Reason and Rhyme Reason and Rhyme_2018SP | Page 22

Book ‘Em:
North Carolina Writers’ Conference
http://www.bookemnc.org/
The Book ‘Em Foundation was founded by suspense author and Lumberton native, p.m.terrell
and Waynesboro, Virginia Police Officer Mark Kearney as a partnership between authors and
law enforcement. The mission of The Book ‘Em Foundation is to raise public awareness of the
correlation between high illiteracy rates and high crime rates.
Book ‘Em North Carolina is a one-day event that brings together more than 75 authors,
publishers, literary agents and publicists under one roof. The event is open to the public and is
FREE for attendees, participating authors and presenters.
It is hosted by Robeson Community College, The Book ‘Em Foundation, Friends of the Robeson
County Public Library, Robeson County Arts Council, Lumberton Visitors Bureau, and the City
of Lumberton.
A series of talks occur between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and include:
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Writers Conference – for aspiring or published authors of all ages and levels
The Children’s Corner – readings for younger children, arts and crafts and special
activities
Panel Discussions and Talks – for readers of various fiction and nonfiction genres,
including autobiographical, biographical, historical, mystery/suspense, romance, fantasy,
paranormal, science fiction, horror, true crime and others
Proceeds from this one-day event are used to increase literacy rates for citizens of all ages and
reduce crime. Groups receiving donated funds from previous events include: the Dolly Parton
Imagination Library of Robeson County for ages 1 through 5; Communities In Schools for all
grade levels; Friends of the Robeson County Public Library for adult literacy programs; and
Lumberton Police Department. $34,600 has been donated to date.
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