The Big E

The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, takes place in West Springfield, Mass and runs from September 12th through the 28th, so if you haven't been, there is still one week to go. Visit the Midway for daily parades, attend concerts, go on thrilling rides, shop at Craft Common, and so much more. And, be sure to visit my favorite, The Avenue of the States.

Each of the New England Buildings is a scaled-down version of the original State House, and you'll want to experience all the exhibits and goodies unique to each state. In the Connecticut building, don't miss "Love to Read Connecticut Authors", a book store sponsored by Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA.) If you visited last year, look for us on the opposite side of the room in a much larger space with room to browse the 115 titles representing 62 Connecticut authors.

I will be there signing my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket on Thursday, September 25th from 10-3:30 and 6-9 and would love to meet you. Sharing the booth with me from 6-9 will be Patricia Sheehy with her two novels, plus her latest book, Giving with Meaning http://www.psheehy.com/. Please stop by to say hello.

What will I be doing during my down time, from 3:30 to 6:00? Why, stuffing myself with all the great food of course ~ Maine baked potato, Vermont's fresh blueberry pie, seafood from Rhode Island ~ well, you get the idea. Oh, and I can't forget my once-a-year Creme Puff, The Big E's signature dessert found in the New England Center, plus a bag of the best kettle corn ever, popped outside the back of the one of the New England buildings. Actually, since I discovered last year that kettle corn can be frozen with no loss of flavor, make that two, to go!

For more information: http://www.thebige.com/.

Publishing Options

Well, it didn't take long for me to jump back into the exciting world of author, marketer, promoter, distributor, speaker, and my friend Gina would probably add, popcorn vendor and elephant sweep. When I made the decision to self-publish, I wanted to "do it all," to experience each phase of the process. It was and continues to be an amazing journey. For me! But, for folks who prefer to travel down a different path there are plenty of options.

If you have questions or concerns about the world of publishing, author Patricia Sheehy (www.psheehy.com) and I will be giving two talks on this very subject. "From Manuscript to Finished Book" will explore some of the opportunities and challenges of both traditional publishing and self-publishing. The dates and locations are:

Saturday, April 26th at 1:00, Borders Meriden
Sunday, May 18th at 4:00, Borders Farmington

Hope to see you.

Springtime in Connecticut

As much as I love every minute that I spend in Florida during the cold months, I am the consummate snowbird, happily returning to my roots each spring. Family and friends welcome me, I am comforted by the familiarity of home and surroundings, and ready to plunge back into the routine and rhythm of life as author, researcher and speaker. If there is time, I will go on my traditional spring wildflower hunt to seek out the early wildflowers poking through the hard, brown earth. In late April, it is the Marsh Marigold, found near brooks and swamps, with its brighter-than-gold glint that takes my breath away, and the fragile but determined Dog's Tooth Violet that is appreciated for its lovely contrast to our still drab wooded areas. There are dozens of destinations throughout the state where you can find spring wildflowers, two of which are described in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket ~ Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury and Connecticut College Arboretum in New London.

April also begins my round of book signings and speaking engagements, with three scheduled this first week. The groups, clubs and organizations who ask me to speak are an enthusiastic audience and I love sharing information about the diverse leisure-time activities in Connecticut, the available picnicking facilities, and great recipe ideas for the occasion.

This year, as always, I have some new experiences to look forward to, including a guest appearance on Prudence Sloan's Talk of Connecticut radio show (WDRC AM 1360) and the taping of two cablevision shows. Also, for writers out there who may be struggling with the question of whether to choose the traditional route of publishing or to self-publish, I will be part of a panel of authors at three Borders Bookstores during the next two months to discuss this very question. Check out my spring schedule thus far at http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/. (About the author.)

Yes, it's good to be home.