“SECOND TO NONE”
When people ask about why I created the "Authors and Artists" idea it came from a visit to Lansing, MI. I arranged an event for a couple of authors to speak and one author, Monica Young Freeman who had a book about domestic abuse spoke about surviving a domestic violence attack, she had been shot five times in a murder suicide attempt by her ex husband (he killed himself after shooting her). In the audience there was a young lady who could have been no older than 25. She came up to Monica and broke down crying, saying she was on the verge of killing herself and that her talk prevented that from happening. That message about the power of the story, the power of words, led me to create a forum for independent authors with real stories to tell to reach a large number of people.
"Authors and Artists" is now in its sixth year and over those years, has hosted nearly 100 independent and traditionally published authors . The event has grown to include a separate art show and music concert but it still focuses on "the story". The story is what moves people to buy a book. A good story can change lives, give you a personal call to action and make you a better person. I can say it has personally changed my life and let me know that I'm on the right track. Stories of surviving abusive situations, succeeding through adversity still dominate the event, so popular were those artists that a segment called "inspirations" was created to focus on those writers. There are also some really great storytellers who write some great fiction and can keep you entertained. Our diversity in the authors we select help us to create a different kind of event.
The event has been held all six years in Chicago, but has had versions held in Milwaukee and Detroit and next year there is talk of holding the event in 2-3 different cities. The amazing thing about the event is that it has operated on nearly a zero budget save for a few small sponsors over the years it has been funded almost entirely by 220 Communications. We have had some great partners locally, book stores and small businesses that lend support and get the word out. Our challenges are large, like any upstart, and the economy this year has impacted the number of participating authors. But the event still focuses on the power of the story and the individuals who have written, lived through and continue to tell their story.
Glenn Murray
220 Communications
Authors and Artists Chicago Takes Place October 1-3 at multiple locations around the city and suburbs. For more information call (866) 533-9884 or email info@220communications.com or visit www.authorsandartistslive.com