Alissa Arford's Blog

Have you ever struggled to finish a book that a friend guaranteed you’d love, and wondered if you even read the same story?

Last week, I read The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. I enjoyed it so much and was enchanted by the engaging story and characters. When I went to write a review on Goodreads (which I hardly ever do unless something is a total standout), I noticed that one of my connections had given it only two stars! I was shocked and started reading through some of the other reviews, and that’s what inspired this blog.

Taste is a funny thing. We don’t all laugh at the same jokes, cry at the same movies, or root for the same characters. What feels like brilliance to one person can feel unbearable to another.

There’s actually psychology behind that. Our likes and dislikes—whether in books, TV, music, or art—are deeply shaped by our life experiences and worldviews. We gravitate toward what feels familiar or validating, and sometimes we turn away from what challenges or unsettles us. Timing matters, too: a story about loss might feel healing one year and too heavy the next.

The Psychology Behind Taste

Psychologists often describe our preferences as mirrors. The stories we love reflect parts of ourselves—our fears, hopes, memories, and beliefs. We see ourselves in the characters we cheer for (or against), in the conflicts that feel real to us, and in the resolutions that align with what we hope for in life.

That’s also why disagreements about art get so personal. We’re not just talking about whether we “liked” something; we’re revealing what resonates with us, what we value, and what we resist. Keanu is the best and Rachel is the worst in #BB27. Want to debate it? LOL.

Changing Perspectives

When I was writing Welcome to Seagull Street, it started with the idea that every character would have a very different perspective and personality. The book centers around three main characters—along with an antagonist—each carrying their own biases, fears, and ways of seeing the world. Their experiences intersect in one small coastal town, and what they choose to believe—about each other and about themselves—drives the story.

For a while, I even considered calling the book Changing Perspectives, because that’s really what it’s about: learning to see life through someone else’s lens.

Welcome to Seagull Street

Since its release in May 2025, I’ve realized that Welcome to Seagull Street also serves as a kind of mirror for readers. Many readers have told me they saw themselves in the characters and connected deeply with the book’s themes of modern life, community, and connection. Others simply loved escaping to Ocean City, Maryland, through its pages.

A couple reviews, though, mention that the book felt too real or too reflective of today’s divisions and current issues. It’s not an escape, and maybe the phrase “beach read” implies a light and fluffy story?

Books can’t make everyone feel the same way. If anything, I’m glad that people have strong reactions, because that means the story did its job.

In today’s environment, political themes and big societal issues are more of a hot topic than ever. When I wrote the book in 2023, there was no way to predict that so many of its scenarios would still feel so relevant—and, in some ways, hard to face—in 2025. What began as a story about connection, resilience, and moving together toward a brighter future has only become more reflective of the chaotic world we’re still navigating today.

Last spring, I wrestled with making changes to the book in the final hours given the current political climate and even wondered if I should publish it at all. In the end, I removed the epilogue entirely, along with several of the more politically charged callbacks to the early 2020s.

In a time when opinions can feel louder than understanding, stories that invite empathy and perspective feel especially important.

The Takeaway

In the end, our reactions to art say as much about us as they do about the work itself. We all bring our own history, opinions, and emotions to the stories we consume.

So maybe it’s no surprise that one person’s comfort read is another’s hard pass. We don’t just experience stories, we project ourselves into them.

That’s what makes storytelling so powerful… and so wonderfully subjective.

I hope you enjoy reading Welcome to Seagull Street, and if it stirs up mixed feelings, that’s okay too. Sometimes that’s where perspective begins.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, I attended The Longest Table, a community dinner hosted by the Howard County Library System in partnership with Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland. The concept was simple but powerful: gather with neighbors, share a meal, and engage in meaningful conversation with people you’ve never met before. Watch video highlights below.

The event was held outdoors, with long tables stretching across the courtyard outside the Rouse Company Foundation building. The evening centered on one transformative idea that curiosity and empathy can grow when we share a meal together.

The theme of the conversation was food: how it brings people together, and sometimes, how it can divide us. I loved spending the evening with my new friends: Mae, Sanjay, Melissa, Linda, and Ali. Our conversation ranged from favorite family recipes to the cultural traditions that shape how we cook and eat. By the time dinner was served—family-style platters of teriyaki salmon skewers, grilled veggies, and warm pita—the conversations had deepened, laughter came easily, and it felt as if we’d known each other for far longer than a couple of hours.

Each guest was intentionally seated with strangers to encourage genuine connection, and the discussion prompts made it easy to open up. It was refreshing to talk with people from different walks of life and discover shared experiences through something as universal as food.

Attendees also received a free copy of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka, a perfect companion for an event built around connection and curiosity.

