MADISON – The dedication of people who view reading as a joy will take the focus at the upcoming Book Club Conference at Madison Public Library.

The event on Jan. 14 will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in auditorium 1 at the library, 142 Plaza Blvd. The conference’s featured guest author will be mystery writer Deborah Goodrich Royce. Readers can network with members of book clubs.

The conference will open at 1:30 p.m. when participants can meet Goodrich Royce, who will discuss her most recent novel, “Reef Road,” a twisty, shocking mixture of fictional intrigue and an unsolved true crime taken from the author’s life.

“Reef Road” hit “Publishers’ Weekly’s” bestseller list, “Good Morning America’s” “Top 15” list and was an “Indie Next Pick” by American Bookseller’s Association for January 2023. (deborahgoodrichroyce.com)

In addition, Goodrich Royce has written “Finding Mrs. Ford,” which “Forbes,” “Book Riot” and “Good Morning America’s” ‘best of’ lists in 2019, and “Ruby Falls,” which was awarded the Zibby Award for “Best Plot Twist” in 2021.

Earlier in her career, Goodrich Royce worked as a story editor at Miramax Films and developed films, like 1996’s “Emma” with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor. Also an actress, Goodrich Royce played Silver Kane, half-sister to Susan Lucci’s iconic Erica Kane in the ABC soap opera, “All My Children.”

Goodrich Royce earned a bachelor’s degree in modern foreign languages and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Lake Erie College.

At 3 p.m., the conference’s topic will switch to “Enhancing Your Book Club Experience.” Veteran members of book clubs will explain the steps that people can take to start, run and enhance a book club. Library staff will share information about reference material and online resources. Book club leaders and members have an open invitation to tell others about their own groups.

Workshop participants can buy books by Goodrich Royce onsite from The Snail on the Wall bookstore, which will accept payment by cash or credit card. To pre-order the book for the conference, visit snailonthewall.com.

For more information, call Madison Public Library at 256-461-0046, or email Carolyn at creagle@hmcpl.org with questions.