Signing, Reading…and Retreating!

These past two weeks of July have been my busiest of the summer. Here’s why…

Last week, I spent an afternoon with kids at the Chateaugay Town Recreation Park, thanks to the Chateaugay Library. The kids there have an amazing set-up for their recreation program… not just guest speakers, but tons of space to play, good friends, and a beautiful pool.

One of the interesting things about traveling around for author visits is getting to see communities I might not otherwise discover. Driving into Chateaugay, I was mesmerized by the wind turbines that tower over the houses and farms.

Sometimes they turn in unison, but sometimes not, and I kept wondering about that while I was driving. Wouldn’t two turbines facing the same way catch the same wind? At any rate, I know they were controversial when they were put in, but I think they’re really lovely in a way – very sleek and alien looking. They reminded me a little of Eva from the movie WALL-E. Only…you know, taller and with blades…

Last Saturday, I spent the afternoon at The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, signing books and visiting with readers right out on Main Street in front of the store. I was so excited when I found out we’d be outside; I love handing out bookmarks to kids and people-watching. It was so much fun, in fact, that I forgot to take a single photograph. Author-Fail. But it really was a lovely day.

And then on Sunday…I retreated…literally. Two summers ago, I pulled together a crew of children’s author friends to get together here…

…to spend a few days writing in the quiet old inn, walking and talking by the lake, and sharing conversation at meals. This year, I spent eight hours a day working on my 2013 Walker/Bloomsbury novel and made great progress, so I’m excited to keep going. Sometimes, a few days of this true, true focus time really gives a project a good kick, and that was just what I needed.

Of course, there are always a few surprises along with the writing and the chocolate.

Sarah Albee found this Dobsonfly on her morning walk and borrowed one of the inn’s lanterns to capture it so she could show everyone. Here she is…gazing at it adoringly.

Science writers are like that sometimes, and so are authors who write about girls who like to catch frogs. Marty McGuire would have LOVED Sarah’s enormous insect discovery.

This is going to be a busy weekend, too…and if you live near Burlington, I’d love to see you at one of my events. On Saturday, I’ll be reading SEA MONSTER’S FIRST DAY at Barnes & Noble in South Burlington at 10am, accompanied by Vermont Lake Monsters mascot, Champ! I’ve never read a story to a baseball team mascot before, so it’s a first for me! And on Sunday afternoon…another first! I’ll actually be signing copies of SEA MONSTER’S FIRST DAY right at the ballpark. (The online ad called the event, “Kate Messner and the Lake Monsters…” Doesn’t that sound like an oldies rock band?) I’ll be at Centennial Field in Burlington before and during the Lake Monsters game at 1pm on Sunday, signing books and maybe even tossing a baseball around, too!

4 Replies on “Signing, Reading…and Retreating!

  1. I’m keeping track of you……..I knew where you were, and I’m glad you had a successful retreat and got a good kick-start for the new book. Can’t wait to see Real Revision and Over & Under in French !! Talk soon. Love, mom