deeply flawed characters fighting toward hope. Balancing roles as a nurse, social worker, and photographer, Sabreena’s writing offers a safe, uplifting space for readers who love complex narratives woven with tension and romance.

Is There a Cost to Attend, and How Do I RSVP?

Attending The Write Crowd is completely free. No ticket purchase, no membership required. Just show up on the Chelsea Public Library between 5:30 and 8:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

RSVP is encouraged but not required. If you can, head over to the event page to let us know you're coming. It helps with planning and things like light refreshments and seating on the patio.

But if you decide the day of the event that you want to come, then please come. We’d love to see you. The patio setting creates exactly the kind of relaxed, social atmosphere where dropping in feels natural rather than awkward.

Can I Get Books Signed, and What Happens during the Panel Discussion?

Yes. This is one of the most exciting parts of the evening. You can bring books you already own by any of the featured authors and get them signed, or you can purchase new books directly at the event.

Several authors will have freshly released titles available, which means you could walk away with a signed copy of a book that just entered the world. There's something special about that—a signed first edition from an author you met in person, at a library patio in Chelsea, Alabama.

The panel discussion is where things get especially valuable for fans and aspiring writers. This is your opportunity to hear authors talk about their craft and publishing journeys in a group format, after which you can mingle one-on-one.

We’ve designed the discussion format to feel more like a conversation, not a presentation. Expect candid insights about what the writing process actually looks like, what publishing decisions these authors made and why, and what advice they'd give to writers just starting out.

What Questions Should You Ask Published Authors about Their Path to Publication?

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a fan, The Write Crowd’s panel offers a rare chance to connect with authors across genres. The diverse lineup makes this especially valuable.

Romance authors like Kimber Delaney and Kayla James share insights from one of the strongest indie communities, while fantasy and dark romance writers like River Gardner bring perspectives from equally vibrant scenes. This mix offers fresh, regionally relevant advice you won’t find in generic guides.

For writers, consider asking:

How did you choose between indie and traditional publishing for your genre?
What was your draft-to-final manuscript process like? How many revisions and how long did it take?
How did you build an audience without a major publisher’s marketing?

Fans might ask:

What inspired your latest story or characters?
Which authors influence your style?
Do you have favorite scenes or characters?
How do you balance writing with life?

Are local places part of your stories?
What do you hope readers take away?
How do you handle writer’s block?
What projects excite you next?

These questions will help you connect with both the craft and the heart behind the books. The Write Crowd is all about building genuine connections between readers, writers, and stories.

How Does This Event Connect to the Larger Friends of the Library Community?

The Write Crowd isn't a one-off. It's part of how the Friends of the Chelsea Public Library builds sustained literary community in Chelsea, Alabama. The Friends group is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization whose mission is to support the Chelsea Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and programming exactly like this.

Every dollar raised through Friends initiatives, like our monthly book sales held on the second Saturday of every month from 9 am to 1 pm, goes directly back to library programs and resources. All proceeds benefit the library, full stop.

Those monthly book sales are themselves a community institution worth knowing about. We offer a large variety of books, and most are $0.50. For a writer building a personal research library or simply feeding a reading habit, that kind of access matters.

And for writers who want ongoing community beyond The Write Crowd, getting involved with the Friends group as a member, volunteer, or regular at the monthly sales is how that connection becomes something sustained rather than a single evening's memory.

Remember, when a library has strong community backing, it can offer programming that goes beyond books on shelves.

Practical Details: Parking, Accessibility, and What to Bring

The event takes place on Chelsea Public Library's outdoor patio. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions about the venue setup, reaching out ahead of time through email or the contact page is the best path. We want everyone to feel comfortable and included.

As for what to bring: come with books you'd like signed, cash or a card for purchasing new titles at the event, and your questions. The authors at The Write Crowd are there to connect, which means the more curious and engaged you arrive, the more you'll take home. We’ll also provide some light refreshments.

And if you want to share the event with fellow readers or writers in your network, this is exactly the kind of evening that's better with friends. The more of your literary community you bring with you, the richer the whole evening becomes.

We'd love to see you there. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and let the conversation take you somewhere unexpected. That's what The Write Crowd is all about, and that's what this community has always been built on.