Launch your writing career with help from your library

Whether you secretly dream of writing a novel or you already have a manuscript ready for publication, Forsyth County Public Library’s August Writing Series, Forsyth Writes Together, has a number of free events this month to help you take your passion for writing to the next level.

The Agent Chase

Thursday, August 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Post Road Library

Are you writing a book? Have you written a book and now want to publish it? Save yourself hours of internet research and join us for a workshop led by author David Darracott about how to find a literary agent to publish your book. David Darracott is the author of novels and short stories, as well as nonfiction publications and sponsored television and film productions. His awards include a Hambidge Fellowship in 2009-2010 and Georgia Author of the Year in 2015.

From Journalist To Novelist

Tuesday, August 8, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Successful journalist and award-winning novelist Will Leitch will share his experience as a journalist and fiction writer and offer his perspective on writing and publishing. Mr. Leitch will also discuss his latest novel, The Time Has Come, a suspenseful and timely mainstream fiction novel set in Athens, Georgia.

Mr. Leitch’s 2021 novel, How Lucky was an Edgar Award Nominee for Best Novel in 2022. The novel also won the Alex Award in 2022 which honors novels written for adults that have special appeal for young adults.

Building Your Author

Social Media Toolkit

Sunday, August 13, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Cumming Library

Social media looks easy when you’re scrolling through Instagram or the TikTok videos play one after another. But when it comes to building your own personal brand, you can find yourself staring at your phone with a big question mark over your head. And what is a personal brand, anyway? J. M. Tompkins will help to demystify the intimidating social media world, help you build your own personal brand, and guide you through drawing a line between your personal and professional image.

Author J. M. Tompkins has organized multiple writing groups, including the Next Level Writing Group and The Indie Group; is the founder of the ASPC (Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference), which takes place annually in late spring; and has taught classes on self-publishing and writing science fiction.

Local Authors Showcase

Sunday, August 20, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Sharon Forks Library

Forsyth County is home to many talented and dedicated authors. Celebrate their work at the Local Authors Showcase where you will be able to meet local authors and, if desired, buy their books. Some of the authors who will be featured are: David Darracott, Laurel Hamby, Larry Freeland, G.A. Morris, Chris Negron, Linda Roberts-Betsch, Meg Robinson, J.M. Tompkins, George Weinstein, and Kathryn Wyvern.

George Weinstein, author and Executive Director of the Atlanta Writers Club, will kick off the event with his keynote address ‘We’re All in this Together: The Importance of Finding a Writing Family.’ Afterwards, enjoy meeting many local authors whose works can be found in the library collection.

SEC FOOTBALL: SATURDAYS IN THE SOUTH

Author G.A. Morris III

Monday, August 21, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Cumming Library

Join author G.A. “Gus” Morris III, author of Saturdays in the South, as he pulls back the curtain of officiating football in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). College football brings people together from all walks of life with a common thread: cheering for their team. Strangers and adversaries become friends for a common purpose. The pageantry and traditions are absolutely amazing. And Gus, an automotive mechanic and small business owner, was thrust right in the middle of it to make sure the games followed the rules and were played fairly. Come and listen to Gus’s firsthand experiences with the really good things of college football, the not-so-good things, and everything in between.

How To Write Poetry Like A Professor

with Jeremiah Johnson

Thursday, August 31, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Hampton Park Library

Poetry can be an intimidating genre, especially since the rules for writing good poetry seem to be murky. Jeremiah Johnson will guide you through the basics of poetry and offer guidance on structure, rhythm, and word choice so you can put pen to paper and write poems you’re happy with!

Jeremiah Johnson is a professor in the University of North Georgia English department and published poet.

Immunization guidelines for newborns to 15 months

New parents have a lot on their plate. The birth of a child is a special time in the lives of a family. Shortly after the birth of a child, new parents learn how significant a role their child’s pediatrician plays in the early months of the youngster’s life.

New parents rely on pediatricians to help them get through the first months of a child’s life, when every sneeze or sniffle can raise an eyebrow. Protecting newborns and young children from illness is a priority for new parents, and one way to do just that is to adhere to vaccination schedules.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend various vaccines for newborns and children up to 15 months old, a period when parents tend to be especially mindful of illness.

t Hepatitis B: Children should receive the first dose at birth, and then the second dose between one month or two months of age. A third dose is recommended between six months and 15 months.

t Rotavirus: The rotavirus vaccine schedule will depend on which vaccination children receive, so parents can discuss that with the child’s pediatrician. The CDC notes the first dose should be given at two months and the second at four months. Subsequent doses depend on which vaccine was administered.

t DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis): The first dose should be administered at one month, followed by a second doese at four months and a third dose at six months. Parents can discuss when a child should receive a fourth dose with the pediatrician.

t Inactivated poliovirus: The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose can be administered between six and 15 months, but the timing can be discussed with the child’s pediatrician.

t Influenza: The CDC recommends annual vaccination against influenza beginning at six months. Vaccines may be single- or two-dose.

t Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13, PCV15): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose should be administered at six months, and parents can discuss the time of a fourth dose with their pediatrician.

t Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. Additional doses will be necessary, but the timing will depend on which vaccine a child receives.

t COVID-19: The recommended vaccination schedule for COVID-19 shots for kids between the ages of six months and four years will depend on which vaccine the child receives. The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series, while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a three-dose series.

t Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): A routine MMR vaccination is a two-dose series that begins at age 12 to 15 months.

t Varicella (VAR): The first dose of the VAR vaccine should be administered at age 12 to 15 months.

t Hepatitis A: A routine vaccination for the two-dose Hepatitis A vaccine is administered at age 12 to 23 months.

Vaccinations can protect children in both the short- and long-term. More information about childhood vaccinations can be found at cdc.gov.