I have always loved getting together with fellow writers and avid readers. I can almost always guarantee there will be an absence of small talk and chit chat. Authors and writers tend to think deeply, to converse engagingly, and to entertain interesting and unique perspectives.

Nothing bores me more than mindless cocktail conversation (except ad-filled commercial television). So I will always jump at the chance to talk to writers and readers.

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve visited local book clubs and—as always—I was amazed at the insights of these devoted readers. Some were even new for me, the author. For a writer, hearing how and why readers enjoy and understand your work—whether they like it or not!—is a rich experience. It is the kind of conversation that writers devour.

Writers, to risk a cliche, are a special breed of birds of a feather who flock together. Let’s call them writers of a feather. And flock, they soon will …

Last fall, when our local library, Massanutten Regional Library, invited me to apply for their upcoming annual author festival, I jumped at the chance. Because I had published my latest novel in the calendar year 2023, I was eligible to apply and dutifully filled out my application.

To my delight I was selected to participate and to sit on a panel discussion about publishing avenues. Mine, of course, is self-publishing, although through experience, I’ve learned plenty about traditional publishing, agenting, and hybrid publishing.

Now, most writers will get this: I LOVE to talk about writing, the writing process, my books, what it takes to write a novel, how to self-publish, do you need an agent, do you want and agent, how much does it cost….the list of questions goes on an on. And on Saturday, I’ll get to spend a day doing just that, talking to writers and readers.

It is going to be loads of fun!!

And if you’re local, here’s their promo: