Give Thanks...Felt Like Old Times

 Eleven years ago, a small publisher chose one of my stories to include in an anthology. Unlike almost all the authors I know, I did NOT know from childhood that I wanted to be a writer. Oh, I had dabbled, but I never thought I was smart enough or good enough to actually produce something anyone would want to read.

I went back to school, earned my masters in English, and started writing.

I was almost forty-five years old.

My story, a steampunk re-telling of H.C. Christensen's The Little Match Girl, was published through Xchyler Publishing and in the summer of 2013, a Steampunk Convention was held about ten miles from my house a few months later. I was asked to be on a writing panel about the book, steampunk, and writing in general. I was on Cloud 9. The first story I ever submitted was actually published.

For the next few years, I had a few other stories published, then a collection of my short stories, then a novel. And I kept going to book signings. Those first few were so exciting. My name on books...it felt sort of surreal. People actually buying my books was icing on the cake.

Then, when I didn't generate new material, I'd sit with friends and no one would buy anything from me. I still loved being around other authors, but things had changed. Eventually (and covid didn't help...), I stopped doing signings. 

Our little town has a summer reading kickoff party, in fact, it's called the Summer Reading Kickoff Party. This year's even took place last Friday and I asked if I could participate. They said yes, and I had a blast. I was proud of my little books, proud again of what I've written. That pride sort of dissipated over the years. I talked to everyone who showed up at my table, and as I packed up to go home, I had sold four books.

It's been a long time since I sold that many books at one signing. 

Maybe it's because I have two books written waiting to find a home. Maybe it's because it's been so long since I did a book signing. I don't know, but I do know I'm thankful for the opportunity, the chance to talk to people who love to read. I'm thankful for those who have supported my little hobby for the past ten-plus years and hopefully, for years to come. 

Last Friday...well, it felt like old times.

If You Happened To Be In Tremonton Tomorrow Afternoon...

 Tomorrow afternoon, from 4pm to 8pm at Sherman Park in Tremonton, Utah, an event will take place, a gathering of readers and writers of all ages. It's called the Summer Reading Kickoff Party.

If you're in the area, you ought to check it out.

Since moving north, I've participated in the event once, and attended a few more times. I contacted the library last month to make sure they knew I wanted to be one of the authors. Since then I haven't received an e-mail back, so I'm thinking my name might not be on the list of authors. Then again, they told me when it was, I know where it is, and I am a functioning adult. I can figure it out.

Even if my name's not on the list, the people are so nice up here, they'll figure something out.

Whenever I find myself surrounded by writers and readers, it seems to always be a good time. Writers (usually...) like other writers and like hanging out with them. Throw in readers--especially readers with cash to buy books--and you have yourself a party.

Again, if you're in the neighborhood tomorrow afternoon, drop in and say hello.

It's going to be fun.

Give Thanks...Tremonton's Summer Reading Kickoff Party

 

I missed it last year, and I vowed I would not make that mistake again. This time I contacted the library with enough time to put me on the author list. They even gave me a pirate name and a cool drinking glass.

The event--the Tremonton Library's Summer Reading Kickoff Party.

So glad I went.

The worst thing about missing last year was hearing how great it was from fellow authors who traveled some up to a hundred miles or more to attend. I, on the other hand, traveled about five miles to our town's library (built in 1929...). When I arrived I spotted a fellow author (and fellow Immortal Works author...) Steven Heumann, who brought his entire family, and I noticed an empty table next to him. 

Score!

I then noticed another writer friend, Ben Simmons and his dad setting up on the other side of the table.

Double score!

The evening was crisp and windy...a perfect night for the community to come out and support the library. The theme of the event--pirates. A few cosplayers added ambiance to the festivities. Lots of kids came around. They passed by my table when I told them I did not have a scavenger hunt clue to help them on their treasure hunt.

There were a few other authors I knew and many I did not. Many said that they don't necessarily come to this event to make a lot of sales. No, they come for the atmosphere, the people, the fun. I'm grateful to live in a community that still had a library run by workers who understand the importance of what they do. They didn't have to put in all the effort for the event, but the did and you can tell they not only love what they do, but the people they serve.

This was my first year at the Tremonton Library Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Hopefully, it won't be my last.