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 October 3rd, 2008
Fall is the perfect time to explore your creative side — and to polish those unfinished novels or poems in your desk drawer. There’s still time to register for the Rochester Writers Conference on Saturday, October 11, at Rochester College, Rochester Hills, MI.
Authors and professional speakers will present lectures, workshops, and panel discussions for writers of all levels. (I’m offering a talk on crafting inspirational essays for a variety of markets.) Registration for this affordable one-day program includes two morning sessions, lunch, and two afternoon sessions. Don’t miss the chance to re-energize your writing goals this fall — and to meet and network with fellow novelists, journalists, children’s authors, poets, and dreamers. For more information on presenters, location, and advanced registration, please visit the Rochester Conference Web site.
And I hope you’ll join me at the Royal Oak Public Library on October 14, 7pm, when David Crumm, veteran journalist and editor of the interfaith Web site Read the Spirit discusses the craft of spiritual writing. For more information and to pre-register for these programs, visit the ROPL Web site. –CL
–Photo of author Sandra Chimenti (left) and Cindy La Ferle at “The Writer’s Life” forum (Writer in Residence series) at the Royal Oak Public Library in September. –
Cindy on September 1st, 2008
“So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters, and whether it matters for ages or only for hours, nobody can say.” — Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own
Fall doesn’t officially begin until September 22. But as far as I’m concerned, summer ends as soon as the kids head back to school. I love this time of year. Feeling a burst of new energy, I’m ready to start a new season of coaching and teaching writing classes in my community. This week, I’m looking forward to a discussion group at the Royal Oak Public Library called The Writer’s Life, September 4, 11, and 18 at 7pm in the ROPL Auditorium. I’ve gathered a panel of professional journalists and editors to answer questions about the life of a working writer. You’ll also get a list of the very best books available on the craft of writing and living the writer’s life. For more information and to register for the program, visit the Royal Oak Public Library web site. – CL
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 February 5th, 2008
Special thanks to the Detroit Free Press for the feature they’ve published on my role as the new Writer-in-Residence for the Royal Oak Public Library. Community support has been fabulous. I’m also very grateful to the ROPL and to all of the local writers who’ve helped launch this program so successfully. – CL
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.
