HSU Insider

HSU Authors and Professors Play Key Roles in West Texas Books and Music Festival

• By Abilene Admin
• Posted September 25, 2009 2:10 PM
• 0 Comments

HSU authors sign books 9:00-3:00, Saturday at Civic Center Steven

By Steven Wegrzynowicz, HSU student

The West Texas Books and Music Festival is geared toward promoting literacy and reading throughout the community. The festival is used to encourage new authors as well acknowledge more experienced writers from all around Texas. Funds raised are generated toward the success of the Abilene Public Library.

This Saturday's events are of special interest to Hardin-Simmons. Several HSU authors will be signing and selling their books in the Hall of Texas Authors. Dr. Carol Layton, professor of educational studies at HSU will be moderating the panel of the "Writing for Children" workshop.

Interested in the process of becoming a children's author, Dr. Layton looks forward "not only teaching at the workshop, but learning along with everyone else."

The workshop will prove to be a strong learning experience for anyone interested in writing for children. Following the workshop, held from 9:00-10:30 a.m., Dr. Layton and other panelists will be available for questions.

Several Hardin-Simmons authors have been featured during the books and music festival.

Leland Harden, Vice President for Institutional Advancement wrote Digital Engagement, a book about internet marketing. Dr. Bernie Scheer, assoc. professor of music theory and composition wrote Organ Preludes. Professor of Bible, Dr. Larry McGraw's latest book is The Bible Says: Daily Devotional Insight from Matthew. Graduate Bill Neal's latest book is "Sex, Murder and the Unwritten Law". He is a retired trial attorney. Dr. Dan Stiver, professor of theology, wrote Life Together in the Way of Jesus Christ. HSU grad Chad Mitchell wrote "The Superman Syndrome."

Harden, Mitchell and Neal have tables in the Hall of Texas Authors during this Saturday's festival at the Abilene Civic Center.

Hardin-Simmons faculty attending Saturday's events will be Dr. Renee Collins Assistant Professor of Education, Dr. Diana Higgins Head of the department of Educational Studies, Ms. Martha Kiel Associate Professor of Art and Head of Dept. of Art, and Dr. Carol Layton who is one of HSU's newest additions to the Education Department.

Students attending these events are Alaine Capper, Stephanie Harvell, Amanda Neal, Jennifer Sharewi, and Steven Wegrzynowicz.

Photo: Bill Neal, Dr. Bernard Scheer, Dr. Larry McGraw, Leland Harden, Chad Mitchell; Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, Leland Harden signs book for Becky Rentz, Friend of the Library