Book Festivals
I published my first book, Warriors Within, 17 years ago through my company, Highland Mountain Publishing, LLC.
Nick was in 5th grade, voraciously read my book, and had ideas for the next book, Eyes of the Goddess. Most of the book events that I attend are in the fall and Nick loved coming to them with me.
Since Warriors Within is partly based in 3rd century Celtic Ireland, I held a book event at Celtic Treasures in Saratoga right around Halloween. For us, it was the perfect pairing of talking about my book and dressing up in a costume. Dressed up as a ghoul, Nick handed out bookmarks and his infectious smile pulled customers in.
Dressing up for book event at Celtic Treasures. Nick did smile there!
Nick enjoyed talking to other enthusiastic readers and they were impressed by how well-spoken and well-read he was. He’d bring a notebook and draw graphic novels and write stories about animals and medieval fantasy.
Book events are fabulous because I can talk to children and adults about the books that move them or make them laugh. We talk about the writing process and their writing dreams.
At then at the recent Saratoga Book Festival, a 7th grade teen told me about the book he wrote based on his dog. He still needs to illustrate this young reader chapter book. He wants to write full-time and I gave him some ideas on publishing. That’s what thrills me. Transporting and entertaining people through books and supporting their dreams.
I think of my Nick at every book festival, imagine him chatting about the latest fantasy book or graphic novel. My Puzzle Quests’ series is a creative fantasy inspired by him and Stephen. Art imitates life and life informs writing.
2023 Saratoga Book Festival
I cracked up when a dad took a photo of me with his daughter in case I became famous! Another bought the rest of my series because her daughters read Shimmer’s Eggs 10 times! Quite the inspiration to write book five, and it makes my heart soar to know that my books entertain.
Writing and talking about books reminds of the boy who ran into my room late one night crying because he stayed up to finish reading Marley and Me.