Every book signed in person confirms my earlier musing that posted digital messages and photos posted can’t compare to the personal experience of connecting with readers and other authors at book fairs and signings.

A library and community center in Freeport and Savanna, Illinois. Elly’s Tea and Coffee House in Muscatine, Iowa all in the month of April. The front porch at Grasshoppers in LeClaire on a beautiful day in May enjoying a to-die-for view of the Mighty Mississippi. A chat over a fresh bean brew and different view from the opposite side of the river at Dead Poet’s Espresso in Moline.

Up next: an author fair, book signing and round table discussion on writing, publishing and the journey in between at the newly-opened Regional Learning and Cultural Center in West Liberty, Iowa. I’ll be there with fellow authors and friends Misty Urban, Bob Bancks, Lyle Ernst and Karen Nortman from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 18th.

I’ll take time out to sharpen my craft at a workshop led by the amazing murder mystery author C. Hope Clark and mingle with other writers at the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference hosted by the Midwest Writing Center on June 23-25 in Davenport.

Then it’s on to Clinton, Iowa, and another chance to chat and share a cup of coffee with lovers of romance at Deanna’s Java Station on Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

I look forward to signing my name and writing a personal message for you on the inside cover of “Reservations” and “Heartland.” Before you go, ask me about “Tales from Heartland,” my e-book of short stories about life and love in Harmony. I promise these steamy reads will add sizzle to your summer!