Book Store at Eastern States Exposition: The Big E!

Turmoil does not mix with creativity! I've found that out this past four months as I relocated back to Connecticut to be with my family. However, things are smoothing out and I'm getting involved with the writing and art communities again.


First book event of the year for me will be the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association book fair at the Big E in Springfield. Over 80 authors will be attending this event through the run of the fair, September 16 through October 2. The "bookstore" is set up in the Connecticut Building and I hope you'll come by if you're in the area.


I will be signing books on Friday, September 23 from 10 am to 1 pm, and Sunday, September 25 from 1 pm to 4 pm. I'd love to see you there!


I've included the full press release here for further information.

Connecticut Authors sign their work at The Big E

At the 2011 Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts, the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) will be operating a bookstore for the fifth year in a row. The bookstore will contain the works of Connecticut authors. Genres offered include: general fiction and non-fiction, historical fiction and non-fiction, science fiction, young adult fiction and fantasy, children’s books, mystery, true crime, memoirs, biography, crafts, adventure, romance, travel, technology, sports, how-to-do, humor,  religious, spiritual, inspirational, self-help, and poetry. 80 authors will be featured and 190 titles will be on display.

Individual authors presented will be: Shelia Murphy Adams, Dawn Aldrich, M. J. Allaire, Jason Alster, Morgan Amarone Miss CT 2011, Lucas R. Baker, Richard O. Benton, Raymond Berchand, Cynthia Bercowetz, William M. Boylin, Patti Brooks, James Buchanan, M.J. Claire, Christina Cody, DeEarlon, Michael C. Dooling, Bill Dougal, Wayne English, David Ferry, John B. Franklin, Rev. Timothy Furrer, Peggy Gaffney, Chris Gay, Catherine Gibson, Leeann Graham, Kimble Greene, Noreen Grice, Leslie Karen Hammond, Rosemary Harris, Dorothy H. Hayes, Dan Holdridge, Ann Jamieson, Ron Janson, Susan Jones, Janus Kane, Carol Keeney, Joseph Keeney - Publisher, Deborah T. Kilday, Michael L. Kilday, Jerry Labriola MD, Janet Lawler, Karin Lefranc, K.C. Lauer, Toni Leland, Neil Liebowitz, Peter J. Malia, Tracey Marlor, Lois Mathieu, Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Shannon K. Mazurick, Nicolas G. McDonald, Dorothy A. Martin-Neville, PhD, Dodie Milardo, J. Monkeys, William P. Muttart, Teresa M. Norris, Paul Pellerin, Richard A. Radune, Steven M. Reilly Esq, Nancy K. Ruppert, Jean Marie Rusin, Tommy Russo, Thomas A. Santos, Martin Shapiro, Diana E. Sheets, Carole Shmurak, Larry Jungle Shortell, Susan Winters Smith, Kerry Bernier Spindler, Eleanor Sullo, Jane Svejk, Ames K. Swartsfager, Fay L. Taylor, Carroll Thomas, Robert Trexler - Publisher, Dan Uitti, Dr. Julie Wakely, Constant Waterman, Christopher L. Webber, A.H. Wellewood, Denise A. Whelan, Mollie Wilson, Martha J. Zimmer.

     This year’s event will run from September 16 to October 2, 10 am to 9 pm in the Connecticut Building on the Avenue of States. The motto of this year’s event is “Love to Read Connecticut Authors”. Look for our banner. On Connecticut Day, September 21st, this year a special feature will be a visit from Connecticut’s most famous author of all time, Mark Twain. We invite the public to stop by and browse our bookstore. Select authors each day will be on hand to autograph their books. We promise there will be a book to buy that meets everyone’s taste in literature. 

Indie Authors Donate to Help in Japan!

We are all horrified and heartsick at the tragedies that have befallen our friends in Japan.

Indie authors have risen to the call and you can help with quake and tsunami relief by purchasing one of the 62 (and counting) book and services donations. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross for Japan Relief.

What is an independent author? Mavricks we've been called, but adventurous is a better label. Whether self-published through a small press or digitally through one of the many available media (Smashwords, Kindle, PubIt, etc.), independent authors are just that–taking control of their work and making their dreams come true.

If you're looking for a new author and a new experience, jump in. Here's your chance to get your "fix" and do some good at the same time!

Thank you for caring.

Young Writers Unite!

I am totally psyched! After my wonderful experience with the teen critique group last year, I leaped at the chance to lead a new library program for young writers.

Beginning in March, aspiring young writers ages 12 to 20 will meet twice a month to learn about and discuss writing. We’re tailoring the program to the group’s preferences by asking each participant to choose the types of writing in which they are interested. With approximately 28 genres and five writing types to entice them, these young writers should be able to pursue their chosen craft. We’ll also talk about Voice, POV, Plot, Format, and Length in addition to any other subjects the group chooses. To keep the program interesting and not too much like school, we plan to host guest writers and individuals from the industry, have some round table story-writing, and play with writing exercises.

Young published authors are becoming more common, following in the footsteps of such familiar names as Louisa May Alcott (age 17, Flower Fables, 1854), Mary Shelley (age 19, Frankenstein, 1818), Anne Frank (age 13-17, Diary of a Young Girl, 1947), and S.E. Hinton (age 16, The Outsiders, 1967). In the twenty-first century, we’ve seen Christopher Paolini rise to fame at age 18 with his best-seller, Eragon; Valerie Gribben was 16 when she wrote Fairytale; an original vampire novel, In the Forests of the Night (Den of Shadows) was written by 13-year-old Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.

Publishing success is possible for anyone willing to work for it, and I’m thrilled to be holding the door open for our community’s aspiring young writers!

Join this exciting program on March 12 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the John McIntire Library in Zanesville, Ohio. If you have questions, just contact either me [writerone (at) newconcordpress (dot) com] or the library reference department.

Will YOU be the next hot new debut author?