Black Cat Books and Oddities hosts adult book fair

MEDINA — Readers met with and bought books from local authors during Black Cat Books and Oddities' Nostalgic Adult Book Fair at Medina High School on Saturday. The event featured vendors and 30 authors from the region who write books ranging in genre like science fiction, romance, young adult and horror. Patrons could also earn "classroom cash," which could be exchanged for trinkets at the prize table. Ashley Willow, a romance book writer, lives around 20 minutes away from Medina. She has been a published author since 2023 who has been writing ever since she was a kid. "I've always liked writing," she said. "I write romance, so it all ends in a happily ever after." Willow has participated in two other events hosted by Black Cat along with similar author events throughout the state. She said Saturday's book fair was a good day — she sold out of one of her series of books. "It's fun to meet readers," she said. "For example, today, someone brought me my book they already had and asked for it to be signed. That was exciting, and you don't get that if you don't go to events." Authors Eileen Colette and Cisco Mills sat at a vendor table together. Colette has been writing inspirational nonfiction for almost three years. "I love to garden," she said. "I was in my garden, and I learned that I'm not always as good of a gardener as I want to be. These plants have taught me a lot of life lessons, so they inspired me to write." On the other hand, Cisco is an inspirational fiction writer who has been writing for a year. He was inspired by Colette to start writing again. "It reminded me about how much I liked it when I was back in school," he said. "From there, I was encouraged by her to put my pen to hand." Colette said she is happy to be able to share her story and meet people. She hopes readers continue to choose books from local authors. "This actually made me more comfortable telling the story and getting more practice," she said. "This is what my story is and this is how I want to tell it." As a 10-year Medina resident, Cisco said he loves that the book fair took place in the city, and it is the first time he has seen something like this. "It's one thing to write, but it's another thing to actually talk to readers that's going to read your stuff," he said. "You have to think a little bit differently as well to kind of put yourself out there. It's been nice." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.