Some 30 Mid-Missouri authors assembled Sunday at the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City to talk to the public, and to each other, about their published works.
Some members of the public came to chat with the authors, while others came to get signed copies of books, either for themselves or for Christmas presents.
Madeline Matson, a reference librarian and adult programmer for the library, said the Local Authors Showcase has been held several times in the past. Some of the authors are self-published, she said, and some have traditional publishing contracts.
"It's just to enable authors to meet other authors, promote their works and sell their books," she said.
One of the authors was former CIA employee Jeffrey Sterling, who wrote "Unwanted Spy," a book about his experience fighting discrimination in the federal agency.
On Amazon.com, the book is described as "The powerful story of a CIA whistleblower and political prisoner who refused to give up on his American dream."
Sterling, who is Black, said he was denied opportunities because of his race and pushed out of the agency. He was later convicted of violating the Espionage Act and served 2 1/2 years in prison.
"Unwanted Spy is an inspiring account of one man's uncompromising commitment to the truth and a reminder of the principles of justice and integrity that should define America," the book's description on Amazon said.
Alicia White attended the event because one of the authors there was a friend.
"It's surprising we have so many local authors in our midst," White said while chatting with Sterling about his book.
A married couple, Howard Marshall and Margo McMillen, were two of the authors in attendance.
The two have some 23 published books between the two of them.
Marshall has led a life of academia, including the former chairman of the Department of Art History and Archaeology and former director of the Missouri Cultural Heritage Center, both at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
One of his books is "Play Me Something Quick and Devilish: Old-Time Fiddlers in Missouri."
McMillen is an adjunct instructor in English at Westminster College. Her books include "Called to Courage: Four Women in Missouri History."
Marshall said he and his wife are big supporters of the library and were glad to attend the event when asked.
"It's a community, so it's nice to meet other members of the community and see what they're creating," he said of the other authors.