A Litfest At An Orchard

For months now, central Connecticut has been awash with group appearances by writers. Many, especially those with children's writers, have been at traditional writer sites like libraries. But then I've been seeing groups doing signings and sales at bars, vineyards, breweries, and other places we don't usually expect to be able to buy a signed copy of a book. However, they are places where people go. Where there are people, there are readers. Those are opportunities for writers, especially self-published writers who don't often see their books in bookstores, to meet and greet and make sales. 

Yesterday I hit a small literary signing held at Dondero Orchards in South Glastonbury, a spot I'd never been to even though it's within a half hour of me. It definitely draws a crowd on Sunday mornings, as you can see, since I thought a picture of the parking lot would be appropriate. 

The first writer I met there was Gerald Augustine, author of Vietnam Beyond.  Before he headed out to Vietnam back in the 60s, his mother told him to take pictures. So he goes off to 'nam with his camera and sends back in excess, I believe he said, of 200 hundred pictures. His book is heavily illustrated. 

My second writer was Sarah Branson the author of the Pirates of New Earth series.  There are adult books in this series, as well as children's books. All set in the same world. I like that idea very much. I have set books in the same towns, but they never made it into print.

Anna James is a contemporary romance writer who was there with her books published by Harlequin, as well as an arc for a book coming out soon.

I met P. Jo Anne Burgh last year after she promoted one of her appearances at a porchfest near me on a Facebook group we both belong to. Her first two books are contemporary romance with a Christmas connection. Check out what she has to say on the subject of book fairs, festivals, and holiday markets. And more of her thoughts on the subject. She's been around these things.

Heidi Rocha is an author and pediatric dental hygienist who writes the Sparkly Smiles Series, books and workbooks on dental hygiene for kids. She did one of the story times yesterday and had kids buzzing around her table while I was talking with her.  

Rick Collins writes a series of mysteries about a New England police chief, and I'm sorry that I was getting to the end of my time at this event and didn't stop to talk to him. 

The same is true of Jack Matthews, the author of  Arte Perdida. Rick and Jack were at the end of the loop of authors I was making my way around, and my conversation, of which we all know I have very little, was petering out. Jack took that picture of Heidi and me. Great picture of me, Jack. I don't usually turn out that well.

I had a lovely hour or so, went home with a couple of books, some postcards and a business card, and material for a blog post. Also, the orchard site left me with a desire to make gluten free cider doughnuts. Which I did.