“These programs are fabulous!” enthused one of the nearly 400 attendees at the debut of Writers Live!, a series dedicated to bringing the community together with authors and their books.
Held at the Hagen Ranch Road Branch on April 18, “Murder They Wrote," the first event of this annual series, featured some of the hottest award-winning, best-selling authors in Florida.
The daylong event started with a lively panel discussion led by Oline Cogdill, a mystery fiction columnist for the Sun Sentinel. Ms. Cogdill expertly guided guest authors Ted Bell, Lisa Unger, and James O. Born through the world of crime fiction writing. The authors delighted the audience with humorous anecdotes and intriguing insights into what inspired each of them to take up pen and paper to create thrilling stories.
Next, Brad Meltzer, the featured speaker, immediately captured the audience’s attention with his vivid story-telling abilities. Meltzer, author of the #1 best-seller, “The Book of Fate” and the popular graphic novels “Identity Crisis” and “Justice League of America,” described growing up in Brooklyn and Miami, going to Columbia Law School, and starting out as a fledgling writer. He also talked about how he is wildly popular in Bulgaria, was inspired by the life story of Superman creator Jerry Siegal, and his charitable web site, Ordinary People Change The World.
All of the authors graciously answered questions and signed books after each portion of the program. Books were available for purchase from Murder on the Beach Book Store. The program concluded with a reception of scrumptious goodies.
Writers Live! was sponsored by the Friends of the Library. By becoming a Friend you support quality programming in our Library System. Visit the Friends of the Library site for more information.
Brad Meltzer spoke about his new organization "Ordinary People Change the World." $101,000 was raised to restore the house but visit the site to see other ways Ordinary People Change the World.
Oline Cogdill first led a lively discussion between Ted Bell, Lisa Unger, and James O. Born. James O. Born then introduced Brad Meltzer to speak about his methods and his new charity organization mentioned above.
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“These programs are fabulous!” enthused one of the nearly 400 attendees at the debut of Writers Live!, a series dedicated to bringing the community together with authors and their books. 
