The Thing About Leftovers has inspired a thing about edible books, recipes, food, fun, and a book signing and talk by author C.C. Payne. It all takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Lexington Public Library’s Eastside Branch.
The event at Eastside will follow a daylong visit to Morton Middle School by Payne, whose latest novel, The Thing About Leftovers, follows Fizzy, a middle school girl navigating divorce and her new blended family. The middle school visit will take place on Friday, Oct. 14.
“We’ve had the privilege of hosting a book talk by Mrs. Payne at our school in the past, and she is absolutely the best author visit we’ve ever experienced. Hands down, the best! Her experience and passion as a writer translates into a highly-motivational learning experience for audiences of all ages,” Alaine Carpenter, Morton’s librarian, said.
Payne said she enjoys talking to middle schoolers in order to share her love for reading.
“Before I’m a writer, I’m a reader,” she said. “Had there been a job called reader, I would have totally signed up for that one.”
Two contests are being held in conjunction with the author event:
• An edible book contest. Any school in the Fayette County Public Schools system may hold its own contest, sending its top three finishers to the final round at the library’s event. Dan Wu, local chef and former contestant on the Fox television show, MasterChef, will join Scott County High School cafeteria assistant manager Trahnel Mitchel and Lexington Public Library director Ann Hammond as judges. Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk also has been invited to judge. Winners will be named in high school, middle school, and elementary school categories. Edible books are food creations that depict a particular book.
• A recipe contest. Adults and children alike may submit original recipes that make the best leftovers. For contest rules and submissions, visitlexpublib.org/leftovers. Submissions are due by Wednesday, Oct. 12. Prizes will be given in adult and child categories.
Barnes & Noble will sell copies of Payne’s books during the book signing. Food vendors also will be on hand.
This article also appears on page 12 of the October 2016 printed edition of the Hamburg Journal. For more Hamburg area news, subscribe to the Hamburg Journal weekly digital newsletter.