Dessert was a slice of birthday cake celebrating 85 years of the Howard County Library System, served alongside vegan brownies… and our table was happy to take the extra brownies! As the sun set over the campus, the crowd lingered. No one seemed in a rush to leave.

Adding to the sense of community and creativity, Howard County Library System (HCLS) recently commissioned a series of public murals called “social engagement stations” as part of its #ConnectHCLS campaign. The installations highlight different Maryland ecosystems from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Several of the mural panels were displayed at The Longest Table event, adding color, conversation starters, and another reminder that creativity can bring people together just as powerfully as a shared meal.

It was one of those evenings that reminded me of something simple and profound: connection is the real nourishment. I left The Longest Table with a full stomach and a full heart, grateful for the conversations, the shared stories, and the reminder that empathy often begins with something as simple as passing the bread.

@alissaarfordauthor

What a lovely event tonight at Howard Community College hosted by Howard County Libraries! The Longest Table – a conversation about food with other members of the community! Loved my time at my table with my new friends: Mae, Sanjay, Melissa, Linda, and Ali.

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

The third annual Oceans Calling Music Festival lit up the Ocean City Boardwalk from September 26–28, 2025, drawing nearly 55,000 fans each day to the beach for three unforgettable days of music and memories in Ocean City, Maryland.

The energy was electric — artists giving it their all, surprise guests popping up for wild collaborations, and unexpected cover songs that had the crowd singing in unison. We braved rain, humidity, and gusty winds the first two days, only to be rewarded with a picture-perfect Sunday. That final evening, with O.A.R. & Friends and Weezer playing against a brilliant sunset, was pure magic. Watch below for the pre-festival highlights.

@alissaarfordauthor

Woo hoo!! Oceans Calling is tomorrow!! Preview of the set up and merch! #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ Sugar, We’re Goin Down – Fall Out Boy

I look forward to this weekend all year long, and now, a week later, I’m still replaying every moment — and the playlist. My mind’s already racing with questions: Who will be on next year’s lineup? What dates will it fall on? Will the weather cooperate? And when do tickets go on sale?

In past years, I’ve covered the logistics of the festival — parking, stages, tips, and survival guides — in detail. This year, I’m focusing on what’s new and what made 2025 special. If you missed my earlier posts, check out my recaps: Oceans Calling 2024, Oceans Calling 2023.

THE VIBE

The vibe this year felt a little different than in years past — it seemed like we were all trying to escape the exhausting reality of everyday life and the constant barrage of bad news. Many artists said it outright, and many implied it: the world is a crazy place right now. Music is something that can bring us all together!

The organizers optimized the event layout, and it really worked — as was tested at Boardwalk Rock earlier this year. Having some of the festival tents along the Boardwalk helped everything flow so much better. The Carousel Stage was converted into a full-sized raised stage with no tent covering it, which made it so much more convenient to see (and hear) the acts all the way to the beach. You could easily sit on the sand and turn toward Rockville or Carousel and enjoy music from both stages as they switched off. The only downside was that during the rain on Saturday, there was nowhere to take cover.

The reconfiguration of bathroom, food, and vendor placement also worked very well. There was so much open space that you didn’t feel like you were going to be trampled in a mob scene going between stages or to the restroom. The Carousel Stage may have even had a slight advantage over Rockville for line of sight for more people.

The actual port-o-potty stalls may have seemed smaller! I ended up making a longer walk to the bathrooms over by Rockville VIP, and they were less crowded — but still, way better than what I’ve seen at other large events.

One upgrade I loved was the increased use of walkways over the sand. Getting to Sea Bright from Rockville was a piece of cake along the walkway under the fishing pier. Another favorite upgrade: the sound system. The sound from far back at each stage was noticeably better — maybe even better than in the front? Kudos to the sound team!

The lines for food around dinner time were super long, as always. We tried to eat at off-times, and that helped some. The bar stands were never crowded. It was all expensive, of course. For the most part, we grabbed food from the Boardwalk vendors and sat on a beach blanket to eat it (Tony Luke’s, Bull on the Beach, Polock Johnny’s, Dough Roller, Dumser’s, Dolle’s, Kohr’s).

Personally, I felt like this was the best festival yet! Keep reading for details…

@alissaarfordauthor

Some highlights from Oceans Calling! Still so exhausted but it was so worth it. Looking forward to year 4! Lots of crowd shots. Hope you see yourself!

♬ Island Time – Bumpin Uglies

THE LINEUP

After attending the first two Oceans Calling festivals, it seemed like we were destined to keep up the streak! When the lineup was announced, I zeroed in on Lenny Kravitz — I knew I wanted to see him live. We’d already seen all three of the headliners in the past (Green Day, Noah Kahan, Fall Out Boy), but seeing your favorite performers at a festival is an experience like no other.

