Local Author Panel | HMCPL Intercept

In this program, audience members will get to hear from three of our local authors about what the writing process is like as well as tips and tricks on how to get your work published. The authors will discuss their books, which includes a wide range of genres and topics from science fiction; historical fiction and mystery; and local history, music, and photography.

The three authors participating in our author panel are Rich Partain, Dan Klasing, and Bud Gambrell!

Rich Partain writes funny, filthy, wholesome, inclusive, action-packed comedy science-fiction novels with elements of cyberpunk, fantasy, steampunk, and horror. His ongoing Happy Jack series features the hilarious misadventures of a swashbuckling smartass pop culture archaeologist and his foul-mouthed but good-hearted band of part-time mercenaries. They eat, drink, fight, and laugh their way through a semi-utopian cosplay society in the clouds 500 years in the future, saving the universe from existential threats while trying not to be murdered by cybernetic vampires and werewolves, rogue angels, and outer gods. Or falling prey to alcohol poisoning and/or suffocation in a sex dungeon.

Rich's books have won the hearts and minds of tens of people worldwide and made him one of the bestselling authors in his small, rural neighborhood.

Dan Klasing is the author of the Orion Six series of World War II historical thrillers and The Cause trilogy of political thrillers. His latest novel, The Bell’s Code, continues the story begun in Orion Six, blending historical events with action, espionage, and a provocative reimagining of the final days of World War II. A longtime attorney, Klasing brings a lawyer’s eye for detail and a lifelong interest in history to his fiction. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys traveling, cooking, and restoring classic cars.

Bud Gambrell is a published author, photographer, and music writer based in New Market, Alabama. A Huntsville native, Bud has spent much of his life combining two of his greatest passions—music and photography—into a creative journey centered on capturing memorable moments and telling the stories behind them.

A major chapter in Bud’s photographic journey began in December 2019 when he started photographing performances at Side Tracks Music Hall, a popular live-music venue near downtown Huntsville. From then until the venue closed in September 2022, he photographed dozens of bands and documented countless performances, musicians, and moments that became part of the venue’s history. His connection to Side Tracks Music Hall ultimately extended beyond photography. In July 2023, Bud self-published his first book chronicling the history, music, people, and legacy of the much-loved Huntsville venue. In 2024, he followed it with a second book featuring a curated collection of his own photographic work, My Time In The Pit.

Away from the camera and keyboard, Bud’s greatest pride is his family. He is the father of three, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of two. He is married to his lifelong friend and love of his life, Susan.

Whether through a photograph, concert review, magazine column, or book, his goal remains much the same as it was when he first picked up a camera: capture the moment, preserve the memory, and tell the story.

TIME: 10:00am - 11:30am

LOCATION: 3rd Floor Concert Area

To check out more information about the Great Big Book Festival at Downtown Huntsville Public Library, click here

To see all of the programs held at the Great Big Book Festival, click here

For Adults 19+

Questions? Contact GBBF@hmcpl.org

Add to Calendar 2026-11-07 10:00:00 2026-11-07 11:30:00 Local Author Panel Join local authors, Rich Partain, Dan Klasing, and Bud Gambrell, as they host an author panel. Downtown Huntsville Library HMCPL Intercept web@hmcpl.org America/Chicago public

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Author Event

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Adults (19 and up)

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