Meet local author Brian McClellan at Geauga West Library for his debut book launch

Author to award prizes to three high-school students for essay contest

Geauga County – March 22, 2013 – Geauga County Public Library and the Geauga County Library Foundation are pleased to celebrate the debut novel of Geauga County’s newest novelist.

What:    Book launch for Promise of Blood
 High-school writing contest prizes awarded for essay on “What’s Your Big Dream?”

Where:                   Geauga West Library

When:    Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Former West Geauga High School student Brian McClellan (class of 2004) had a dream when he was 16 to become a successful novelist. Nearly ten years later, he’s living his dream. His first epic fantasy novel, Promise of Blood, is being published internationally by Orbit April 16, 2013. He’s working on two other books to complete the trilogy.

Meet Brian at his book launch party at Geauga West Library. He will read a short excerpt of his book at 7 p.m. and be available to sign copies for purchase ($23.99).

Additionally, Brian will award prizes to the top three local high-school students for their essays on the topic: “What’s Your Big Dream?” Students were asked to submit short essays that describe their aspirations and how they overcome their obstacles. Brian, who judged the essays, was impressed with the energy and quality of writing. “Looking over these essays reminded me of my time in high school,” McClellan says, “when I would hang out in libraries and read everything I could get my hands on, especially fantasy and science fiction. I dreamed about the time when I would hopefully realize my big dream, seeing my novels published, read and enjoyed. I’m thrilled to be taking that big step now. I hope the young writers I judged will also realize their dreams.”

Students from all of Geauga County were encouraged to enter the contest to sharpen their writing skills and have a chance to win some great prizes including an iPod Touch and iTunes gift cards. The contest is sponsored by the Geauga County Library Foundation.

About the Geauga County Public Library

The Geauga County Public Library includes four full-service community libraries in Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West (Chesterland) and Middlefield; two library stations housed in schools in Newbury and Thompson; one Bookmobile that serves farms, nursing homes and nursery schools; and one administrative center where technical services, computer services, facilities and administrative functions reside.  GCPL has more than 500,000 books and e-books. The collection also contains more than 100,000 audio / video items and 400 research databases available through its website. Learn more about the Geauga County Public Library at www.geaugalibrary.net. 

 — Information from a Geauga County Public Library news release