Kip and I are both in our early 50s, and my son and his girlfriend are in their early 20s. We all have eclectic music tastes and different priorities for which acts to see.

Before the festival, we printed out the schedule for each day (copies for everyone) and marked our top priorities. We planned when we’d eat, ride rides, take breaks on the blanket, skip some acts to get close for favorites, and who we’d meet up with during the day — knowing full well that nothing ever goes exactly as planned (enter: rain, most of Saturday!).

We weren’t just showing up for the headliners. We were off work for three days and ready to enter the gates right when they opened at noon each day. Side note: we averaged more than 20,000 steps per day (including the 2.5-mile walk to and from our condo).

FRIDAY / DAY 1

Leading up to the festival, we were obsessed with checking the OCMD weather. Every forecast showed a chance of rain with temps in the 70s. On Friday, it turned out to be overcast and very humid — I was glad I wore shorts and a T-shirt. We all carried small clear bags/backpacks with ponchos and raincoats but didn’t need them. This year, we skipped the Rock and Recycle program (collecting aluminum cans for a free T-shirt). Watch Day 1 Recap Below.

@dapplescrapple

Oceans Calling 2025 Day 1 Recap! #oceanscallingfestival #oceanscalling2025 #oceanscalling #greenday #hopeyouhadthetimeofyourlife

♬ Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day

Our first “must-see” was Spin Doctors at the Rockville Stage. We prioritized getting up close for that, and after Bel’s fantastic opening performance, we kept our spot at the front rail and waited. (Kip left to see Ballyhoo! and Letters to Cleo — his assignment was to record parts of the sets I missed!) Two of my favorite college songs are Two Princes and Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong. It was so cool to see them live up close — what a blast from the past! And man oh man, lead singer Chris Barron’s yoga is on point… or maybe Half Moon pose? Watch below for Spin Doctor’s Two Princes.

@alissaarfordauthor

I have always loved Two Princes by Spin Doctors! I just randomly sing it all the time and when I saw they were coming to Oceans Calling I knew I would be at the rail for this act! It was soooooo good! Loved it. My son recorded this video while I sang and danced and lived my best life!!

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

From there, it turned into a full-on sprint to catch as many acts as possible: The 502s, Fountains of Wayne (Stacy’s Mom — my favorite), Live, The Fray, and O.A.R.

@alissaarfordauthor

Fountains of Wayne playing Stacy’s Mom at Oceans Calling Music Festival, Sept 2025! #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

At this point, I was flying solo, determined to get up close for Nelly and Lenny Kravitz — and both absolutely delivered. Nelly was so much fun! Everyone was singing, dancing, and having a ball. I didn’t want to leave… which meant I missed The Fray. Ugh. I firmly believe that deciding between two overlapping favorite acts at a festival is one of life’s hardest choices. See Below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Nelly at #OceansCalling – not great videography but good vibes! #nelly

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

I also missed The Black Crowes and Cake because I was determined to be close for Lenny Kravitz. I ended up just a few rows from the stage, and all I can say is wow. I made friends with the people around me, and we were all singing, dancing, and loving life. I could feel the heat from the fire bursts on stage! When he stepped off the stage and came out into the crowd, suddenly he was only a few feet away. In that moment, all I could think was how lucky I was to be there, surrounded by that energy. What a performance. Watch Below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Living my best life up close with @Lenny Kravitz at @Oceans Calling [image error] #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

Given how close I was for Lenny, I knew getting super close for Green Day would be impossible. I met up with my crew at our predetermined spot, and we made our way up the far right side near the VIP viewing tent at Sea Bright. Many people leave early to beat traffic — but that’s not my jam. Why miss the best song?

@alissaarfordauthor

GREEN DAY at @Oceans Calling #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

The Green Day set was spectacular — who doesn’t know all their songs by heart? Nothing gets the energy up like tens of thousands of people singing along together. When the “Bad Day” blimp flew out, everyone was absolutely delighted. The night ended with fireworks and pure joy.

@alissaarfordauthor

Green Day at Oceans Calling! #oceanscalling #ocmd #greenday

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

SATURDAY / DAY 2

Day 2 was packed with memorable moments! It started raining before the gates even opened, and we knew we were going to get soaked. We wore raincoats and ponchos all day, and honestly, it barely helped. There were wind gusts, and by the end of the day we were completely drenched — but at least it wasn’t as bad as last year during Blink-182 (no torrential downpour or flooding like 2024). Watch Below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Same intersection in #OCMD showing the 2024 rain situation vs 2025 at @Oceans Calling – Last year was a torrential downpour! #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

We started with Rachel Ana Dobken rocking out at the Sea Bright Stage, then headed to Rockville for Maryland’s own Bumpin Uglies, who I’ve really grown to love over the past year. Island Time is one of my most-played songs!

