Celebrate local authors at the Round Rock Public Library’s Local Author Meet and Greet, Saturday, March 21, on the first and second floors from 11am-1pm. Come and meet local authors Sanvi Akshay, Jann Alexander, Kay B., Harold Jobes, Aanya Kapoor, Cassie Kirby, Genia M. Owens, Priscila Vega, and Laurie Woodford. They will have copies of their books for sale with 10% of the sales going to help support The Friends of the Round Rock Library.
Children’s Authors will have the opportunity to read an excerpt from one of their books at the end of Family Storytime, which takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m., in the Second Floor Program Space.
Author Spotlight
Sanvi Akshay (co-author)
We are Aanya and Sanvi, 12-and 11-year-old authors who co-wrote Britney and Posey, a story about two best friends and the adventures they share. We love creating characters, personalities, and story ideas, and deciding what happens next in each adventure. We imagine this world as one we would love to live in ourselves and enjoy escaping into fantasy through our writing. We began writing the book together in 3rd grade, using imagination and creativity to bring the story to life. Finishing each other’s sentences and thoughts was the best part of writing this book together.
Jann Alexander
Jann Alexander is the author of the historical novel, Unspoken, set in the Texas Panhandle during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression eras, and her first book in
TheDust Series. Jann writes on all things creative in her weekly blog, Pairings. She’s a 20-year resident of central Texas and creator of the Vanishing Austin photography series. As
a former art director for ad agencies and magazines in the D.C. area, and a painter, photographer, and art gallery owner, creativity is her practice and passion. Jann always brakesfor historical markers.
Kay B.
As a mom and avid reader, Kay B believes that stories are a powerful way to shape young minds. This belief inspired her to become an author and create books that inspire and teach valuable lessons. Her books encourage children to embrace values like mindfulness, compassion, determination, empathy, and curiosity. Kay B hopes her stories not only nurture a love for reading but also help young readers build the skills and confidence they need to shine in life.
Harold Jobes
Harold Jobes is a sixth generation Texan who grew up in a family ranching in Kimble and Gillespie County. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School, then Southwest Texas State College. After serving in the U.S. Army, he came to Austin where he was employed by the State and raised his family. He retired from the State as a government executive and now manages his ranching operation in Burnet County. His lifelong interest in Texas History has made him an active participant in many historical associations, he writes for journals and is author of the book, Barbs, Bullets, and Blood, the 1880’s Texas Barbed Wires Wars.
Aanya Kapoor (co-author)
We are Aanya and Sanvi, 12-and 11-year-old authors who co-wrote Britney and Posey, a story about two best friends and the adventures they share. We love creating characters, personalities, and story ideas, and deciding what happens next in each adventure. We imagine this world as one we would love to live in ourselves and enjoy escaping into fantasy through our writing. We began writing the book together in 3rd grade, using imagination and creativity to bring the story to life. Finishing each other’s sentences and thoughts was the best part of writing this book together.
Cassie Kirby
Cassie Kirby fell in love with reading as a little girl. Her mission is to try and spread that love, adventure, and magic with her own stories. Her favorite things include long walks, yoga, pizza, and sleeping in. On any given day, you can find her in Texas; solving problems, crunching numbers, and loving her family. For more info follow her on Instagram @CassieKirbybooks
Genia M. Owens
Genia M. Owens and her husband, Roy, built an indoor wooden playground for their three-year-old grandson during the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the imaginative structures he created in the playground, she began writing adventure stories centered on construction play—encouraging children to learn through building. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing), a master’s degree in Information and Communications Technology (Website Development and Design), and a lifelong influence from engineers and builders in her family, her goal is to spark early curiosity in architecture, engineering, and construction—believing that today’s playful builders will become tomorrow’s innovators.
Priscila Vega
Priscila Vega was born in El Salvador during the civil war. She has survived: a catastrophic earthquake, a war zone, a harsh journey to the US, the hardships of being an immigrant in America, several other natural disasters, lots of loss and grief. She worked in public education and did foster care. She writes about these themes, yes, but her work is the story of how she came to know God.
Laurie Woodford
Laurie Woodford is the author of The Heart Hitch, Stop and Gogh, Unsettled: a memoir, and Writing Life Stories. Before writing full-time, she taught college English in the U.S., China, and South Korea for over twenty years. When Laurie’s not writing, teaching, or spending time with her amazing husband, Bruce, and wonder dog, Journey, she volunteers for hospice as a certified end-of-life doula. For more, please visit: www.lauriewoodford.com.
