Thursday, September 23, 2010

ART-A-LICIOUS IN ADRIAN

EVENTS: SPEAKING ON WRITING AND PUBLISHING

Pittsfield Senior Center: Wednesday, October 18th, 10:00am
Dexter Public Library: Wednesday, December 1st, 7:00pm


NOVELS for $15.00: at Events, on line, Nicolas or Meijer

On Saturday my friend Sharon Feldman and I drove to Adrian, where I spoke at the Adrian library with four other local authors; a feature of Art-a-licious: a family fair, something for everyone. Children with painted faces made projects and improvised on stage. There were arts and crafts, with demonstrations including candle making, sock knitting and monotype printmaking; music, dancing, fair food and a gourmet dinner provided by Adrian culinary students. Amazingly it was not crowded and one could take a leisurely walk and enjoy the exhibits. Mark this fair on your calendar for next year!

Authors: Charmaine Stangl, “Charlie; The Dog Who Lived the Dream;” Deborah and Carol Marsh, “The Birth of a King;” Maurleen Gillin, a cookbook, “My Mother and Me;” Cristina Trapani Scott, “A Cup of Comfort for a Better World.” Cristina wrote a touching essay, “The Power of Pebbles” about the support and inspiration her daughter’s classmates provided, when her daughter had a debilitating surgery. The essay was one of fifty-five chosen in an intense competition, and she was paid!

The music and art were fierce competition; people wandered through the library, a few purchased books. Still, we enjoyed networking, reading and comparing experiences. Other than Cristine we had all self published and all concerned about marketing.

It was interesting that the two authors who were contracted to receive royalties had no knowledge of what that royalty would be. This was my experience with Author House. Not until the price was set, the book printed and I asked, was I informed. We authors who self publish are often naive. As I’ve mentioned before Mark Levine’s“The Fine Print of Self-Publishing” is one of several good books that are a must for anyone planning to self publish.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

ART-a-licious IN ADRIAN, MICHIGAN

Adrian is having a celebration of art Friday and Saturday, the 18th and 19th of September. The downtown area will host art, crafts, food and music in a festive atmosphere. It is large enough for diversity, small enough to enjoy. Demonstrations include glass blowing, sculpture and wood turning. Several local authors have been invited to speak at the public library. I will be there on Saturday the 19th from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Looking forward to seeing new and old friends.