Hottest Book at the Lake

What do you get when you take a shiny glass paper weight, set it on a stack of paper handouts, and place a few copies of my novel Secrets at Sweetwater Cove beside it?

You get ~ drumroll here, please ~

THE HOTTEST BOOK AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE!

Yep, you guessed it. My book caught fire! If not for the sensitive nose of fellow authors Carl Baker (retired Colonel in the New York State Police and the Virginia State Police, retired Deputy Secretary for Public Safety in Virginia, as well as retired Chief of Police for Chesterfield County, VA), and animal communicator Karen Wrigley, my book, possibly the entire table, would have gone up in flames!

On October 9, 2010, six authors participated in The General Store's annual Fall Festival Day. Tables were set up outside for us and all the other vendors.

Left to right: Libby Bondurant, Gailya Keller, me, Carl Baker, Karen Wrigley. Not seated at our table was Sandy Volles, pictured below.

Authors who were present and the titles of their books are: Libby Bondurant, Grazing Along the Crooked Road; Gailya Keller, The Secrets of Smiley's Woods; Sally Roseveare, Secrets at Spawning Run and Secrets at Sweetwater Cove; Carl Baker, To Defend Against All Enemies; Karen Wrigley, Beyond Woofs and Whinnies; Sandy Volles, Grandma's Two Cents.

Seven Virginia Authors

Seven Virginia authors gathered at The General Store in Moneta to sign books on November 21st. We talked, laughed, examined and traded books, and enjoyed chatting with folks who dropped by to shop and buy our books. Owners Vicki and Rita and their fine staff provided us with coffee, juice, and delicious goodies. I bought something, of course. Seldom do I leave that shop without a purchase in my hands.

Two of the authors were ladies I had never met. I liked them instantly, and I'm looking forward to reading their books. B. (Barbara) R. Roberts lives in Lynchburg, and has published a children's book entitled "What A Christmas!" I'm sure my grandchildren will enjoy it. Barbara sent me the picture below which was taken by Susan Dittler. Debra Cheehy from Northern Virginia has written "I Like Dogs," which, in my opinion, is a must-read for any family thinking about getting a dog.

Back Row, L to R: Bob VandeLinde, Sally Roseveare, Barbara Roberts, Curtis Nester, Rodney Franklin
Front Row, L to R: Debra Cheehy
Photo by Susan Dittler

If you've never shopped at The General Store, stop in, grab a cup of hot coffee, and browse awhile. You'll find just about something for everybody on your gift list. And if you sew, don't miss the fabrics and sewing notions downstairs.

First Book Signing

On Saturday, August 1, I joined Curtis Nester, Jim Morrison, and Bob VandeLinde at The General Store for a book signing--the first signing with my newly released novel Secrets at Sweetwater Cove. We had fun, met a lot of nice folks, and sold books--lots of books! That's us pictured below.

My first book signing with my first novel, Secrets at Spawning Run, was also held at The General Store. When book #1 was published, going into shops and hawking my wares terrified me. When a junior in high school, we juniors had to go door to door to sell magazine subscriptions to raise money for our class. That also terrified me. I remember knocking on doors and saying, "You don't want to buy a magazine, do you?"

Well, when you publish a book, especially a POD (print-on-demand) book, you must market your book if you want any sales. If not for writer buddies Becky Mushko and Karen Wrigley, that first signing at The General Store in 2005 may not have occurred. The first shop I entered tongue-tied me and I hurried out. After that fiasco, Becky and Karen aimed me at The General Store. Becky pulled me while Karen literally pushed from behind until I was inside. Rita and Vicki, owners of The General Store, agreed to take a few of my books. Ever since that day, the folks at The General Store have been great friends.

Above is a picture of King, a stuffed black Lab I bought at The General Store. King goes to book signings and talks with me.

If you've never shopped there, you've missed something special. The store is located at 213 Scruggs Road, Hardy, VA 24121, phone 540-721-3009. Stop by. You'll be glad you did.

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My second book signing will be August 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Kitty's Little Book Shoppe located on 11858 Moneta Road (Rt. 122), Moneta, phone 540-297-7740. Both novels, Secrets at Spawning Run and Secrets at Sweetwater Cove, will be available for purchase. Tad Parker, another local writer, will be there with his new book Jerry McAllister and the Slaves of the Tellusian Underground, Book One. And Kitty will serve refreshments, so come fill up on culinary delights and good books!