I had the pleasure of speaking at the Writer’s Workshop at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida, held January 20th and 21st, 2017. The annual workshop was hosted by Joanne Derstine Curphey and attended by writers and authors from around the country. This was my second year attending and speaking at the workshop, and it was a wonderful time of connecting with other writers, sharing expertise, and receiving inspiration from one another.
I presented information and advice about book publishing and children’s book illustration, and shared and signed copies of the books I’ve written and illustrated. I enjoyed getting acquainted with the attendees and learning about the books and works they have written, are in the process of writing, or are aspiring to write.
I believe we all have stories in life God wants us to share, and I love to work with fellow writers and authors to help bring those stories to life through books and illustrations. I look forward to continuing to do this and to all the opportunities God opens up for me to contribute to others’ success with their books and other creative projects.
What did you do this summer?
I’ve had a good time traveling around the Midwest during the months of July and August visiting family and friends, and I also had the opportunity to give readings and book signings at libraries and bookstores. It was a ton of fun! I enjoyed meeting wonderful people all along the way and sharing my book Herby Gets a Life. Here are some highlights from my tour:
My first stop was Kennedy Library in Muncie, Indiana, where I enjoyed conducting a story time for the children.
After that, it was on to The Wild Bookstore in beautiful Noblesville, Indiana, near Indianapolis. It was a pleasure meeting the owner of this fabulous store full of great children’s books, games, toys!
I enjoyed my stop at The Fine Print Bookstore in beautiful, historic Lakeside Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Erie. Being from Ohio, my family and I vacationed a lot in this area while growing up, and I love going back.
At A Book Above children’s bookstore in Elmhurst, Indiana, parrots showed up to my book signing! They loved meeting Herby the Parrot!
I wrapped up my tour in Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up. The Book Loft in historic German Village in downtown Columbus was kind enough to host me. What an amazing bookstore (all 32 rooms of it)!
If you’re interested in scheduling a reading, presentation, or book signing event in your area, please contact me! I enjoy visiting schools, libraries, bookstores, and more. Be sure to follow me on Facebook (Like my page!), Twitter, and at www.JoeEckstein.com for the latest on what I’m up to.
And if you haven’t had the chance yet to pick up a copy of my book, Herby Gets a Life, please go visit your local bookstore and have them order it for you! It was a pleasure to visit some wonderful bookstores this summer that are owned and operated by some fantastic people, and I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you have the chance.
What did you do this summer? Tell me about it!
I’ll be appearing at an Author’s Breakfast on October 25th at the Archdale Public Library, 10433 South Main Street in Archdale, North Carolina. The event is being hosted by the Archdale Library Friends to give the public and library patrons the opportunity to connect with area authors. Breakfast is provided and will begin at 9 am, followed by presentations from the authors about their work and an opportunity to ask them questions. I will be presenting around 11:15 am, and the event will conclude with a book signing around noon.
Please come out if you can make it—I would love to see you there! Call the library at (336) 431-3811 to RSVP.
Being a children’s book author and illustrator is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of mine, and it certainly is an adventure!
I gave my first book signing and reading on August 24th at the Jamestown Public Library in Jamestown, North Carolina. I thoroughly enjoyed reading excerpts of my book Herby Gets a Life to the children and families present, who were engrossed in Herby the Parrot’s humorous antics and encouraging insights. There are few other pleasures as wonderful as seeing first-hand people enjoying and benefiting from the work you do.
Local residents will have another chance to catch me at the upcoming Bush Hill Heritage Festival in Archdale, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 14th. I will be taking part in the “Meet the Author” event from Noon to 2 P.M. at the historic Ragan House, located at 118 Trindale Road in downtown Archdale. This event is presented by Archdale Public Library, who you can call for more information at 336-431-3811. Come on out and enjoy the festivities!
It’s quite an adventure publishing a book and pursuing the profession of an author and illustrator. I’m certainly learning a lot and having fun sharing my work with the world. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in having me conduct a book signing or reading at your location or if I can help you in any way.
Achieving anything in life is an adventure…you take one step, then another, and soon you find yourself well underway on your journey, having the time of your life and wondering how you got there. Sometimes it may be smooth sailing and other times you may face seemingly insurmountable obstacles you need to overcome, but the important thing about an adventure is that you go on one.
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