This week I had two book signings – one at Hastings in Enid along with members of the Enid Writers’ Club.  We had a great time reading to anyone who would listen and selling our published works.  Hastings is always a great place to work with.  They set up the tables at the front door and then afterwards our books went on their shelves under a poster stating “Local Authors.”  Thanks you David and Chandler!

Tuesday I was involved in the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County’s summer reading program.  Along with the talented author Veronica Fuxa, we had a book signing at the library while the kids also had a book swap.  The kids brought books from home to trade with each other – an inventive idea from the mind of YA Librarian Gloria Cumpston.  She also offers library bucks to the kids that they can earn and then use like money to purchase books.

I sold a few books, but mostly saw old friends and made some new ones.  Veronica Fuxa is a high school student from Pioneer High School near Enid and has published her first book, Red Smoke.  It is an historical fiction set during the Holocaust. Her character, Jenna, is a young Jewish girl sent to a concentration camp with her family.  Because she is blond and blue-eyed she does not look like most Jewish girls.  This trait causes her to become experimented on by the Nazi’s and their quest for the super race.  Veronica and I traded books and I can’t wait to read hers.  I know this young woman will go far.  Her next book is in the editing phase at this time and will be released soon.  

I love meeting new people involved in literature and resurrecting old friendships.  Gloria Cumpston and I have known each other for many years and are kinda shirt-tale relatives (her niece married my nephew) but it is interesting to get reacquainted because of our love of books.  It is hard to go wrong with people who hang out in libraries.  Thank you Gloria and the Enid library.  You took me in this summer and allowed me to be a part of your group. I felt honored.

Support your local libraries and book stores.  You will both benefit from the experience.