The fifth annual Rocktown Author Festival will bring local authors and readers together this Saturday at Massanutten Regional Library, celebrating the literary community of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
The festival, which began in 2019 but was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, promises an exciting return with 36 authors representing a diverse range of genres and audiences. Local authors will participate in meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, while panels will give authors an opportunity to share their experiences and insights into the craft of writing.
“We’re excited to showcase the incredible talent in our area and highlight the literary vibrancy of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County,” said Zachary Elder, Director of Central Library.
Diverse Programming and New Features
The festival will feature authors from various genres, ranging from children’s books to adult fiction. Author meet-and-greets and book signings will take place in the library’s first-floor meeting rooms, while panels will be held on the second floor. A special event, the grand reveal of the library’s new outdoor mural, will occur between 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. during the festival.
The event has grown significantly since its inception. “This year, we’re thrilled to have more authors than ever before,” Elder added. “It’s a great opportunity for readers to explore different genres and for aspiring authors to learn from established voices.”
Denise Munro, Head of Youth Services at Central Library, has been involved with the festival since its launch in 2019. She plays a key role in selecting authors for the event and curating panels. “I work with the committee to determine the best authors for each panel and ensure the diversity of voices and topics,” Munro explained.
A Year of Preparation
The planning for the festival begins nearly a year in advance. Authors apply through the library’s website, and selections are made each winter. “After every festival, we survey participants to see what went well and what can be improved,” Elder said, noting that feedback is essential to refining future events.
One of the authors featured this year is James Blakey, a Broadway resident who has attended the festival since 2022 but will participate as an author for the first time. “I’ve always wanted to be on the other side of the event,” Blakey said. After publishing his book Superstition in 2023, Blakey transitioned to full-time writing in 2021. He now teaches a class on self-publishing at James Madison University’s Lifelong Learning Institute.
“It’s a unique experience to now connect with fellow writers, especially after attending as a fan,” Blakey noted. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Panel Discussions and Expert Insights
Three main panels will be featured during the festival: one on publishing children’s books, another on self-publishing, and a third on writing diverse characters. Each panel will include four authors, and the discussions will provide valuable insights into these specific aspects of writing and publishing.
Blakey will lead a self-publishing panel at 12:30 p.m., focusing on how to avoid common pitfalls and scams in the self-publishing industry. “I’m looking forward to helping others navigate the challenges of self-publishing,” Blakey said. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and I hope to help others save time, money, and frustration.”
A Community Celebration of Literature
Elder emphasized that one of the festival’s goals is to establish it as a yearly destination for authors and readers in the Shenandoah Valley. “For aspiring authors, learning how to take your ideas from the page to publication is invaluable,” he said. “And for readers, it’s a great opportunity to discover authors from our local literary scene.”
Munro also highlighted the festival’s role in inspiring younger generations. “It’s important to show that writing is a viable career, and this event gives aspiring writers a chance to see the diversity of work being created in their own community,” she said.
As the festival continues to grow, Munro and Elder hope it will remain a vital space for both writers and readers to connect, learn, and celebrate the written word.
For more information, including a complete list of authors and panel schedules, visit the Massanutten Regional Library website.
