October 29, 2007 – Literary Coffeehouse, Bethlehem Library in Bethlehem, CT

My third reading at the Coffeehouse was as enjoyable as the first two. Once again there was a collection of familiar faces reading their writing to the audience. Poetry, short stories, rap, and novel chapters all gave the audience a peek at each writer’s work. Some sad and moving, others interesting and speculative; all the writers have their own unique style and it makes the night very entertaining. I selected a reading from Chapter 9 – The Hunger, which immerses the reader into the mind of a jackal busy keeping vultures off the remains of a tiger’s kill. It is a chapter that I like for it’s life lessons as the bickering birds fight over more than enough food for all of them, instead of eating cooperatively before another scavenger comes along. It is the noise of envy that attracts the jackal and costs them all the best of the meal. After the reading, the reaction made it clear that it was a good choice. A number of audience members asked questions and expressed their impressions of the work. It was very rewarding to hear the comments. Later in the evening I signed a handful of books and discussed the story with several other writers. I learned that one of them had passed my story on to The Taft School in Watertown, CT and they are now using my story as an example of realistic fantasy. I encouraged him to pass along my willingness to come into the school and discuss the story, writing process, concepts, etc. as well as to share several scripted activities I have created around the book and its subject matter. Overall, it was a very enjoyable night.

October 6, 2007 – First Congregational Church of Litchfield, CT, Fall Festival

As an annual fundraiser for the church, the fall festival is a much-anticipated event for both the congregation and the surrounding community. I contributed a signed book donation to the Country Store and was very pleased that every book sold. The event was a great success for the church and myself as more books are now in the hands of readers.

July 28, 2007 – Goshen Public Library in Goshen, CT

Another paid event! I was scheduled to read and discuss the book but unfortunately, no one showed up. I have since learned the event was only advertised on the monthly calendar at the library and with some inclement weather, only the most loyal of readers would have come out to attend. Not discouraged however, they paid me anyway and I made some friends at the library just the same. I donated a couple signed books and we decided to reschedule another time.

July 21, 2007 – Celebrate East Lyme Weekend, Niantic, CT

Returned to the town of my childhood for a public fair filled with vendors and events. The expectation was 40,000 people walking the streets though I lost count at about 100. I arrived early and set up on the edge of the “Author’s Table”. Joined with 8 or 9 other writers, I signed several books and reacquainted with childhood friends. I enjoyed a day filled with conversations about the book, the writing process, and life in general. The old coastal town has changed dramatically and yet remained the same. New walls, buildings, boardwalks, etc. but it is filled with the same friendly people with memories of 40 plus years ago. I left with one regret; I should have made a better effort to go to my 20^th high school reunion. It is amazing how much time and how little time has passed when you see old friends again.

May 7, 2007 – Literary Coffeehouse, Bethlehem Library in Bethlehem, CT

My second time at the Coffeehouse did not disappoint. The collection of writers and poets was varied and very interesting. I enjoyed the entire evening as both a participant and a spectator. The Bethlehem Library hosts this event twice per year and I will try to be there every time. I recognized a number of writers from last time but all presented new material or new chapters from the same books, as I did. For this night I selected a chapter that demonstrated the transition between the rainforest adventure and Sammy’s hospital room reality. After a brief introduction of the story and myself I dove into Chapter 4 – The Nap, which involves a mated pair of tigers settling in after eating their kill. Like last time at the Coffeehouse, I was a mass of nerves and shallow breath as I read. Something about this event does challenge me. In my other life, I speak in front of much larger groups without being nervous so it must be that this book is more important to me than events in my other life. When I finished, the response was warm and as the evening closed several attendees sought me out for a signed copy of Gathering In The Mist. Some of them mentioned liking the chapter I read in November as well as the one I had just read as their reasons for wanting the book. That makes me think I chose the chapters wisely. One individual obtained the book intending to get it to his daughter in England who distributes fantasy novels specifically for young adults overseas. The librarian, Ann, told me she wants to add my book the Recommended Summer Reading List she provides to local 7^th and 8^th grade students and teachers. I gave both of them my card for contact reasons as needed.

April 27, 2007 – Harwinton Girl Scout Troop 349

Every girl in the troop acquired a copy of my book in advance so they could read it before the meeting a month later. Come meeting day, more than half of the girls had read most or even all the book! We discussed favorite characters and parts of the story. One girl told me she was "balling uncontrollably" when she read the chapter with Bunga's mother and the poachers. Her own mother confirmed this. Overall that girl was thrilled with the story thus far and had only 2 chapters remaining. All of them were hoping for a sequel and had ideas of their own related to Sembuh as a superhero of sorts, saving the endangered animals of Indonesia. The troop leader told me afterward that the girls were very focused and she's never seen them so quiet as when I was reading a chapter to them. By group consensus, we chose to have me read the chapter where Bunga is first introduced to the story. They all wanted to hear about Bunga. As a strong female character in the story, I was pleased to see them relate to her so well. The meeting was very enjoyable and rewarding for the feedback I received.

April 18, 2007 – Beardsley and Memorial Library of Winsted, CT

My first PAID speaking engagement! The Library invited me in for a discussion about my book and the writing process. They had laid out a room downstairs with 20+ chairs arranged in a circle and a table for me to display my material. Nice room with very attractive stonework in the walls and the set up was perfect. Only downside was the number of attendees. That would be one; her name was Debbie. We had a great discussion just the same and I read some selections from the story. After we ran past the time allotted, we ended and she took the book home.

This was my first visit to the Beardsley Library (it is in a neighboring town) so I donated 2 copies of Gathering in the Mist as I left the event. Very nice library and Arlene was great.

Feb 8, 2007 – Daytime Guild, First Congregational Church of Litchfield, CT

A very enjoyable event. I was invited to lead a discussion on writing and the publishing process, as well as perform a reading from my story and offer signed copies to those interested. The group was about 15 strong and the energy of it was fantastic. Questions came from every direction and the crowd was engaged and interested in what I had to say. It felt great. I read a few selections from the story, described my experiences with writing and publishing, and after 90 minutes, we had sandwiches as the discussion continued. It was a very successful event in that 13 books went home with readers – that is 86%, but above all, I had a great time throughout the meeting. I really enjoy sharing what I have done and this group was genuinely interested in what I came to discuss.

Images may not be saved or downloaded and are for viewing purposes only