A TALE OF TWO CITIES, TWO SATURDAYS, TWO AUTHOR FAIRS

This Saturday's (Nov. 4) Fishers Library author fair is minutes from the new IKEA. Check them both out and check some gifts off your Christmas list. I'll be wrapping my books free with purchase.

On Saturday, Nov. 4 from noon to 4, consider stopping by the Fishers (Hamilton East) Library, 5 Municipal Drive at the Booktoberfest Author Fair. I’m grateful to be among the 24 selected for inclusion in this event. 

Each author is invited to donate a book for a silent auction. I'm providing a copy of Cooking From Hoosier Cabinet Country surrounded by a few cookie cutters and a holiday candle inside a round wicker serving tray.

I was part of a team several years ago that produced these vintage-style cookbooks at the New Castle Courier-Times where I work.

Hoosier cabinets were made at “The Hoosier” factory in New Castle and I've always thought the town should make more of a big deal of that heritage. For many years I coordinated the newspaper's annual recipe contest and along the way, renamed the popular event to the Hoosier Cabinet Cooking Contest.

Many years' worth of those top recipes in categories of snacks, vegetables, salads, main dishes, breads and desserts were collected into one volume. It's a lovely community cookbook offering regional home-cooking.

Several  former co-workers were passionate about getting these cookbooks out there -- Brenda, Betty and Sue. I'm grateful to have worked with them on the project.
 
The cookbooks were so well received that they sold out after two printings. I bought a few extras with my employee discount and figure this is an ideal occasion to donate one for the library auction. I placed it inside a round, flat basket and dolled it up with some duplicate cookie cutters in my collection and a mini-candle. I must admit that I’m looking forward to seeing the winning bid and who gets it.

Back at my table, I’ll be offering free Christmas gift wrapping (with purchase) on my books. Last year at a bazaar, one shopper took me up on this offer to the tune of seven copies! They were destined as her gifts to members of her book club.

I’m also recycling the leftover Halloween candy with a basket full of it along with some flavored teas – free samples for the taking. I look forward to seeing what surprises the library staff has in store in this beautiful library.

Fort Wayne on Saturday, Nov. 11

The following weekend, I’ll be spending Veterans Day, noon to 5, at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. The area is truly new territory as I’ve not been in or around there for any programs or book-club discussions.

Along with participating in the fair, I was invited to serve on a panel discussion about "The Secrets of  Successful Self-Publishing." This will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Before questions and discussion, each of the four panelists get 10 minutes and I’m devoting mine to practical, proven ideas on how to find readers for your books. Join us in meeting room A. 

This author fair was recommended a year ago by a Wayne County author who raved about what a class act it is so I checked it out this year and am pleased to be a part of it.

What's even more special is that my friend Sandy Moore was also selected as a participating author at both fairs so we’ll get to spend some special time together. Sandy will have her children’s book, Sadie’s Search for Home. Her follow-up book, Doodle's Search for Success, will be out before Christmas. I had the pleasure of helping edit the delightful book about a spunky beagle.

More fun things are also in the works but for now, I’ll simply invite you to Fishers and Fort Wayne. I'll have plenty of copies of both books, and be happy to discuss writing, self-publishing, marketing or programs I can provide for your clubs and organizations.

In case you're new to this blog, my books are Sweetland of Liberty Bed & Breakfast and That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland. They are also available on Amazon and at a new venue that I will soon be telling you about when the timing is right.

As new territory emerges, the journey keeps rolling. Believe me, I'm more surprised -- and grateful -- than anyone!