Meet author Jeffrey Dale Lofton at the Lexington Book Festival on Saturday
The Second Annual Lexington Book Festival is coming up on Saturday March 9, 2024.
Originally conceived by Pig City Bookstore owner Sedley Abercrombie, the festival is now a non-profit event that is intended to bring together readers, authors and book lovers.
The festival offers an exciting opportunity for the local literary community to assemble with others that share the same passion.
The Lexington Book Festival is being held in Uptown Lexington from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
There will be food trucks, unique vendors, countless books, exciting author panels, book signings and author meet-and-greets. These activities will take place in both the Black Box Theatre and the 202 Gallery.
Many talented authors will be in attendance including award-winning novelist Jeffrey Dale Lofton.
Lofton’s debut novel, Red Clay Suzie, is a deeply impactful and memorable fictionalized memoir told through the lens of Philbit, a queer boy in the Deep South who navigates his world and journey of self-discovery.
Red Clay Suzie is a classic outsider story, appealing to anyone that lives on the outside, those on the fringes. The novel follows Philbit throughout his life as he grows from a young child, spending his days with his grandfather in the garden searching and struggling for the perfect potatoes, to a young adult, learning what it means to be a young queer man and maneuvering through tumultuous life events.
Red Clay Suzie is ultimately a story of resilience and survival, a love letter to the queer community encouraging them to live their true authentic selves while forming a sense of community.
Lofton specifically writes for at-risk youth. He aspires to show youth that they are not alone or broken. Also that they are important and they don’t have to be perfect to be happy.
Even more amazing is the fact that a portion of Red Clay Suzie’s proceeds are directly funding organizations such as the Trevor and the Born This Way Projects. Both foundations are dedicated to supporting at-risk queer youth in need.
In spite of the difficulty, it’s important to show all at-risk queer youth that they’re not alone and to provide the support that is needed.
Lofton is excited about the Lexington Book Festival. He sees it as an amazing opportunity to further build the crucial sense of community that many need and desire.
“ Book Festivals can bring together so many like-minded people, offering opportunities to spark a connection with someone you may have never known. It's also a chance to discover a compelling and deeply impactful new book. Literature is a powerful thing, able to tell intricately woven and beautiful compelling stories that can change and save lives.”
In addition, Lofton is excited to meet his readers and the other authors. “I feel it is wonderful to be in a community of people that also love literature and have experienced this power.”
Ultimately, the Lexington Book Festival is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and overall build a sense of community and support while being in the presence of many award winning authors, such as Jeffrey Dale Lofton.
Even if you’re not an avid reader, it is going to be an unforgettable experience that you do not want to miss.
I encourage you to save the date for this Saturday March 9, 2024 and to come join the fun of the Lexington Book Festival.
{Photos: Lexington Book Festival}
Davidson Local is the Official Media Sponsor of the Lexington Book Festival
