Lafayette’s creative writing class often Skype in authors to speak for the class, but for the first time at Lafayette, authors will be available to speak to anyone with an interest in listening.

Last week was the first time that a Skype call to an author was available for anyone who wished to attend, simply by attending Book Club. In the video conference room, they spoke with Beth Revis, author of a science fiction and fantasy trilogy, about her journey as an author and all about her books.

Lafayette has taken this new endeavor to the next level. Coming April 17, author Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall series, will be presenting all day in the Theatre in person. He visited Marquette, and will soon present at Eureka before making his way to Lafayette. All language arts classes have been invited to attend his presentation, and get the chance to listen to and speak with a successful author.

As part of the event, the Library has started a canned food drive with an unusual twist.

Mullin’s Ashfall series is all about a post-apocalyptic world, and a staff member from each department at Lafayette has volunteered to become a part of that world for the next two weeks until the author visit.  The teachers were asked to describe what they would do in the event of an apocalypse, and students are encouraged to “vote” for which teacher they think would survive the longest by donating cans for Circle of Concern to their box.

“It’s for a good cause. Circle of Concern is always a little low in the Spring, since we do all of our canned food drives in the Fall,” Librarian Nicole Ballard-Long said. “It’s a great way to draw attention to the author visit and support a good cause at the same time.”

For more information on Mike Mullin, visit his website at www.mikemullinauthor.com