Book Launch!

I know what you are saying. Why did she wait this long to launch her book? It is true my book came out shortly after Christmas. However, due to public demand for my awesome book programs, I have been booked solid from mid January through this week. May 20th was the first available date for an official book launch.

The launch will be at Yo Mama’s in Columbus, Indiana on May 20th from 3-5 p.m. Three additional authors from my publisher, Pen It! Publications, will be on hand to read either their children’s books or excerpts from their books. There will be giveaways as well as books available for purchase. You will need to purchase your own frozen yogurt if  you come, but that is a small price to pay for such a wonderful event.

Paul Hoffman, my husband and author of two awesome books, will be my master of ceremonies. My guest authors will be Jen Selinsky, Betty Kelley and Blake Chambers.

So come to Yo Mama’s, purchase a yummy bowl of froyo, top it with all the fantastic toppings you desire, sit back and listen to some great children’s stories, perhaps win a prize, and maybe even purchase a book or two or three to take home with you. Hope to see you there!

My Heart is Blessed

I did not set out to be an author, but God gave me a story to write. I did not dream where this little story would take me. I have been a guest at preschools, elementary schools, a retirement village, libraries and retail stores since early January. At each and every event, I have encountered people who need encouragement to persevere. Life can throw a lot at you sometimes and you may need a little encouragement to push you up and over the fence. Emma’s Dancing Day has provided that push for many.

I have encountered children who needed the encouragement to continue writing their stories. One young lady talked to my husband and I about her home life. She needed someone to listen and hear her. I have received hugs from children and smiles & sighs from adults who were touched by the story. I was able to share my talk on overcoming obstacles with so many children and adults who need to know they can still reach for their dreams. I have danced with so many children who needed to smile, laugh and enjoy the moment.

I never ceased to be amazed at how God opened up a huge door for me to reach so many people through one little story. My prayer through this adventure has been “God expand my borders and let me bless others through my book.” He has done just that. He has allowed me to talk to so many people and be an encouragement to them.

It is tiring at times as I still continue to work 40 hours a week besides my author events, but it is worth it. My brother always encouraged me to store up my treasure in heaven and that is what I am doing. I may not become rich from my books, but I am rich in so many other ways. ~ Kimberly

Book Launch

The book launch has been scheduled! While the book came out shortly after Christmas, I have had non-stop events since early January and it has been difficult to schedule a launch.  This promises to be a fun event! May 20th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. I will be at Yo MaMa’s with two additional authors from Pen It! Publications,  Jen Selinsky and Blake Chambers. Jen will read her book, Bunny’s Song and Blake will read a selection from his book, which contains stories about his children.  The proceedings will be emceed by Paul Hoffman, author of Murder in Wauwatosa and Wicked Columbus, Indiana. There will be give-aways and the authors will have copies of their books available for purchase.

Come, enjoy some froyo, listen to the stories, and purchase a book!

Imaginarium

This will be my second year attending Imaginarium, a three-day creative writing conference in Louisville, Kentucky in early October. Last year I accompanied my husband, Paul Hoffman, who was a guest panelist. I had just completed my book, “Emma’s Dancing Day”. The conference was amazing with so many workshops we could attend.

This year, I was selected to be a guest panelist along with Paul. I am thrilled and honored to be chosen to participate. If you are interested in creative writing in literature, films, comics, music, or gaming, consider attending this year’s conference, October 6-8, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Links to the event and hotel are on my events page. The cost is reasonable and it is definitely worth the trip.

School Days, School Days…

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I am thoroughly enjoying visiting the area schools. I have been to St. Peter’s Elementary three times covering all classes – grades K-4. There I read my book, presented programs on the writing process and overcoming obstacles, and conducted Q&A’s.

I then traveled to Franklin, Indiana, where I conducted a program at Northwood Elementary for all of the kindergarten classes. They enjoyed the story, the program on how to write a story, and their Q&A time, but most of all they loved the interactive dance demonstration. We learned just a bit of ballet and then we danced! Nothing like dancing with 40-50 children at a time.

My next program was at Busy Bee Academy here in Columbus, Indiana. I sat in a lovely white rocking chair and read Emma’s Dancing Day to a captive audience. These children had awesome listening skills and were so quiet. When it was time to dance, they listened well to instructions, had an amazing time learning a few ballet moves before becoming extremely silly. It made my heart so happy to hear the children say they wanted my business card instead of the bookmark because “it has you on it”.

The children make these visits so special. I love sharing the programs with them, reading and dancing as well. To see them so excited about a story gives me an immense amount of satisfaction and joy. For an artist that is what we want to see,  our creation bring joy to others. This is one of the central themes of Emma’s Dancing Day – “Your gift brings joy to everyone and gives you peace when day is done.”

May you learn the lesson Emma does, persevere in your talent, follow your heart, and be brave as you present your gift/talent. May it bring joy to those around you as you feel the peace and joy in your heart from your efforts.

Kimberly