Rep. Tom Allen (D) might be hoping that the pen, indeed, is mightier than the sword. The Democratic candidate for Senate is bringing in famous Maine authors to host a fundraiser — and hoping attendees will sign some checks for his campaign while they’re there.

Allen is running against two-term Sen. Susan Collins (R), who so far is leading by double-digits in publicly released polls.

Stephen King, John Grishman and Tess Gerritsen will headline a $25 per person fundraiser for Allen on June 7, according to a release from Allen’s campaign. At the event, the authors will read from their recent works.

“I don’t often get involved in politics, but I believe there is a great deal at stake in this year’s election,” King said in a statement. “Tess, John and I believe that we need change in America. What has happened to our country in the last eight years is downright scary — and believe me, I know scary.”

— Shira Toeplitz