AUBURN - Readers gathered at the Yesteryears Coffee House and Cafe in Auburn Thursday night to hear from a group of local authors on the creative work that goes into their writing.

The monthly event allows authors to discuss what they write about, share what inspires them, and maybe even read a little bit of their work.

Yesteryears has been bringing in live speakers and performers since April.

In addition to the authors that are on hand once a month, live musicians are booked nearly every weekend through December.

"I like bringing in new cultures and identities," said Art Wenzel, who coordinates the events, "and this is the start of something that will hopefully go to the next level."

Judith Hollands, a writer and English teacher at Onondaga Community College, discussed the importance of readings that allow authors to communicate with their audiences.

The relationship between authors and the community is very reciprocal, she said.

Writers need support from the public, but the public can also experience different things and perhaps gain some knowledge by getting out and reading some local work.

"It's very important for people in writing to get their voice out into the community and be able to hear what they have to say about certain things and lived events," Hollands said. "Writing is a very private struggle, but the public voice can be a great help."

Mary Ellen Lee, an author from Penn Yan who penned a series of five children's books titled "Danny and Life on Bluff Point," spoke about the rewards of seeing readers react to her work.

"Coming to these readings gives me a chance to tell people about what I have written, and hopefully they can receive some education from it," said Lee, whose books have a common historical theme.

"It's important for a child to learn about history, and it's nice to see their eyes light up when they come across a book they are interested in."