Nebraskan Authors Give Panel to Aspiring Authors

by Emily Kollbaum

16 Nebraskan authors gathered on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Seward Memorial Library to discuss what it is like to work in their profession. 11 of those authors have new books coming out this year. The moderator of the panel was New York Times bestselling-author Alex Kava, author of the “Reckless Creed” series.

Kava led the panel in discussing their new works, inspirations and writing processes. Author Tom Frye spoke about his new book “Rez Dog.”

“It’s about a (state narcotics) dog that gets placed in Seward for its retirement ceremony,” Frye said. This story includes a twist ending involving drug cartel leader and the race to save a stolen dog. The authors were asked whether or not they use an outline when they are writing. There was a wide variety of answers.

“I hear the story before I write them,” R. G. Bud Phelps said.

“B.I.C.F.O.K. is an acronym from a blog,” Tevin Hansen said. “‘Butt In Chair Fingers On Keyboard.’ Just get it done!” Several of the authors also included continuing to read as good advice.

The authors had their books for sale through Chapters Books & Gifts and stayed after the panel to talk to people and sign their books.

Carla Ketner, owner of Chapters, worked to put this event together.

“The reason why I do this is because we have over 70 local authors that we work with, and I want to be able to do something for all of them,” Ketner said. “I do it because I want to support the local writers and give them an outlet and give them a chance to talk to each other and talk about the projects that they are working on.”