Fortunately, Wheatus was up next on the Carousel Stage — an easy transition to their classic Teenage Dirtbag in the pouring rain. Actor Jason Biggs, the long-time emcee of Oceans Calling, made the coolest cameo of the weekend when he walked out to hand singer Brendan Brown the iconic bucket hat from the Teenage Dirtbag music video. For fans who remember the 2000 film Loser (where Biggs starred and the song appeared), it was a perfect full-circle tribute. Watch below for this memorable moment!

@dapplescrapple

Wheatus with Jason Biggs at Oceans Calling Music Festival in the Rain! #wheatus #jasonbiggs #oceanscalling @wheatusofficial @OceansCallingMD

♬ original sound – DappleScrapple

Next up: Natasha Bedingfield. At this point, it was raining hard. We got close to the Rockville Stage, and I was thrilled. Natasha leaned into the weather and brought pure joy — her performance of Unwritten was a highlight of the entire festival. When she sang, “Feel the rain on your skin,” it was pandemonium — 55,000 people screaming the lyrics to the heavens! I’ll never hear that song again without feeling the emotions of that moment. Watch Below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Natasha Bedingfield Unwritten at Oceans Calling Music Festival today!! So amazing! @OceansCallingMD #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

Afterward, we grabbed food and caught Franz Ferdinand, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Collective Soul, before my next must-see: En Vogue. Once again, expectations exceeded! These sparkling legends sang, danced, and nailed their choreography — it felt like 1992 all over again. Everyone around me was singing and dancing in the rain. Watch below for En Vogue’s Whatta Man and Collective Soul’s December.

@alissaarfordauthor

En Vogue, Whatta Man at Oceans Calling Music Festival, Sept 2025! #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

@alissaarfordauthor

December by Collective Soul at Oceans Calling 2025! #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

If you know Oceans Calling, you know not to miss the O.A.R. & Friends set — you never know who the surprise guests will be! Usually, they bring out other festival acts, but sometimes there’s an unexpected guest. This year, they did two & Friends sets — one Saturday, one Sunday. My crew was up front at the Rockville stage, and I had to weave through the crowd after En Vogue to meet them. Watch Below.

@alissaarfordauthor

OAR & Friends with Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin! @Oceans Calling #OceansCalling #OCMD

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

@alissaarfordauthor

OAR & Friends set on Saturday at @Oceans Calling #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

Next up was Good Charlotte at Sea Bright, and we stopped briefly to see Jack’s Mannequin at Carousel on the way. It was raining hard, and I was kind of miserable at this point. My crew left me lying on my wet beach blanket in the dark, cold rain while they went to see Vampire Weekend. I’d seen them before — that was my rationalization for taking a break. (Also, for the record, I broke my toe the weekend before… so by this point, I was in serious pain but powering through!)

@alissaarfordauthor

In Too Deep by Good Charlotte at Oceans Calling 2025! Fun in the rain!! #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

The headliner, Noah Kahan, was so good! We’d seen him at the first Oceans Calling, but this time he’s a superstar. We got surprisingly close to the stage — and it was still pouring. The best part: he stepped off the main stage to a smaller one behind the production tent, right near us. Such a cool, intimate moment. Watch below to see when Noah Kahan walked out to the small stage.

@alissaarfordauthor

Noah Kahan at Oceans Calling Music Festival, Sept 2025, in the rain! #oceanscalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

The wet and windy walk home was rough. Our shoes were soaked and caked with sand, but thankfully, we had dry backups for Sunday.

SUNDAY / DAY 3

Day 3 was absolutely gorgeous. We were exhausted, but the beautiful weather and incredible music gave us new energy. We kicked off the day with a ride on the Ferris wheel, listening to Eric Hutchinson from above — I love his voice, and he’s hilarious on social media (highly recommend following him!).

We always make time for the chef sessions, and Robert Irvine is a must-see! He’s been at Oceans Calling alongside Jason Biggs each year, and their stage banter never disappoints. This year also featured local chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, plus Antonia Lofaso. My key takeaway from Chef Lofaso: never put oil in the water when you’re boiling pasta. Yes, Chef!

Our first must-see was Marcy Playground at Sea Bright — their hit Sex and Candy sounded as good as ever. I stayed (well, sat on the sand) near that stage for 4 Non Blondes, while Kip went to see Burning Spear and Blind Melon (I was bummed to miss Marcus Garvey and No Rain). One of my all-time favorite songs is What’s Up? (What’s Going On?). Linda Perry, the band’s lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist, was incredible — her voice is somehow even better 30 years later! Being up close for that was a key memory. My son recorded the song so I could dance and sing like crazy. Watch What’s Up below!

