A couple of weeks ago I was invited to sign my book, The Roses at the End of the Road, at the majestic Springfield City Library, along with a group of other local authors. These book signings are one of the ways that the Springfield City Library supports authors as well as readers. We do need each other – authors, readers and libraries!

Gerry Garner was a great light at the event. This great-grandmother (we both have great-grandaughters named Isabella gave us an immediate connection) has written an inspiring book, Generations Build the Future: Positives Needed Now! She tells the story of many people in the black community who have made positive differences. We all need those positive inspirations no matter what community we live in. And no one is more positive than Gerry herself.

Sandra Howell and her daughter were there to sell and sign Spirit of a Rare Breed, a novel filled with spirited women and horses.

Tim Baer doesn’t ride horses, but he knows all about the famous and iconic Indian motorcycle. Over the years his family has written many well illustrated books about the history and lore of the Indian motorcycle.

Jacqueline Williams-Hines founded No Small Victories, and has written books to show her autistic son that we  all have special powers.

Tom Weiner, teacher and author, tackles a personal yet ever relevant issue (even without a draft) as the United States deals with current military conflicts.

Ellen Meeropol, author of House Arrest, addresses different kinds of conflict in her novel in which a family makes a sacrifice “when a parent lives according to higher political ideals.” A gripping story.

Crystal Senter Brown, the author of The Rhythm in Blue, and owner of a great blog, says she hasn’t sold too many hard copies of her book, but she is very popular with the Kindle crowd. That is information for all of us writers!

The dashing Rico Daniele was busy selling and signing books, but when I had my camera out I think he was off making salami sandwiches, the best I have ever had, and making sure all of us were well fed and watered. In addition to being a big promoter of bocce, making sure there are courts in some of the Springfield parks, working with kids and bocce, Rico is also the owner of Mom and Rico: Daniele’s Specialty Market. Laurie Daniele who brought her own children’s book, Laurie’s Crooked Snowman, and I had a good time – even when Rico was off feeding the other participants of this great event sponsored by the Springfield City Library. Thank you William Jacquith, the man behind the event. Many other authors participated, too many to name here, but we will all soon be on the Springfield City Library website.