Cindy on October 6th, 2010
Miss a meal if you have to, but don’t miss a good book.” — Jim Rohn
Earlier this year, I went to a friend’s book signing event that was so well attended it brought tears to my eyes. My friend and his co-author gave a wonderful presentation to a standing-room-only crowd — and sold more books than they’d initially planned.
I was reminded of my very first book signing for Writing Home at our local Borders. Before the signing, I worried that only a handful of relatives would show up. Imagine my surprise, and gratitude, when I walked into Borders and saw a line forming at my table — a line of new friends, old neighbors, and column readers from all over the community. I sold so many books that the manager invited me back to do another book signing at holiday time two months later.
All of this got me thinking: What if I could provide a similar supportive experience — a huge book signing — for other authors in my hometown, all in one location? And what if this book sale event could also serve as an opportunity to encourage aspiring authors who want to learn more about getting published?
The first annual Royal Oak Authors Book Fair sprouted from that seed. Thanks to the Royal Oak Public Library, a dozen authors from Royal Oak will gather for a community book signing and public panel discussion this Saturday, Oct. 9, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Nearly every literary genre, from fiction to self-help will be represented at the Fair. Many of Royal Oak’s authors have been featured nationally and are “best-sellers” in their own right: Book Fair authors and publishers will include: Gerry Boyan, David Clements, Judy Davids, Steve Haffner (Haffner Press), Dr. Charles K. Hyde, Steve Lehto, Trevor McCauley, Maureen McDonald, Eleanor Payson, John S. Schultz, Tom Weschler, and yours truly.
So bring your questions on publishing and the writing life to our panel discussion at 1:30 in the Royal Oak Public Library Auditorium. Help us celebrate the printed word. And plan to do some book shopping afterward. I’ll be signing copies of my own book, plus you’ll find several books on Detroit’s automotive history; fantasy and sci-fi novels: a biography on Bob Seger; a hitchhiker’s novel; a photo-history of Royal Oak; a self-help guide; plus memoirs, murder mysteries … and more! – Cindy La Ferle
Royal Oak Authors Book Fair poster (above) designed by Judy Davids. Click on the poster for a larger view.
Cindy on August 15th, 2008
“The scariest moment is always before you start. After that, things can only get better.” — Stephen King
Want to talk about writing? Join me and a panel of professional journalists, authors, and editors on September 4, 11, and 18, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Royal Oak Public Library. Offered as part of the ROPL’s Writer in Residence Program, “The Writer’s Life” is an informal discussion forum for new and aspiring writers. (This year’s program will be different, given the addition of the panel of experts.) We’ll discuss everything from balancing family life with your muse to finding the very best books on the writing craft. “The Writer’s Life” forum is free to the public — but pre-registration is required. Please phone the Royal Oak Public Library: 248-246-3715. Be sure to visit the ROPL Web site for more information on other Writer-in-Residence programs we’re hosting this fall. And feel free to e-mail me with questions. — CL
Cindy on June 5th, 2008
I’ve been a fan of David Crumm’s religion and spirituality columns in the Detroit Free Press, 
so I was excited to learn that he recently launched a fabulous new Web site called Read the Spirit. This “global gathering place” features a wide variety of spiritual teachers, authors, publishers, clergy, and interfaith commentators discussing everything from Christian family values to Buddhist meditation. You’ll also find reviews of the latest books and films with a spiritual focus. Corresponding with David last week, I was honored when he asked me to contribute a guest column, published today on Read the Spirit. My column touches on a recent visit to Captiva Island, where Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her inspirational classic, Gift from the Sea. — CL
Cindy on June 29th, 2007
I’ll be a guest on As You Think, a daily show on The Catholic Channel 159, Sirius Satellite Radio, June 29 (Friday) at 10:00 pm EST. The program host, Father Paul Keenan, is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese and a long-time radio host. I was invited to be on the show to discuss my essay, “The gift of receiving,” which appeared in a recent issue of Catholic Digest. The essay focuses on the life lessons I learned from hip replacement surgery and recovery while raising a family. It was originally published in the Daily Tribune (Royal Oak) and is reprinted in my essay collection, Writing Home.
If you don’t subscribe to Sirius, you can link to the Catholic Channel and get a free trial subscription (See: Listen Online). For details, visit http://www.thecatholicchannel.org
–CL
Cindy on September 27th, 2006
Hearth Stone Books is pleased to announce that Writing Home has earned several awards this year, including:
- Merit Award, Midwest Book Awards 2005 – Midwest Independent Publishers’ Assoc.
- A notable nonfiction honor in Writer’s Digest’s International Publishing Competition (2006)
- Book of the Year 2005, Think Club Publications (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
- Best of Nonfiction of 2005 (women’s category), Rebecca’s Reads
Earlier this year, I went to a friend’s book signing event that was so well attended it brought tears to my eyes. My friend and his co-author gave a wonderful presentation to a standing-room-only crowd — and sold more books than they’d initially planned.
