The Eden Mills Writer’s Festival was great. The sun was shining, the air a bit cool but perfect for lounging, listening and reading – and there was much of that going on.
Melanie and I arrived in the early afternoon, which gave us plenty of time to have a wander, check out the book stalls and soak up the country air.
Under a shady tree in Jenny Kitson’s backyard, fellow CANSCAIPers Linda Bailey, Audbrey Davis, Rahna Gilmore, Linda Hutsell-Manning and others shared their latest creations, as we watched from welcoming lawn chairs on the deck overlooking the yard.
Then it was my turn. I hopped up from my patio chair and made my way to the grassy patch that served as our stage.
I could tell our young book fans were in the mood for adventure, so I started with Pepper’s Snowy Search – a tale of trecherous avalanches, lost skiers and a Black Lab with one powerful sniffer.
I followed that adventure up with Baxter Needs a Home. It’s a bit of a sad story about a lonely tabby in search of, you guessed it, a home. Don’t worry it has a happy ending.
Judging from the eager answers I received, the kids liked both stories. That includes the one bright spark who made a prediction about Baxter’s fate because, as he put it: “These types of stories always end that way.”
His prediction wasn’t completely accurate, so I’m happy to know that my tales can keep even the brightest readers guessing.
The day wrapped up with a quick signing and then it was time for the magician. I knew I didn’t stand a chance against the rabbit in his hat, so we said goodbye to Eden Mills and its book-loving residents for another year.
Thanks to all the organizers for the great day and the kids for reminding me how much fun it is to be a children’s author.
