Festival season is upon us, and it’s my favorite time of the year in Columbus. Being an English major, the Ohioana Book Festival on May 9 is one of my very favorites.

More than 70 Ohio authors will be there - all of whom have recently been published. Some are household names, like children’s favorite R.L. Stine, who wrote the Goosebumps series. Jeff Smith, author of the award-winning graphic novel series Bone, will be back in Columbus for the event. His work was featured at the Wexner Center last year. (If you’re a big fan, don’t miss the Wexner’s screening of The Cartoonist - a documentary about Smith showing May 22.)

There are lots of chances to meet the authors. A book fair runs all day and many of them will participate on panel discussions. Topics range from romance novels to what a writer’s life is really like. And, if you’re an aspiring author, this is the place to be. There’s a panel discussion on the oh-so-important topic of how to get published.

My favorite part is listening to the authors read. All 70-some authors will give 10 minute readings from their latest books. Last year, I heard poetry, followed by fantasy, followed by a historical biography.

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still support it by book shopping this week. Download this Barnes & Noble voucher and use it at any B&N location in the country May 7-9. A percentage of the sale price will go to Ohioana.