Author Mark Clark talks writing, researching & Kirk v. Picard

Mark Clark is a polymath of geek culture.

He's written two books about Star Trek, a critical filmography of 1960s horror cinema, and, most recently, a FAQ about Star Wars.

He recently visited Mentor Public Library and was kind enough to talk about his writing.

Clark explained how he gathers new information on topics as well researched as Star Trek and Star Wars. He also discussed how he picks the subjects for his books.

He even weighed in on two of the most important pop-culture debates of our era: Kirk v. Picard; and Star Trek v. Star Wars.

That's right. The man behind not one but two Star Trek FAQs divulged if he's an original-series or Next-Gen guy, a Trekkie or a Jedi!

He also told us the biggest myth surrounding the making of Star Wars. It's a tale that even George Lucas perpetuates.

For more author talks at Mentor Public Library, visit our YouTube page.

Author Deanna Adams offers advice to writers

Author Deanna Adams offered advice to writers, both professionals and hobbyists, during her recent visit to Mentor Public Library.

She stressed the importance of observation, reading, and participating in writers' events.

"Those who want to write for a career should start early and go to a lot of writing events," she said, "be part of the writing community, be part of writers's groups, hang out with other writers and learn from them. Because writing is a very solitary field. So you want to get out and embrace of the aspects of life and other people."

Adams' newest book is The Writer’s GPS: A Guide to Writing & Selling Your Book.

She also wrote Rock ’n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection, Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots and Peggy Sue Got Pregnant.

Additionally, Adams discussed the role that music plays in her writing.

"I'm a baby boomer. Music was always important to us," she said.

"Music defines your life, in many ways."

For more author interviews, visit Mentor Public Library's Facebook page

The history of Mentor with Tom Matowitz

Thomas Matowitz—author, local historian, and Mentor resident—recently visited our library to talk about his newest history book, Mentor.

In his book, Matowitz traces this history of Mentor from a sparsely populated outpost (one of the first in the Western Reserve) to the city it is today.

Matowitz also discusses the city's most famous residents, including the country's 20th president, James A. Garfield.

Mentor is available for sale at James A. Garfield National Historic Site, at local bookstores, and online. Of course, you can also check it out at Mentor Public Library.

Matowitz has written seven books about local history; and, as he mentioned during his recent visit, his next book will be about a Mentor family and what they went through during World War II.

When it comes out, we'll be sure to have that book on our shelves, as well.

Learn about the history of Mentor with Author Thomas Matowitz

Thomas Matowitz will discuss the history of Mentor and his new book about the city on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch.

What do you know about the city of Mentor's history? Odds are that it's not as much as Thomas Matowitz.

He literally wrote the book on it, after all.

Matowitz will talk about his new book, Mentor, and the city's history at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch. He'll discuss prominent families like the Garfields, landmarks like the Wildwood Estate, and more.

The talk is free and open to the public. You can register for it on our online event calendar.

After his talk, Matowitz will sign copies of his book which will be available for sale.

Gail Ghetia Bellamy discusses her own Cleveland Memories

Gail Ghetia Bellamy—the author of the Cleveland Memories series—visited Mentor Library recently to discuss her books.

Bellamy is a renaissance woman—a poet, scholar, author and magazine editor who is a certified culinary professional with her doctorate degree in creative writing. Her writing, which includes everything from poetry to journalism, has been published in books, anthologies and magazines.

While at the library, Bellamy discussed the value of nostalgia and how it can bring people closer.

She also explained what her poetry has in common with the Cleveland Memories series.

For more author interviews, check out Mentor Library's YouTube page.