Mohamed Bughrara

We’ll have to wait till March for The Tucson Festival of Books, but book fans flocked to the University of Arizona’s bookstore on Sunday to get a sneak peek at the writers who will be appearing at the festival.

 J.A. Jance, Craig Johnson, Thomas Perry, and Luis Alberto Urrea are among the authors whose names have been disclosed.

A committee chooses the authors. Melanie Morgan, the festival’s executive director, stated that in late summer, individuals submitted who they wanted to see at the festival, and the committee picked them based on response.

Morgan stated that the festival and its events are free, but that some events require attendees to book admission a few weeks before the festival.

Jessica Pryde is on the festival’s committee and has selected a few of the romance authors that will be attending. She’s been helping for a few years and says her favorite aspect of the event is having to match the writers with individuals who share her passion for literature.

According to the University of Arizona’s Eller College, the Festival of Books generates $4.5 million in economic effect each year. The event has given more than $2.1 million to local literacy organizations.

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