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For one day each fall, Winchester classrooms transform into realms of imagination, creativity, a touch of magic and a little madness. For 31 years, Winchester’s Authorfest has united students with the authors and illustrators who bring some of their favorite stories to life.
Organized by the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence, Authorfest is set for Oct. 10, preceded by a Preview Night on Oct. 9, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Twenty authors will visit all public elementary schools, McCall Middle School and Winchester High School during the school day on Oct. 10. That will be followed by a meet-and-greet at Town Hall, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Book Ends will also be having a book sale.
“I call it the best day of the entire school year,” said Maggie Vande Vrede, the foundation’s executive director.
The process of selecting authors begins in November of the previous year.
“I look for authors and illustrators that are known for being great presenters,” Vande Vrede said. “So not only are they writing great stories, but they have great stories to tell to the students.”
This year’s lineup features a mix of returning and new authors. New authors include Hanna Cha and J.E. Morris for elementary schools, Kate Fussner for middle school, and Malinda Lo and Meg Kissinger for high school. Lesa Cline-Ransome returns as a 2025 Newbery Medal winner for her book “One Big Open Sky.”
Graphic novelist Gareth Hinds, known for his adaptations of classics such as “The Odyssey,” will walk students through his creative process, from initial sketches to final illustrations. He will also briefly discuss video games.
“I’ll show a little sneak peek of my upcoming projects,” Hinds said.
Hinds hopes to inspire students and motivate them to continue developing their drawing and writing skills.
“Most people get to a point where they’re really struggling with their writing or their art, and they often stop,” Hinds said. “So hopefully seeing somebody doing what they love and hearing more about my process will encourage them to continue to do those things.”
Authorfest not only allows students and authors to meet, but also helps authors and illustrators network with each other. Vande Vrede said many authors look forward to attending because it is one of the few times they get to meet one another.
Carrie Finison, a picture book author, has been a returning participant since her first time during the pandemic in 2021. She said she enjoys presenting at Authorfest every year because of how engaged the students are.
“I can tell that they’ve really spent a lot of time in class, thinking about books and words and writing and just talking about it and noticing things in stories,” Finison said.
Her latest book, “Dozens of Doughnuts,” is the inspiration for her Authorfest workshop, “Revisions with Extra Sprinkles.” During the workshop, Finison walks students through the playful yet painstaking process of reworking a story.
“The message really is when I put something down on paper, or when the illustrator puts something down on paper, the very first time it doesn’t come out perfectly,” Finison said. “I don’t want them to be intimidated, or fearful about changing their words, making revisions.”
She will share her first draft of the book and explain aspects of the story, such as her use of onomatopoeia. Finison also highlights the importance of making writing a group activity rather than a solo endeavor.
Last year, Authorfest introduced a Preview Night to give families another opportunity to participate. While book signings still occur on the day of the festival, Preview Night allows families who cannot attend right after school to browse featured books, participate in fun activities, and purchase books to be signed the following day.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese food truck will be parked at Town Hall for families to enjoy.
“It’s just a way to get everyone pumped and ready for the next day of school,” Vande Vrede said.
The annual event continues to generate interest from both students and authors more than three decades after it started.
“This is a beloved tradition and is truly unique to Winchester,” Vande Vrede said.
Aayushi Datta is a journalism student at Boston University. This story is part of a partnership between the Winchester News and the Boston University Department of Journalism.
