An aspiring writer for years, Joanne Liggan thought the toughest part of fulfilling her dream would be finding a publisher for her book.

The shock came with the realization that getting the book on store shelves was just the beginning.

"I'd [do] book signings and people would just shy away from me," said Liggan, a Mechanicsville resident who has written two suspense novels. "They'd say, 'Oh, I don't read. I don't have time for that.'"

To encourage people to realize the enjoyment of reading, Liggan helped organize the Hanover Book Festival. This year's event, the third annual, will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Mechanicsville VFW Post 9808, 7168 Flag Lane. The festival is presented by the Hanover Writers Club.

"I got tired of hearing that people don't read," Liggan said. "We've got to show people that reading is fun."

But a book festival?

"People say that sounds boring," admitted Liggan, who started the Hanover Writers Club in 2003. "But the first year we had a rock 'n' roll band. We had fun!"

This time around, local authors and publishers will offer workshops on writing and selling, beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is required. The doors open to the public an hour later. Activities include meet-and-greets with authors, face-painting, build-a-bear demonstrations and raffles.

"If we can encourage children to read at an early age, it becomes a life-long habit," said Liggan, the author of two published books. Her first was self-published, and she worked with a nontraditional publisher on the second -- it charges a fee but provides editing services and sets up book signings.

The festival's first year featured 45 authors, with about 150 people in attendance. The audience grew to 350 last year. Liggan hopes the event will soon outgrow its space at the VFW post.

"Reading can take you on a journey," Liggan said. "When you read, you get away from reality. That's important, especially today when everyone is so stressed out. Reading a good book can transport you to a whole different world."
Contact Janet Caggiano at (804) 649-6157 or jcaggiano@timesdispatch.com.