Join a free virtual author talk on Thursday, August 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Local authors will share how they write and why stories matter for kids and for adults. Watch live on Facebook @crrlnews or YouTube @crrlvideo.

Local authors share behind-the-scenes glimpses into their writing and reading lives. Watch live on Facebook: @crrlnews · YouTube: @crrlvideo

Event details and how to watch

What: Behind the Page Authors Discuss Their Writing
When: Thursday, August 6, 7:00 to 8:00 PM Eastern
Where: Virtual. Watch live on Facebook at @crrlnews and on YouTube at @crrlvideo.
Cost: Free
Official organizer: Central Rappahannock Regional Library. More about the library at https://librarypoint.org.

Add to calendar: Copy the date and time into your calendar now so you do not miss it.

Who is on the panel

Sarah Demens is a Christian author, lifelong dreamer, and aspiring filmmaker who blends supernatural fantasy and science fiction into imaginative, heart‑driven stories. A devoted storyteller since childhood, she writes to bring the worlds she wishes existed into reality. When she’s not crafting new adventures, Sarah is likely watching movies, gaming, or joyfully gushing about dogs. She invites readers to join her on a creative journey fueled by wonder, faith, and limitless imagination.

Sonja Keeve is a powerhouse advocate for women’s leadership and visibility. As CEO of the Sistas with a Voice Podcast Network, she helps women transform their expertise into authority‑building podcasts—guiding them from idea to launch to monetization in just 30 days. A wife, mother, mentor, and community leader, Sonja is passionate about helping emerging professional women turn passion projects into thriving income‑generating businesses. She also serves as Executive Director and Host of Begin Again and Inspiring Nations, an international podcast heard in more than 164 countries, where she amplifies stories of women who inspire the world every day.

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a leadership development speaker, award‑winning author, and U.S. Marine Officer dedicated to building resilient, purpose‑driven leaders at work and at home. As founder of Parent‑Child‑Connect, he equips parents, educators, and organizations with practical tools and stories that strengthen leadership at every age. A Ruston, Louisiana native and the first Marine officer commissioned from Grambling State University in over 30 years, Olaolu brings contagious energy to every stage and page. He is an Amazon best‑selling children’s book author, YouVersion content partner, and community mentor whose work has been featured in Leatherneck Magazine, Military Families Magazine, and Marine Corps Gazette. Olaolu shares his life’s mission with his wife, their three children, and their puppy.

Candice Ransom is a celebrated children’s book author with more than 40 years of full‑time writing experience and over 185 published titles spanning picture books, chapter books, middle‑grade novels, and nonfiction. Her work has earned numerous honors, including starred reviews, national award nominations, international translations, and recognition from major institutions such as the New York Times, Smithsonian, and School Library Journal. Candice holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts and an MA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University, where she continues to teach in the MA/MFA program. Her enduring career reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, craft, and inspiring young readers.

Why attend this virtual author talk

For kids: Seeing how characters are born and revised makes reading feel possible and fun.
For parents and teachers: Learn simple ways to turn story time into a writing spark and a leadership lesson.
For leaders and adult readers: Story craft informs communication and empathy, which are essential leadership skills.
For local readers: Meet authors from our community and support the voices shaping our neighborhood.

How to prepare and get the most from the virtual author talk

1. Watch together. Make it a family activity with snacks and a notepad for questions.
2. Pick one question. Ask your child or yourself to choose one question to ask the authors about characters, ideas, or how to start writing.
3. Try a follow-up. After the event, do a 10-minute family writing prompt inspired by what you heard.
4. Share a takeaway. Post one sentence about what you learned and tag the library so others can find the event.