Meeting readers and writers is such a joy, and I always learn something new. My latest book event, Wild Deadwood Reads, took place in Deadwood, South Dakota where ninety-three authors displayed their work. There were political and psychological thrillers, historical fiction, Christian romance, light romance, and darker romance, crime fiction, coming-of-age fiction, urban fantasy, suspense, women’s fiction, mysteries, young adult, biographies and memoirs, adventure stories, gothic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and of course, cozy mysteries. The authors were serious and funny, young and older, from all walks of life, solitary or with helpers, from the north, south, east, and west. Also in attendance were book cover models – and yes, they are real.
My friend attended with me to keep me talking methodically and thinking fast. We climbed steep Mount Moriah to visit the graves of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane, observed a dog jumping competition, hosted a breakfast table, and took lessons on how to play slot machines in our hotel casino. Although we still didn’t win, we also didn’t wonder where our money went in such a short time. Did you know the machines win more often when you turn up the sound, so it increases visibility to other potential players? I introduced Katie and Maverick to a new audience, and everyone we met was kind and uplifting. I hope I can make a return visit.
