National Author’s Day

National Author’s Day is a holiday dedicated to celebrating the remarkable works of American authors. Each book offers a unique story, filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions—joy, love, fear, envy, empathy, perseverance, and heroism. Observed annually on November 1, National Author’s Day is the perfect time to remember your favorite books and enjoy them again.

History

National Author’s Day began in Illinois in 1928, when a women’s club would meet to discuss their favorite writers. During one meeting, Nellie Verne Burt McPherson suggested creating a special day to honor American authors. She was inspired after reading Irving Bacheller’s story Eben Holden’s Last Day A-Fishing. After writing to the author and receiving a signed copy in return, McPherson proposed setting aside a day for all American writers. The holiday started as a club event, and in 1949, the U.S. Department of Commerce recognized National Author’s Day as an official observance.

Interesting Facts About American Writers

• Dan Brown was a singer before writing his famous novel The Da Vinci Code.
• Jonathan Swift invented the name Vanessa.
• Mark Twain’s real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, but his first pen name was “Josh.”
• Clive Staples Lewis coined the word “verbicide,” which means the deliberate distortion of a word’s meaning.
• Each year, Key West, Florida, hosts the Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Competition at Sloppy Joe’s bar.

How to Take Part

There are many ways to celebrate National Author’s Day. Re-read a favorite book, or choose something new. Visit your local library and ask for recommendations. You might find yourself enjoying a classic like The Great Gatsby or The Grapes of Wrath, or diving into the chilling stories of Stephen King. If you’re not in the mood to read, watch a film adaptation of an American novel.

When is National Author’s Day in 2025?

National Author’s Day is observed on November 1 each year.

Observations