@alissaarfordauthor

What’s Going On / What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes was one of my top festival moments! #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

After that performance, I was on cloud nine! Next up was Ziggy Marley — we relaxed on our beach blanket in the sun, eating lunch during his fun, feel-good set. Then came Michelle Branch and DEVO. I was shocked by the number of DEVO fans in full costume, red hats and all — it was such a fun, high-energy crowd! Watch DEVO below.

@alissaarfordauthor

DEVO at Oceans Calling Music Festival! #oceanscalling #devo #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

Next, O.A.R. & Friends: Part Two. We made our way to the front at Rockville, hoping for a big guest — and we got one! The surprise was John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls. There was talk that John owed O.A.R. frontman Marc Roberge $500, and this was his “payment.” The sun was setting behind the stage, and the crowd went wild singing along to Iris and Slide. Watch John Rzeznik below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Wow! What an amazing special guest! @Oceans Calling @O.A.R. John Rzeznik! #oceanscalling #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

And then… it somehow got even better. Weezer took the Sea Bright Stage next. We caught a glimpse of Vance Joy at Carousel as we passed through. We’ve seen Weezer up close before, so this time we enjoyed the show from farther back — sometimes the view (and sound) really is better from there. The sunset was stunning, and we took so many gorgeous photos. Watch Weezer below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Weezer!!! @Oceans Calling #weezer

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

My son and his girlfriend sprinted back to Rockville to get close for Train, while I made the controversial decision to use the restroom instead. It’s now a running joke in the family, but I stand by my choice! I still heard most of their set, and I’d already seen Pat Monahan up close during the O.A.R. & Friends performance — so that counts, right? (Okay, maybe not. Yes, I have FOMO.) Watch Train below.

@alissaarfordauthor

TRAIN at #OceansCalling

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

Because we stayed farther back for Train, Kip and I were able to move up close for Fall Out Boy, the final headliner. We’ve seen them before, but I’ll say it again — seeing a band at a festival is a completely different experience. Having Fall Out Boy close the festival was epic. The production quality was off the charts — lights, fire, everything. I could feel the heat from the pyrotechnics. It was a spectacle for the eyes and ears. Bravo! Watch Fall Out Boy below.

@alissaarfordauthor

Fall Out Boy was the best! #oceanscalling #falloutboy #ocmd

♬ original sound – Alissa Arford | Author BookTok

#1 TIP FOR MUSIC FESTIVALS: SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: my number one tip is to set realistic expectations and be prepared for uncertainty. You know it will be crowded. The weather will be unpredictable. You’ll be uncomfortable and tired. It won’t be perfect — but it will be perfectly imperfect. Those imperfections are what make it memorable. Listening to the bands you love is always worth it.

The PerformersFriday, Sept 26, 2025

Green Day · Lenny Kravitz · The Black Crowes · Nelly · O.A.R. · CAKE · +LIVE+ · The Fray · Fountains of Wayne · The 502s · Spin Doctors · Letters to Cleo · Ballyhoo! · BEL · Izzy Escobar.

Saturday, Sept 27, 2025

Noah Kahan · Vampire Weekend · Good Charlotte · Modest Mouse · Jack’s Mannequin · Collective Soul · En Vogue · Franz Ferdinand · Natasha Bedingfield · DJ Jazzy Jeff · Mat Kearney · Wheatus · Bumpin Uglies · Rachel Ana Dobken.

Sunday, Sept 28, 2025

Fall Out Boy · Weezer · Train · DEVO · Vance Joy · Ziggy Marley · 4 Non Blondes · Michelle Branch · Blind Melon · Burning Spear · Marcy Playground · O.A.R. · Eric Hutchinson.

Beyond the Music
Chef demos: Robert Irvine, Michael Voltaggio, Brian Voltaggio, Antonia Lofaso — hosted by Jason Biggs.

Related ArticlesThe Soundtrack to Seagull Street and how my new novel that’s set in Ocean City, Maryland, features Oceans CallingOceans Calling 2024 HighlightsOceans Calling 2023 Highlights

Books have soundtracks just like movies do. Sometimes they’re written into the story, sometimes they’re quietly playing in the background of a scene, and sometimes they reflect a character’s heart in ways words can’t.

In Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland, music runs through the lives of two characters in particular: Olivia and Evan. Their playlists couldn’t be more different, but both remind us that songs can shape the way we see the world, and ourselves.

