A Resounding Success by Margo Hoornstra



 

Take a number of writers eager to share their craft, sprinkle with some enthusiastic book lover volunteers then add several interested readers to the mix and what do you get? A full day to discuss, share, learn and teach writing at the Alpena Book Festival. And, yes, we were encouraged to promote ourselves and sign our books. Stocked on the shelves in a bookstore no less.

You may remember the last time I posted here on September 23^rd, fellow Rose Diane Burton and I were just heading off to take part in the event. Blasted out of my comfort zone big time when I accepted her invitation to attend and wondering what to expect, I needn’t have worried.

What a fabulous experience. Everyone was friendly and accepting. The venues, an ‘old fashioned’ bookstore, a charming loft meeting room, an art gallery space all were homey and unique.

 

 

As traveling companions, Diane and I mesh pretty well. She is an excellent driver with a solid sense of direction, qualities I lack on both counts, although I have been known to read a map correctly when pressed. As roommates go, I hit the jackpot. She’s tidy and courteous, who could ask for more? Since we have a lot in common, we had plenty to talk about. Our families, our writing, various author groups we both belong to. The current state of publishing and such. 

Even our individual nighttime rituals and early morning routines seemed to be complimentary. While she reads before bed, lights on as I settle in don’t bother me at all. I’m up early to spend alone time with my beloved coffee, and hopefully don’t disturb Diane as she catches another hour of shut eye.

 

 

All in all, it was a week-end saturated with the who, what, where, when, why and how of the profession we all know and love.

The only down side was the lengthy drive in and around your typical week-end traffic. Easy enough to solve. Next year we’ve decided to arrive earlier and stay longer.

It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.

 

My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my WEBSITE

Adventures & Birthdays by Diane Burton

Last Friday, Margo Hoornstra posted about the adventure she and I were about to embark on. An all-day event in Alpena, Michigan. I’ve lived in Michigan most of my life, yet I’ve never been to Alpena, a port city on Lake Huron near the top of the mitten. On Monday, I wrote about the Alpena Book Festival on my blog. We both had a great time and can’t wait to go back next year.

Margo was the best traveling companion. She kept me alert on the five-hour drive each way without being a Chatty Kathy. LOL We talked about family, our books, marketing, our concerns about this unknown to us event (going up) and how much fun we had (going home). I’ve shared a room with her before—at our RWA chapter’s retreat—so I knew how respectful she is of a roommate. Great quality in a traveling companion. And she’s a terrific navigator—even if the GPS wanted to send us off on a circuitous route. The only bad part was I had another hour plus drive home after dropping her off.

As September fades away, my birthday looms around the corner. While I try to ignore another year’s passing, I remind myself to be grateful I’m still around to celebrate birthdays. Health issues can plague us, but at least our medical professionals don’t dismiss our concerns by claiming “aging” as if they don’t matter. I’ve mentioned before my worry about dementia since my mother had Alzheimer’s. I’d rather lose all physical abilities than lose my mind like she did. Fortunately, my doctor said I didn’t need to worry because my writing is keeping my mind active. From a guy who’s younger than my children, that was a welcome piece of information. And a good excuse to spend more time writing.

 I spent the month of September promoting my new release. So many wonderful people welcomed me to their blogs where I shared tidbits of info, the characters, the background of Mission to New Earth, which started right here at The Roses of Prose. If you were around three years ago, you might remember “Christmas in Space” the short story about astronauts preparing to depart on a one-way trip to a new planet. I had a great time expanding that story into a novella, even if it did take me three years to complete. While doing so, I kept getting ideas of what could happen next. Another series maybe? I don’t think I’ll ever run out of stories to tell.

The giveaway accompanying Mission to New Earth ends tonight. If you haven’t already entered, there’s still time. Just go to http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/p/mission-to-new-earth-blog-tour.html

Meantime, enjoy Autumn. Trees are just starting to turn here along the west coast of Michigan. Days are shorter but warm. Nights are cool. Love sleeping with the windows open.

Diane Burton writes science fiction romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries. She blogs here on the 30^th of each month, with Paranormal Romantics on the 13^th, and on her own blog on Mondays.

And We're Off On A Literary Adventure by Margo Hoornstra



 

 

As you read this, fellow Rose Diane Burton and I will be taking our act on the road. Literally. The road due north from our homes near the center of Michigan to the resort town of Alpena on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron.

Saturday, September 24^th we’ll be part of the 2nd Annual Alpena Book Festival. Panel discussions we’ll participate in include When You’re A Michigan Author, Steps to Publication, Keeping the Spark Alive, It’s Out of This World and Crossing Genres. Between workshops during the day, we’ll also sign our books. (Crossed fingers and positive thoughts appreciated and accepted!)

 

 

Diane gets full credit for my introduction to the Festival she discovered in her on-line travels and initiated our attendance. Wish us luck.

In future posts, we’ll let you know how we fared and, more importantly, how and when we plan to do this again!

 

My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and my stories, please visit my WEBSITE