Literary Legends to Talk Secrets of Success at Off the Page Celebration

September 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Best-selling fantasy author Neil Gaiman, creator of the “Sandman” comic book series, leads a stellar lineup of successful authors at an upcoming event hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.

Off the Page literary celebration launches Nov. 1 and features more than two weeks of author talks, writing workshops, book signings, and more – all free to attendees. No registration is required, attendance is first come, first seated.

Bestselling authors include Gaiman, creator of “Stardust”, “American Gods,” “Coraline”, and more; Sarah MacLean, a New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselling author of historical romance; six-time Eisner Award winner Raina Telgemeier, the creator of New York Times graphic novels, “Smile” and “Sisters”; science writer Sam Kean, the author of “The Disappearing Spoon”, “The Bastard Brigade” and “The Icepick Surgeon”; and historical fiction writer Sarah Penner author of “The Lost Apothecary and “The London Séance Society” with an upcoming drama series on Fox. The main events are as follows:

·         Author talk and book signing with Sarah MacLean at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Selby Library, (1331 First St., Sarasota).

·         Author talk and book sale with Neil Gaiman at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Venice Performing Arts Center (1 Indian Ave., Venice).

·         Author talk and book signing with Raina Telgemeier at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Shannon Staub Library, (4675 Career Lane, North Port).

·         Discussion with Sam Kean at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at Gulf Gate Library (7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota).

·         Author talk and book signing with Sarah Penner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library (300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice).

Participants can also explore the written word through programming associated with Off the Page that occurs daily at every Sarasota County library location and with events scheduled for Ringling College of Art and Design and Hermitage Artist Retreat.  

“Writing and literature is a form of art that deserves to be celebrated as part of Sarasota’s world-class art scene,” said Renée Di Pilato, Director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “We hope that this will be the start of an annual festival that residents can look forward to year after year.” 

Events range from teen writing workshops led by Ringling professor Ryan Van Cleave to a carnivorous plant sale hosted by botanist Kenny Coogan to a mystery night panel discussion with Ocean View Publishing.

“There is really something for everyone,” said Di Pilato. “We wanted to showcase literature in its many forms and create events that are interactive, fun, and spark a sense of wonder.”

For a full programming lineup, visit www.OffThePageFL.org, or call 311 or 941-861-1110.