Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.

This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.

Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.

Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.

Some of the authors included:

Thomas Ray Garcia – “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.

Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.

Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?

Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile

Jaime Perez – “A Risky Yet Worthwhile Endeavor,” “The Vacant Space,” and “Through You.” Fiction.

P.L. Blair – She is author of the Portals series, novels that blend fantasy, detective mysteries and an occasional touch of horror.

Rosa Estela Mora – “Becoming Sofia Bosco” and “The Sofia Bosco Effect” – Teen and YA Fiction.

Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.

Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.

Margarita Longoria – “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.

Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.