Author Meet and Greet -- Patricia Skalka

I like to discover new authors, especially local authors. Since the pandemic there have not been as many author visits to the area. When I saw that Lyons Fine Books in downtown Neenah was hosting a local author, I contemplated going. I didn't know the author, it was an informal event, and it was in Neenah. I know oh so far away. Since I had to go to the Neenah Library to get some books for the reading program and I had a gift card to Lyons, I decided to make a morning of it.

The author they were featuring was Patricia Skalka. She writes a mystery series set in Door County. Her latest book, Death Casts a Shadow, just came out in July. It is the 7th book in the series. The book sounded interesting enough that it sold me on going to check out the event.

Like I said the event was very informal. It was really just a book signing. I was all set to buy Death Casts a Shadow since it was the newest book. However when I got there, she had a few of her other books for sale and I decided to start with book 1, Death Stalks Door County.

Patricia signed my book and I let her know that I have not read any of her books and I was excited to start the series. She was very friendly and would probably have talked more if I had any real questions. Authors still intimidate me. 

I am glad I went and supported a local author and an indie bookstore. I will definitely keep an eye out for more author events at Lyons Fine Books as well Caramel Crisp in Oshkosh not to mention all the libraries in the area. I do like my author events. My wallet and the hubby may not but I sure do. Now if I just could get Brenda Novak to swing through Wisconsin on her book tour next year, life would be good.

Book Signing: Ben Lancour

 I love meeting authors. Okay, I prefer to hide in the back and not actually talk to them when they sign my book but whatever. I've seen and met R.L. Stine, Debbie Macomber, Christina Baker Klein, Patricia Polacco, Mary Kubica, and many local authors. Usually it is at an schedule author event through a book festival, library, or bookstore. I never expected to meet one at a baseball game.

As Heather and I walked into the T-Rats game, there was an author with his book. Ben Lacour, a gym teacher in Green Bay, was promoting his book Henry and the Gym Monster. A bit unusual but not completely odd. Gym class and baseball both involve physical activities. It makes sense.

Henry and the Gym Monster is a picture book about Harry who doesn't listen or follow directions and blames it on an invisible monster who continues to grow with every bad choice Harry makes. Harry has to figure out how to make the monster shrink. It is an adorable picture book about making the right choice.

I did not buy the book but Heather did. I read it though. Ben Lancour explained the book and why he wanted to write a gym class book to us. He also signed Heather's book.  

The ballpark is not where I would expect to find an author but I'm glad I had the opportunity to discover this book. You never know where you are going to find a new author or book.