Welcome to latest edition of the Buckeye Bookmark.
Black History Month gives us a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Black authors who are part of this past year’s Buckeye Book Fair. We are grateful for the stories, perspectives, and creative work they bring to our community. At the same time, we know the publishing world does not yet reflect the full diversity of voices that deserve to be heard. We remain committed to broadening our reach, building new relationships, and creating space for more writers from underrepresented communities in the years ahead. Literature is stronger when more voices are at the table, and that work continues.
We are proud to celebrate the Black authors who have been part of the 2025 Buckeye Book Fair, including Savannah Flakes, Florenza Lee, Charity Pleasant, Patricia Sargeant, and Ashley Willow, as well as Black authors who joined us in past years, such as Ashley Aya Ferguson, Conrade C. Hinds, Chiquita Mullins Lee, J.P. Mitchell, David Lee Morgan Jr., Paula Neal, Ralph Paulk, Chante Thomas, Abby L. Vandiver, and Whitney Parnell-Williams. Their presence and participation have enriched our literary community and inspired readers and writers of every age. Representation matters, and seeing authors who reflect your own experience can open the door for the next generation to imagine themselves as storytellers too.
In this issue, we are spotlighting the presentation “Choosing Your Publishing Path: Traditional vs. Independent with Patricia Sargeant.” Facilitated by Buckeye Book Fair volunteer Paula Neal, the session offered an informative and empowering conversation for writers at every stage of their journey. Drawing on her experience as a nationally bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 novels, Sargeant provided a clear and practical look at the realities of both traditional and independent publishing.
Sargeant writes romance as Patricia Sargeant and Regina Hart, and cozy and traditional mysteries as Olivia Matthews. She brings a remarkable range to her work. She spoke candidly about creative control, marketing expectations, timelines, and long-term career sustainability. Her insights were grounded in lived experience, shaped by years of speaking, teaching workshops, and contributing to author communities such as Chicks on the Case and the Cozy Mystery Crew. Attendees left better informed and more confident, reminded that there is no single right path, only the path that best supports a writer’s stories, readers, and creative vision.
Sargeant has lived in Ohio for most of her life and recently celebrated the publication of her 35th novel, Her Greatest Fan, the sixth book in her Brooklyn Monarchs sports romance series, with a new installment arriving soon. She openly shares that one of her greatest challenges has been navigating a publishing career as an introvert. Yet her love for storytelling and her desire to introduce readers to the characters and worlds she creates continue to propel her forward. Writing is now her primary occupation, sustained by daily discipline and a commitment to protecting creative time. She values the Buckeye Book Fair for the opportunity to speak directly with readers about what they love and to connect with fellow authors about the realities of the industry. At the heart of her work are strong familial bonds and ordinary people rising to extraordinary moments to discover their inner hero.
Also in this issue, we are reminding families and educators to register students for this summer’s Buckeye Book Camp and encouraging authors to submit new releases for consideration for the 2026 Buckeye Book Fair on Saturday, November 7th. We invite you to read on, stay engaged, and continue building a vibrant culture of literacy with us.
Featured Authors & Volunteers
Calling all Young Authors!
The Buckeye Book Fair is thrilled to announce the 2026 Buckeye Book Camp, a week-long program designed to ignite a passion for storytelling in students entering grades 3 through 8.
This immersive camp will take place from July 27th to July 31st in Wooster, Ohio. Campers will spend their days from 9am to 4pm working alongside professional authors, editors, illustrators, and agents to craft their very own stories from start to finish.
Early bird registration is open now through March 1st! Register now and save $20 on tuition. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Click here to learn more and register today!
The 39th Buckeye Book Fair is Saturday, November 7th, 2026
The Buckeye Bookmark is the Buckeye Book Fair’s Newsletter, celebrating the transformative power of literature. Each issue shares how one book can change your life forever. Join us as we spotlight Ohio authors, promote literacy, and share stories that inspire and ignite the imagination. Don’t miss out on the magic!
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