With the Oceans Calling Music Festival happening next weekend in Ocean City, I thought this would be the perfect time to share a little about the role music plays in the book. I’ll be at the festival myself, giving out friendship bracelets and sharing my story with fellow music lovers!

Olivia’s Playlist: Pop, Power, and Possibility 

For Olivia, music is both comfort and energy. She’s the kind of person who always has earbuds tucked in, who turns to songs when life feels overwhelming. After a difficult divorce and a move to Seagull Street, music helps her rebuild and dream again.

She finds inspiration in all types of live music, from powerhouse concerts to coffeehouse gigs. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are more than artists to her, they’re reminders that resilience and reinvention are possible.
She leans on familiar favorites too. Boy bands like Backstreet Boys and One Direction bring a sense of fun and nostalgia, especially the cheeky nod in 1D song “Olivia.”

Her playlist mirrors her personality: lively, hopeful, a little dramatic, and endlessly loyal.

Evan’s Soundtrack: Aerosmith Forever

Evan, on the other hand, is pure classic rock. His entire arc follows the rhythms and lyrics of Aerosmith songs, each track reflecting the stage he’s in, from heartbreak to hope.

He’s always singing, sometimes to the point of annoyance (his ex certainly thought so).
For Evan, music isn’t background noise, it’s how he expresses joy, resilience, and connection.
In Chapter 7 (page 56) Evan talks about how he’s looking forward to the first Oceans Calling Music Festival and music is a symbol of his journey and fresh start.

Evan’s soundtrack is about freedom and fun, a reminder that music doesn’t just fill silence, it fuels transformation.

Music, Community, and Connection

Just like Olivia and Evan, all of us carry soundtracks through our lives. Certain songs become tied to summer nights, friendships, heartbreaks, and new beginnings. That’s what makes festivals like Oceans Calling so special, it’s not just a festival, it’s a gathering where music becomes memory.

That’s also what inspired me to tie music so closely into Welcome to Seagull Street. Ocean City is a place where stories and songs naturally blend and where a live band on the Boardwalk or a concert on the sand can change the way a night feels forever.

Join the Soundtrack

Heading to Oceans Calling this weekend? I’ll be there too handing out free friendship bracelets as a nod to the themes of music and connection in Welcome to Seagull Street. Look for me in my signature Maryland flag hat, stop by, say hi, and grab one!

And if you’d like to dive deeper into the soundtrack of the book, signed copies of Welcome to Seagull Street are available at the beach: Caprichos Books (Ocean Pines), Raggamuffin Boutique (24th Street), and Bethany Beach Books. Also on Amazon in:

Paperback (for your fall reading nook)
Kindle Unlimited (free with subscription)
Audible audiobook (perfect for your drive to the festival) The Soundtrack of Seagull Street

A mix of Olivia’s anthems, Evan’s Aerosmith arc, and Ocean City vibes

Olivia – One Direction
I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Dream On – Aerosmith
Dancing Queen – ABBA
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
Break My Soul – Beyoncé
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo
Come Monday – Jimmy Buffett
Under the Boardwalk – The Drifters
Island in the Sun – Weezer
Seagull – Bad Company
Hey Girl – O.A.R.
I’m on a Boat – The Lonely Island (ft T-Pain)
Soak up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
I Ran (So Far Away) – Flock of Seagulls

Last weekend I had such a wonderful time at the Simply Written Here Maryland Authors Book Festival! Meeting readers in person, connecting with other local authors, and signing copies of Welcome to Seagull Street was such a highlight. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

On the book front, Welcome to Seagull Street is now available in just about every format you could want:Paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, and all the stores that source books from IngramSpark.Kindle and Kindle Unlimited (read it free if you’re a KU subscriber!)Audiobook on Audible and AmazonSigned copies in select shops across Maryland and DelawareBuy on Amazon

Whether you’re a paperback-in-the-sand kind of reader, an audiobook-on-the-go listener, or someone who swipes through pages on your Kindle, Seagull Street is ready for you!

On the personal side, I just started a new job this week!

I’m very excited to continue my career in tech consulting as Director of Marketing at Canvas Cloud, a Salesforce Consulting Partner focusing on helping nonprofits and small businesses. I won’t have as much time for book promotion, but the best part is the book is out there, living its best life, and readers continue to find it!

Thank you all for cheering on Welcome to Seagull Street! Between festivals, reviews, and book clubs, this story has already traveled further than I imagined and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Follow me on social media at @AlissaArfordAuthor for all of the latest highlights!

