MARS — An upcoming event featuring 14 authors will offer local literary types of all ages an evening of fun, entertainment, stories and discussion.

A Gathering of Authors is planned for 6 p.m. Monday at the Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave.

There, the authors, who self-published their books through Word by Association Publishers of Tarentum, will each have five minutes to talk about their books and their experiences writing them.

Linda Davis, whose husband, C. William Davis III, will discuss his three-part series about a Western Pennsylvania county sheriff named Clive Aliston, said the group includes an eclectic mix of authors who will provide an entertaining and lively discussion about their works.

The authors, all of whom hail from the Pittsburgh area, will also engage their audience with a question-and-answer period after their brief speeches.

The group represents a variety of genres, including mystery, short story fiction, how-to, and young readers.

The group will include Patti Faloon, an 83-year-old female clown who was a dancer, actress, singer and comedian; Joe Szalanski, who describes his father’s life as a hobo; Dennis Marsili, a real-life former homicide detective whose thriller is set in Pittsburgh; Dave Hammer, a children’s author who writes about patience and perseverance; and Kimberly McCormick, a cancer survivor who discusses her walk with God throughout her illness.

Other authors include Monroeville dentist Wayne DeCroo, who experienced miracles in the mountains at Medjugorje; self-described Cookie Queen Pat Condelli, who provides recipes, party ideas and cleaning tips; and C. William Davis III, the mystery author who writes about a fictional killer who lurks in rural Western Pennsylvania.

“It’s fun,” Linda Davis said. “It’s just a really good time.”

She said a basket containing signed books by all the authors will be raffled off for $5 a ticket, with all proceeds benefiting the Mars Public Library. Authors also will sign their books, which will be available for purchase at the event.

Davis said she frequently booked her husband at bookstore signing events in the past but became worried when bookstores began closing in recent years.

So she called Word by Association managers and shared her idea of getting a few authors together to form a panel that would speak at local libraries. When the publisher offered to help her in the new endeavor, Davis knew she was onto something.

“At first, we had eight authors; then one year later we had 12,” Davis said.

She said many of the authors have become fast friends.

“It’s just been a blessing; that’s how wonderfully it has turned out,” Davis said. “The camaraderie between the authors is just outstanding.”

Davis said, so far, the authors have held four gatherings at various libraries and have booked four more events for the near future.

She said the gatherings have drawn capacity crowds and feedback from those who attended has been positive.

“After our first evening, our feedback was ‘Where have you been?’” Davis recalled. “They said it was so much fun, listening to the authors and hearing their stories.”

She said people also enjoy having the books they purchase signed by the author.

“How often do you buy a book and get the author’s signature in it?” she said. “And it brings the book to life more, to meet the author.”

Jennifer Ford, library youth services coordinator, said she is looking forward to the Gathering of Authors.

“They have a lot of interesting stories to tell,” Ford said. “I think it will be a nice evening of entertaining stories.”

Refreshments will be served, and the authors will be available to chat with those in attendance after the event.

Reservations are requested by calling the library at 724-625-9048.