Central Library, Brevard Authors’ Association highlight local writers

BY LINDA JUMP

Local authors will get a boost at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library in Cocoa. Gene Luke Vlahovic, who founded the Brevard Authors’ Society a decade ago, is rekindling the group’s short story and poetry contests, writing seminars, and annual book fest through collaboration with the Central Library.

First up is a monthly event featuring a local author, with Dr. Arthur Doweyko as guest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 in the lobby. Doweyko’s credentials include award-winning novels. He uses computer-assisted drug design in the areas of cancer chemotherapy and immunology and is the co-recipient of the 2008 Thomas Alva Edison Award for the discovery of Sprycel, a new anti-cancer drug.

He is also known for his graphic designs and artwork.

“We’re thrilled that the library was approached to give local authors a place to display and sell their books. We hope to host events for many years to come,” said Julie Ventura, the library director.

Vlahovic said he is trying to jumpstart the Brevard Authors’ Association as it is now called after a long hiatus during the pandemic.

“We disbanded and many activities were taken over by the Space Coast Writers’ Guild, but now we want to facilitate events here. We’re the shadow of what we were before.”

Jamal Moss, a reference librarian and liason/facilitator for the author events, said all will be free.

“It’s a refreshing change. We’ve had authors here, but not ongoing.” He said despite movement toward digital media, “there are people who still want to read good local author’s books.”

Vlahovic, born in Serbia and raised in the former Yugoslavia, has published four books in Europe and four in the U.S., one a month ago titled “Innocent China” describing his experiences as one of the first businessmen allowed in China in 2001 when then-President George Bush opened trade there.

“They were so interested in our technology and years later copied it,” he said.

Vlahovic said the local author to be highlighted in October is James O. Born, who co-authored a number of novels with best-selling author James Patterson, including “Blindside,” “Obsessed,” and “The Russian” as well as his own prize-winning “Haunted,” “Ambush,” “Burn Zone” and others.

An annual book fair is planned before the end of the year at the library.

Vlahovic said periodic writing workshops are being coordinated to help writers find an agent and explore ways to publish and promote their works. SL

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