Last weekend I had such a wonderful time at the Simply Written Here Maryland Authors Book Festival! Meeting readers in person, connecting with other local authors, and signing copies of Welcome to Seagull Street was such a highlight. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

On the book front, Welcome to Seagull Street is now available in just about every format you could want:Paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, and all the stores that source books from IngramSpark.Kindle and Kindle Unlimited (read it free if you’re a KU subscriber!)Audiobook on Audible and AmazonSigned copies in select shops across Maryland and Delaware

Whether you’re a paperback-in-the-sand kind of reader, an audiobook-on-the-go listener, or someone who swipes through pages on your Kindle, Seagull Street is ready for you!

On the personal side, I just started a new job this week!

I’m very excited to continue my career in tech consulting as Director of Marketing at Canvas Cloud, a Salesforce Consulting Partner focusing on helping nonprofits and small businesses. I won’t have as much time for book promotion, but the best part is the book is out there, living its best life, and readers continue to find it!

Thank you all for cheering on Welcome to Seagull Street! Between festivals, reviews, and book clubs, this story has already traveled further than I imagined and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Follow me on social media at @AlissaArfordAuthor for all of the latest highlights!

When Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City Maryland, first launched, I decided to keep it “wide,” meaning readers could buy the ebook on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms. But this September, I’ll be trying something new: putting the ebook into Kindle Unlimited (KU) through Amazon’s KDP Select program.

What is KDP Select?Exclusivity: To enroll, Amazon requires the ebook to be exclusive to their store for 90 days. Paperbacks and audiobooks can still be sold everywhere.
Kindle Unlimited Access: KU subscribers can borrow the book “for free,” and authors get paid per page read.
Promotional Tools: Select authors can run Kindle Countdown Deals (temporary discounts) or Free Book Promotions to boost visibility.
Why I Decided to Try Kindle Unlimited

For indie authors, Kindle Unlimited can be a game-changer. Most ebook sales already happen on Amazon, and KU readers are voracious, they’ll borrow books they might not otherwise purchase outright.

As a first-time author without a big advertising budget or a large following, this matters a lot. KU gives Seagull Street a chance to get in front of readers who never would’ve seen it otherwise. Every new borrow increases the chance of gaining reviews, and every review helps boost visibility, which in turn can drive more sales and page reads. It’s a cycle that’s tough to spark as an unknown author, but KU provides a built-in way to reach readers. Amazon doesn’t publicize the number of people using KU, but estimates are around 3-5 million subscribers.

My Goals with Kindle UnlimitedReach More Readers: KU lowers the barrier for new readers to give the book a chance, especially important when you don’t already have name recognition.
Build Reviews: More ebook borrows can lead to more reviews, which are essential for Amazon visibility. Reviews don’t just validate the book, they’re also a key factor in helping readers decide to click “buy” or “borrow.”
Experiment with Promotions: I’ll finally be able to run a Kindle Countdown Deal – think flash sales where the ebook is temporarily discounted.
Holiday Timing: By entering in September, I’ll have three months to build momentum before the holiday Kindle rush in December.
Things I Had to ConsiderGiving Up Other Platforms: The ebook won’t be available on Apple Books, Google Books, or Kobo while it’s in KU. That was a tough call, but since most of my ebook sales have been through Amazon anyway, it made sense.
Pricing Strategy: I’m weighing whether to keep the ebook at $9.99 or drop the price to encourage more sales outside KU.
Marketing Rhythm: With KU, I can plan around promos and ads differently than I did when the ebook was wide.What This Means for ReadersIf You’re a Kindle Unlimited (KU) Subscriber: You’ll be able to download Welcome to Seagull Street at no additional cost starting in September!
If You’re Not in KU: You can still buy the ebook outright, or grab the paperback or audiobook. Nothing changes there!

The indie publishing world is all about testing and learning. KU might be an amazing fit, or it might not — but either way, I’ll share what I discover. If you’re curious about the process, or if you’ve tried KU as an author or reader, I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Simply Written Here: A Maryland Authors Event
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Simply Made Here Shop
2302 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228
Event Details

Join us for Simply Written Here: A Maryland Authors Event on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Simply Made Here. This free book festival brings together more than a dozen local authors from Maryland, offering readers the chance to discover new books, enjoy author signings, and take part in fun activities

Discover your next great read, from romance and historical fiction to mystery, suspense, humor, and travel, there’s something for every reader. Meet Maryland authors, get books signed, play Book Bingo for prizes, and support Reading Partners through a 50/50 raffle.

Catonsville, Maryland, just outside Baltimore and home to UMBC, is the perfect spot to spend the day with great shops and restaurants to explore before or after the festival.

Participating Authors:
Leslie Atkins, Alissa Arford, Jean Burgess, Erin Fitzgerald, Meg Fitzpatrick, Nonna Henry, Mary Kendall, Millie Mack, Leslye Penelope, Paul Rieger, Mona Shroff, Brandy Stoker, Mary K. Tilghman, M.C. Vaughan, David Wessel, Calia Wilde, Kristie Wolf, and Sarah Wyeth.

