Being an author isn’t all research, writing, and editing.

The cliche of the hardworking author alone at a typewriter or keyboard is a myth. Once the book is written, the next step is to promote the book at author signings and book fairs. And it’s been a busy summer for my “On the Dakota Frontier” series – with more events to come this fall.

In June, I spoke to residents at the Touchmark at All Saints about my path to publishing. The next day, I was in Presho, SD, giving my SD Humanities Council talk, “Women Tamed the Frontier.” Then it was on to Wild Deadwood Reads in the iconic western town of Deadwood, SD. (Author’s note: Wild Deadwood Reads is among the best-organized author events I’ve had the pleasure to attend. If you’re in the Black Hills next June, put WDR on your “to-do” list.)

In July, I was invited to the Hallinglag of America annual convention to speak to emigrant descendants from the Halling Valley in Norway. It was fun hearing their stories about grandparents and great-grandparents who settled in the Midwest.

Summer is also a time when small towns celebrate their history. I just returned from Fur Traders Days in Geddes, SD, where Geddes’ residents recognize the role that fur trappers and traders played in the town’s past. There was a parade, a vendor fair, and (drum roll) root beer floats!

September will be busy:

I’ll be speaking at the Dell Rapids, SD, Museum about South Dakota’s women homesteaders.

On September 24, I’ll be presenting at Prairie West Library, a branch of the Siouxland Libraries.

And then I’ll head west to Spearfish, SD, for the annual SD Festival of Books, September 26-27, hosted by the SD Humanities Council.

I hope your summer has been full of fun events and some good books!

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