Wow! What a weekend! As you all know, I have been busy promoting my newest book, Dark and Bloody. It is a collection of horror/suspense stories set in Kentucky. Most of them are set right here in Eastern Kentucky. I was able to continue my promotions over the weekend.
On Friday, June 25th, I was invited to WLEX - 18 in Lexington, KY to talk about my book on their 12:30 news program. Chris Goodman and Nicole Pence, who anchor the show, made me feel more than welcome as they interviewed me about my book. They were both so nice, I didn't feel nervous at all. In fact, as some of you know, this was my third appearance at the station. They are very supportive of the area and of the arts. I really do appreciate that!
On Saturday, June 26th, I traveled to Harrodsburg, Kentucky for their first annual Festival of Books and Arts. Over 60 authors and artists from all over Kentucky traveled to Harrodsburg that day for the fair. I was honored to be one of those invited, along with others such as Ed McClanahan and Ruth Fogel. I was able to showcase all three of my books: Nose Pickin', Pumpkin Guts, and my newest, Dark and Bloody.
It was a hot day on Saturday, but the event was amazing. There were so many great authors and artists who were showing their work. We took up all of Main Street in Harrodsburg! LOL! There was a large stage set up for presentations throughout the day. I really enjoyed the excerpts from Seussical, the Musical by the Ragged Edge Community Theatre.
One thing that I noticed was that Harrodsburg really supports their local art community. They are very supportive of their authors and artists. Events such as this one will help them continue this support.
My invitation to the fair began last year when I attended the Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort. I met some wonderful authors and illustrators while I was there. One of them was a man by the name of Tony Sexton who was at the event to promote his book, Scraps, which is a collection of poems that he had written over the years. We introduced each other and exchanged contact information. We still keep in touch with each other online. What did we ever do before email and Facebook? LOL!
Anyway, it turns out that he is an organizer of a Harrodsburg writers group. He started working with Elaine Hammonds who is the executive director of Harrodsburg First. Working with her and others in the community, they developed the idea for the book and arts fair. Although this was the first year, I am sure that it will continue to grow. I look forward to attending next year!
In all, it was a great weekend. I was able to meet lots of new authors and see some old friends as well. In fact, I was so pleased to run into Paula Sparrow once again. I had met her at the Kentucky Book Fair as well. She is a writer for Kentucky Living magazine. Her book, Creature Comforts, is a collection of stories about people who care for and rescue animals throughout Kentucky. She is a great writer and her book is just lovely. If you get a chance, you need to get a copy of her book.
Tired but happy, Lisa and I returned home on Sunday morning. We had a great weekend seeing some wonderful sights and meeting some fantastic people. However, as the old saying goes, there is no place like home. I was so happy to be back home here in wonderful Breathitt County!
Until next week....class dismissed!