Hope to see you there!

I’m so excited to share that Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland, is now available in audiobook format! Perfect for road trips, commutes, beach walks, or while you’re soaking up the last of summer. You can get the audiobook version on Amazon or Audible and if you already own the Kindle version, you can add audio for only $1.99 with Whispersync.

Recently, Amazon invited me to join a beta program for virtual voice narration, an AI tool designed to help indie books like mine reach audio listeners without the big production budgets of a traditional studio. I’ll be honest: I hesitated. AI in publishing is a complex and sometimes controversial topic. For me, human creativity will always be at the heart of storytelling.

But in this case, the technology became a bridge, making my story accessible to readers who rely on audio. It’s not meant to replace the artistry of professional narrators, but it opened a door that had been closed to me as an independent author.

So as of this week, you can hear the story of Ray, Olivia, Evan, and the two most persistent seagulls in Ocean City wherever and whenever you like.

Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook on Amazon
Paperback & Nook on Barnes & Noble
Paperback & eBook at BookShop.Org (USA Today)
Booksellers & Libraries: Order in bulk from IngramSpark (PDF)
Audiobook on Audible

Whether you read it, listen to it, or both, thank you for spending time on Seagull Street with me this summer!

Where to Buy Signed Copies (and Why Every Sale Matters)

One of the most common questions I get is: “Where should I buy your book so it helps you the most?”

First of all, thank you for even asking! That kind of support means the world. The short answer? It all helps. Whether you buy from a local bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org, you’re helping Welcome to Seagull Street find its flock.

That said, if you’re in Central Maryland, Ocean City, or the Delaware Shore, you can find signed copies at a few wonderful local spots listed below. Supporting these indie shops helps keep book-loving communities alive and it’s so special to me every time a shop makes room on their shelves for my little beach-town story.

Raggamuffin Boutique on 24th Street in Ocean City has sold the most copies of Welcome to Seagull Street (aside from Amazon) and it’s owned by local OCMD artist, Marc Emond, who created the book cover art. Yesterday, I stopped by Caprichos Books in Ocean Pines and signed the books they had in stock… and they’ll even ship you a signed copy!

If you’re looking to shop online but still want to support independent bookstores, Bookshop.org is a great option. A portion of every sale goes directly to local bookshops, so even if you’re not buying in person, you’re still helping keep indie bookstores thriving. It’s a feel-good way to shop from your couch and still make a difference.

As for being an indie author… no, I’m not quitting my day job. I make an average of about $5 per book, and that money (and then some) goes right back into marketing, printing, and other overhead. This is 100% a passion project, fueled by stories, not sales charts. (If I ever break even on this venture, I would be thrilled!)

So ideally, I need a healthy mix of book purchases: some Amazon sales for visibility and rankings, some through indie shops to support local, and some through online retailers like Bookshop.org and Barnes & Noble to help reach new readers.

Wherever and however you buy it, thank you for reading and for cheering on this seagull-sized dream! If you have read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, which is the most helpful thing readers can do for me as an indie author. There’s no spin machine. It’s just me praying for reviews so my book can get more exposure and dominate the Amazon book algorithm!

Support Local Book Shops!

Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Raggamuffin Boutique (24th Street, Ocean City, Maryland)
Book Cover Artist Marc Emond’s Shop!

Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Bethany Beach Books (99 Garfield Parkway, Delaware)

Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Second Edition Books (6490 Dobbin Rd, Columbia, Maryland)

Signed Copies Available (In-Store):
Queen Takes Book (6955 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, Maryland)

Signed Copies Available (In-Store & Online):
Caprichos Books (11310 Manklin Creek Rd, Ocean Pines, Maryland)

Book Details

Title: Welcome to Seagull Street
Subtitle: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland
Author: Alissa Arford
Editor: Malory Wood
Cover Art: Marc Emond
Publisher: Red Hill Creek Enterprises, LLC
Publication Date: May 24, 2025
Length: 372 Pages
Language: English
Format: Paperback and eBook
Availability: Amazon and IngramSpark
Paperback:
ISBN: 979-8-9985299-1-7
MSRP: $19.99 (Currently discounted on Amazon for $14.99!)
Ebook/Kindle:
ISBN: 979-8-9985299-0-0
Price: $9.99 USD

BUY NOW!
Paperback & Kindle on Amazon
Paperback & Nook on Barnes & Noble
Paperback & eBook at Bookshop.org (USA Today)
Booksellers & Libraries: Order in bulk from IngramSpark (PDF)

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