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Monday, September 21, 2015

Girls' Night Out



Last Thursday was a gorgeous fall day. Temperate weather, shining sun, and a nice breeze. Perfect for a big event in a small town. Each September, Saranac, Michigan (pop. 1325) puts on an annual event called Girls’ Night Out. Vendors from all over converge on this village, located between Lansing and Grand Rapids on the Grand River, the longest river in Michigan. (A fun fact I didn’t realize until I researched for this post.)

This was my third year participating in Girls’ Night Out. The Saranac Library invited authors from around the state to participate in a book signing. What fun it was to see such interesting and diverse books—children’s, Young Adult, paranormal, science fiction, mysteries (cozies and thrillers), romance, non-fiction—and to meet new authors and chat with those I know.

The best part of Girls’ Night Out is meeting the people. Many really got into the Hawaiian luau theme this year by wearing Hawaiian shirts and everyone wore leis. Two ladies even wore “grass” skirts. They all seem to be having a great time, as evidenced by the chatting and laughter as they roamed the library checking out our books. A gentleman from the Detroit-area garnered a lot of attention with his large photo of Prague and his biography of his family’s escape from communist Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic).

I sat next to Maris Soule, whom I’ve known for over twenty years. I had as much fun telling passersby about her latest thriller, A Killer Past, as I did talking about my own books. Readers would stop by, excited that she had copies of her newest books. Each year, one lady comes to buy my sci-fi romances for her daughter, who gives her a list of the ones she doesn’t have. I’m thrilled that she enjoys my books so much.

The librarians are so gracious. They set up tables for us, advertise the signing, and since the event runs from 4pm until 8pm, they even feed us! Plus they buy our books for the library. Each September, I look forward to Girls’ Night Out and the wonderful ladies at the Saranac Public Library.


On another note, the newest edition of Novel Notes, the newsletter from authors Alicia Dean, Kathy L. Wheeler, Leah St. James, and me, is out. This monthly newsletter comes to your inbox chockful of articles, book reviews, new releases, and a chance to win a $25 gift card. If you’d like to receive Novel Notes, sign up at https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Have a great week!

4 comments:

  1. Very bummed I couldn't make it! It always sounds like so much fun!

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    1. Maybe next year, Alyssa. I know it's hard for those who have full-time jobs.

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  2. That sounds like a lot of fun and what a great idea. I've never heard of such an event. What a lovely way to meet your readers and their parents. Glad you had a fabulous time. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Nicola. I'd never heard of it either before this. It was great.

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