Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival

Earlier this month, I got to participate in the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival. Small Child joined me.

It was a blast, because it was also a Halloween fest. The zombie makeup table was right beside me. Plus, there was a dog show, so I got to see all of the adorable little dogs in costumes running around.

Of course, the event carried with it the inevitable learning lesson. I set up my table and was smiling at the passersby. My husband took Small Child off in his stroller to find some food. They hadn't been gone five minutes when my first customer approached and wanted to buy a copy of Spirit World. She had a $20. I had change. In my wallet. In the stroller.

Head desk.

Ah well. It was still an enjoyable experience, and next time, I will make sure to have my change in the same box as my books so this does not happen again.

What about you? Do any of you have learning experiences from events that you'd like to share?

Gated Launch Party

Last month, I had the honor of attending Amy Christine Parker's launch for her debut book, Gated. If you haven't read it, you will definitely want to check it out. It's about a teenage girl named Lyla, who is raised in a cult and finds herself questioning their teachings. It's a thriller. It's contemporary. It's a romance. It's got it all. But anyway, onto the party.

First, Amy read a section from the first chapter. 

Then, she answered some questions and discussed the cults she researched in order to write the book. It's fascinating stuff, delving into the minds of people who lead and join cults. After the questions, she signed copies of her books and took photos with everyone.

Just look at that cake. Yum!

Amy is critique partner, but I'm definitely a fan of hers too, and I can't wait for the next book.

If you want to read more of Amy's writing, check out our short story blog, Fiction Femme Fatale.