The 13th Annual Festival of Books welcomes readers of all ages to embrace the printed word, attend workshops, eat delicious food, and of course, buy lots of books.

You will have the chance to meet dozens of authors, get your books signed, and win valuable prizes!

Saturday, September 28:
9:30 - 10:30 AM AM Keynote Speaker, Dr. Scott Donaldson, “I’m Just Sayin’”
10:30 AM - Exhibit Hall Open
10:30 AM - Kassy Keppol: Kids Activities Table open until 4:00 PM
11:00 AM Workshop #1 Robin Woods: “Bust Writer’s Block and Get Writing”
12:00 Noon Workshop #2 Eric Alan: “Writing with Gratitude”
1:00 PM Workshop #3 Big Wave Poetry / Charles Castle: “Poetry Open Mic”
2:00 PM Workshop #4 Ned Hickson: “Turning Your Idea into a Novel”
3:00 PM Workshop #5 Elina Oliferovskiy, “Get Your Book PUBLISHED”
4:30 PM Panel Discussion: Lead by Ken Babbs: “How the Heck Did Lane County Oregon Become Such a Hotbed of Creativity?!”
5:55 PM FEC closes

Keynote Address: Dr. Scott Donaldson is an author and storyteller with a syndicated radio show. He's also a dad, husband, and itinerant surgeon locally renowned in the Carolinas as “The Vasectomy King.” He has practiced the specialty of urology for more than 25 years and has trained resident urology physicians throughout his career. He has held the highest physician hospital leadership positions, from Chair of Peer Review to Chief of Staff at Duke and UNC.

Dr. Donaldson’s Urological Surgery & Lite Haulin: Reflections of a Small Town Surgeon, is a humorous, pithy, and often poignant view from the life and work of a doctor in central South Carolina. The book amplifies his syndicated radio show, “I’m Just Sayin’,” in which he shares short observations and reflections on life, love, death, medicine, and the (anonymous) stories of his patients over the years. Dr. Donaldson’s broadcast is heard locally on KCST-Coast radio five times a week here in Florence, Oregon, and online at KCST.com.

Panel Discussion Leader:  Ken Babbs is an author, raconteur, and an original founding member of the counterculture “Merry Pranksters.” Babbs wrote Last Go Round with best friend and co-Prankster, Ken Kesey. With Paul Perry, Babbs produced On the Bus: The Complete Guide to the Legendary Trip of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters and the Birth of the Counterculture. Come meet this current Lane County resident and former FURTHUR bus rider at the Florence Festival of Books and hear his take on “How The Heck Did Lane County Become Such a Hotbed of Creativity?” and other topics.

Basic admission is $2 to access the exhibits. Admission to the keynote address and exhibits is $5. A $10 all-access pass includes exhibit hall, workshops, and keynote address. Students 18 and under are free. Wristbands will be issued for workshop entry.