Natick Arts Walk

Had a pleasant night selling books at the Natick Arts Walk, where they had us set up as vendors along Main Street. Different than being on the Common, where we usually are for events there. 

Breezy and hot, but it got nicer as the evening wore on.

Not seen are fellow authors Tilia Klebenov-Jacobs and J.M. Taylor, who were too far away for me to leave my table. 

I was near a new bookstore! 

Ten Tree Books is a nice shop with a good selection. 

Was next to Elaine Low, who creates unique hand-crafted cards.

And I met Conrad Gees, a local photographer (he's available for shoots)...

Summer Shows and new bookstore

Lots of Summer fun on the book front.

Last night, we had a fun panel at the Brockton Library. 

Thanks to Warren Nelson of the library staff for setting this up. 

Some live attendees (despite the heat) and more listening in on Zoom. 

It was a Sisters in Crime presentation, where we took suggestions from the audience as to character names, murder weapons, settings, and motives, then we formed a mystery from those. 

With fellow Sisters Nicole Asselin, Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte, and Joanna Schaffhausen. 

This Thursday night, I'll be signing and selling books from 5-8 outdoors at the Natick Arts Walk, an outdoor event with vendors of all types. 

Upcoming is Saturday, August 3, 1:00—3:00, at the Woburn Library. Another Mystery Making panel. 

With fellow Sisters Dr. B.J. Magnani, JA (Judith) McIntosh, and Bonnar Spring

Come have some fun creating a mystery!

For those who can't make it, my Zack Taylor mystery series books are available in the Dedham, MA Barnes and Noble! 

NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza

Had a great day yesterday at the NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza in Boxboro. 

As the show advertises, it's all forms of Collectibles! Antique & collectible toys, comics, art, vinyl records, weird stuff, diecast, Funko, trading cards, nerdcrafts, oddities, artifacts, memorabilia, and EVERYTHING in between!

I was there selling and signing books with Scott Goudsward, another author and big-time collector of figurines.

There was booth after booth of fun stuff. 

So many nice people selling their wares. 

Here's Jim Dyer, another author, and one who had a relative that was a friend to H.P. Lovecraft!

And one more- Scott M. Baker, who pens tales of monsters, zombies, and the supernatural.

And here's Brittany Lyn Batchelder, an author, illustrator, and artist, who created an avian Tarot deck, with lovely illustrations.

And a couple of cool guys from Nightfall Collectibles- even those who vend similar items cannot resist acquiring a piece for their own! 

And here's Kyle Russell, of Crystal Concentrics, with a huge and elaborate setup.

Fun day for all- lots of families, showing the kids all the cool stuff. 

They run a few of these every year, so if you're in the mood for nostalgia (needing some comics to complete your collection), or just want to browse, check it out. 

Halls of Fame

Took a break recently to visit a couple of places that have been on my list for some time. Convinced a friend to accompany me for a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, followed by the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Outside the BB Hall with the Naismith statue.

And inside:

I got so inspired (especially after watching the Champion Celtics!), I finally worked up to dunking the ball!

Go Green!

Then it was the turn for Cooperstown

Just down the street is Doubleday Field, noted for a lot of high-profile teams playing.

Was even featured in the movie A League of Their Own

Natick Beach Reads Day

We had a lovely day outside selling books at the Natick Beach Reads Day.

Nice contingent of mystery writers attending, and a good crowd came to browse and buy.

Here's Tilia Klebenov-Jacobs, who organized the whole shindig.

Best Dressed Award goes to Maine's own Matt Cost

JM Taylor, who shared a booth with me

Kim Herman Shapiro, who might have driven the farthest to attend

Martha "Max" Folsom

The ever-camera-shy BJ Magnani

Janet Raye Stevens

Robin Orm Hansen and Sarah Smith, with her model (and book) of the Titanic

Sharon Healy-Yang

Robin Hazard Ray

Thanks to the organizers and all the customers who came to chat and buy.

Recent Travels

 

Hello again- it's been a busy time.

A few pics from recent travels- been a busy time!

Took a day to travel to the Encore casino in Everett, with Dave.

Pretty inside, lots of decorations.

Fun time playing the poker slots and seeing how people spend their money.

So back to business, as I was on a panel about making a success at Indie writing for the Tewksbury Library. 

(Of course I promoted my book, How to be a Successful Indie Writer)

Shown here are fellow panelists Jeff Deck and Tilia Klebenov-Jacobs

Nice attentive crowd, and they asked good questions

So on the holiday weekend, we took advantage of the lovely weather.

First, off to Newburyport for a time by the sea, and a terrific seafoody lunch, with a craft market by the water.

Then off to Tower Hill Garden, to view the lovely flowers in a peaceful setting.

Hope your holiday weekend was fun.