“This year's Expo is our biggest yet. Our committee has done an amazing job. We will have nearly 150 authors, presenters and exhibitors in attendance. There's something here for everyone,” said Steven R. Porter of Stillwater Books/Stillwater River Publications and with the Association of Rhode Island Authors (ARIA).

Mike Stanton, former Providence Journal reported and author of Unbeaten: Rocky Marciano’s Fight for Perfection in a Crooked World and The Prince of Providence will provide the keynote address, “Breathing Life Into History.”

“I'm very much looking forward to Mike Stanton's presentation on breathing life into history. It's an area of my own writing that I'd like to improve. It should be fascinating,” said Porter.

Also speaking at the expo is Lisa Gardner, former Wakefield resident and New York Times bestselling author of several thrillers including Find Her and Look for Me. She will receive ARIA’s RI Author Legacy Award. Gardner will also be delivering a special presentation on character development based on her novels.

“I'm very excited to be presenting our Legacy Award to Lisa Gardner this year. She's having an incredible career, and it’s part of our mission to recognize those authors from our state who have achieved great things,” said Porter.

The Expo will feature over 135 published Rhode Island authors. Books on display from participating authors will represent a wide variety of genres including romance, mystery, horror, history, biography and children. Hundreds of autographed books will be available for purchase and activities will also be available for children.

A list of participating authors is posted on the website www.riauthorexpo.com. Parking and admission to the expo will be free.

“We recognized that the kids who come with their parents needed a little distraction,” said Porter. “So, besides Santa, we've added a children's activity area this year, so they can be an active part of the Expo also.”

In addition to book signings, the expo will feature several panels and workshops including a special NASA presentation on “Bringing Our Universe Down to the Page.” There will also be presentations on science fiction, romance, women’s fiction, finding a literary agent, and self-publishing. A special writer’s resource area will include exhibits from a variety of top literary organizations across the state.

The Association of Rhode Island Authors (ARIA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of local, published writers of both fiction and non-fiction committed to raising awareness of the outstanding written works crafted by writers in Rhode Island. More information about the group can be found on its website www.RIAuthors.org.