~ Readings and Events ~
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Stay tuned for more info about upcoming events!
PAST EVENTS IN 2020
~ ~ ~3/15/2020~ ~ ~
***CANCELED DUE TO STATEWIDE COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS!***
To be rescheduled in April or later - please stay tuned for more info.
WestportWRITES: Story Writing Workshop Inspired by Ray Bradbury, Sunday 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
2020 marks Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday, and the editors of the Fairfield Scribes will lead a short story writing workshop in his honor at the Westport Library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport, CT. Writers are encouraged to draw inspiration from the legendary author of The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451 to write their own short story. After a brief writing session, attendees will get one-on-one time with the editors to help hone their stories and brainstorm ideas, in addition to receiving an invitation to submit their stories to the Westport Library's new anthology, to be published on September 1st. Authors published in the anthology will have an opportunity to read excerpts at the annual Saugatuck StoryFest at the end of September!
Several editors and authors from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Alison McBain) will lead the workshop. It will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1pm-4pm at Brooks Place Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. We hope to see you there!
Several editors and authors from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Alison McBain) will lead the workshop. It will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1pm-4pm at Brooks Place Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. We hope to see you there!
~ ~ ~3/29/2020~ ~ ~
***CANCELED DUE TO STATEWIDE COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS!***
To be rescheduled later - please stay tuned for more info.
To celebrate the release of the Fairfield Scribes' and WestportWRITES' new anthology In Death, the Gift of Life, there will be a catered event at the Westport Library on Sunday, March 29th from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Westport Library welcomes Tony-Award winning actor and director James Naughton; Poet Laureate for Westport, Diane Meyer Lowman; Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Westport, Reverend Frank Hall; and Charlie Karp’s band, The Name Droppers.
This was an amazing town project that honors ten Westport families, whose inspirational stories about their lives and meaningful end-of-life choices will resonate throughout the community. After the main talk, attendees will be invited to join in on the conversation with the award-winning and talented local writers and artists who have been a part of this project.
The event begins at 3 pm on Sunday, March 29. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Space will be limited for this free event; tickets required. You can sign up for the event HERE.
Hope to see you there!
PAST EVENTS IN 2019
~ ~ ~11/2/2019~ ~ ~
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As part of the Fairfield Library's "From Pages to Publication: A Writer's Conference," the Fairfield Scribes’ editors Edward Ahern and Alison McBain will be joined by poets paul Bluestein, David Boston, and Jack Powers for a discussion of poetic forms, a brief reading of poetry, and a guided writing period with prompts.
Then follow that up with the next panel led by editors Edward Ahern, Alison McBain, and author Gabi Coatsworth to talk about the practical business of writing short pieces – editing and joining critique groups, handling rejection and feedback, submitting your work for publication, and what to do after your work is accepted.
Join the poets from 1-2pm and the writers from 2:15-3pm on Saturday, November 2nd, or stay for the whole conference from 9am-4:30pm.
Admission to the conference is free, but space is limited, so you have to sign up through the library's website HERE. Reservations are filling up fast, so sign up before all the spaces are filled! Hope to see you there!
Then follow that up with the next panel led by editors Edward Ahern, Alison McBain, and author Gabi Coatsworth to talk about the practical business of writing short pieces – editing and joining critique groups, handling rejection and feedback, submitting your work for publication, and what to do after your work is accepted.
Join the poets from 1-2pm and the writers from 2:15-3pm on Saturday, November 2nd, or stay for the whole conference from 9am-4:30pm.
Admission to the conference is free, but space is limited, so you have to sign up through the library's website HERE. Reservations are filling up fast, so sign up before all the spaces are filled! Hope to see you there!
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~ ~ ~10/18-10/20/2019~ ~ ~
The Fairfield Scribes were at Capclave. More info and pictures coming soon!
~ ~ ~9/27-9/28/2019~ ~ ~
The Fairfield Scribes will be at the Saugatuck StoryFest at the Westport Library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. To find out more about the event, check out the StoryFest's events page HERE.
On Friday, September 27th at 6pm in the Brooks Place room, several of the authors of Imagining Monsters: A Collection of Short Stories Inspired by Frankenstein will be doing an off-the-cuff performance excerpted from Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor's play published in the anthology. Stop by to chat with the authors, listen to the play, and find out how to be published in the next WestportWRITES/Fairfield Scribes' joint anthology in 2020. Panelists will include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Edward Ahern, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Sheryl Kayne, Elizabeth Chatsworth, D.J. Whitney, and Alison McBain. All proceeds from Imagining Monsters book sales benefit the WestportWRITES program at the Westport Library.
On Saturday, September 28th at 3pm, stop by the Sheffer Gallery to join several local authors published in the Fairfield Scribes' newest anthology Don't Be a Hero: A VILLAINthology as they talk about the greatest villains from literature, how to write a convincing and complex villain, and also give you brief sneak peeks from their newest stories to be published in the VILLAINthology in October. Panelists will include Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Gabi Coatsworth, P.C. Keeler, P.M. Ray, Robert Tomaino, and Michaela Beutymhill (panel moderated by Alison McBain). Afterwards, join the authors as they sign books at 4pm.
Don't forget to check out a full program HERE of the amazing events this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 26th-28th. Hope to see you there!
On Friday, September 27th at 6pm in the Brooks Place room, several of the authors of Imagining Monsters: A Collection of Short Stories Inspired by Frankenstein will be doing an off-the-cuff performance excerpted from Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor's play published in the anthology. Stop by to chat with the authors, listen to the play, and find out how to be published in the next WestportWRITES/Fairfield Scribes' joint anthology in 2020. Panelists will include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Edward Ahern, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Sheryl Kayne, Elizabeth Chatsworth, D.J. Whitney, and Alison McBain. All proceeds from Imagining Monsters book sales benefit the WestportWRITES program at the Westport Library.
On Saturday, September 28th at 3pm, stop by the Sheffer Gallery to join several local authors published in the Fairfield Scribes' newest anthology Don't Be a Hero: A VILLAINthology as they talk about the greatest villains from literature, how to write a convincing and complex villain, and also give you brief sneak peeks from their newest stories to be published in the VILLAINthology in October. Panelists will include Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Gabi Coatsworth, P.C. Keeler, P.M. Ray, Robert Tomaino, and Michaela Beutymhill (panel moderated by Alison McBain). Afterwards, join the authors as they sign books at 4pm.
Don't forget to check out a full program HERE of the amazing events this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 26th-28th. Hope to see you there!
~ ~ ~7/2/2019~ ~ ~
The Westport Library is doing "30 days of library" in honor of their newly renovated space. July 2nd is exploring the Writing Center at the library, so please join WestportWRITES and the Fairfield Scribes at 7 p.m. for readings from our brand-new anthology, Imagining Monsters: A Collection of Short Stories Inspired by Frankenstein. The reading is free, and all proceeds from book sales of Imagining Monsters benefit the Westport Library. Drinks and snacks will be served.
Authors who will be reading include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Elizabeth Chatsworth, V.P. Morris, Gabi Coatsworth, D.J. Whitney, Edward Ahern, Sheryl Kayne, and Alison McBain.
Authors who will be reading include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Elizabeth Chatsworth, V.P. Morris, Gabi Coatsworth, D.J. Whitney, Edward Ahern, Sheryl Kayne, and Alison McBain.
~ ~ ~6/23/2019~ ~ ~
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The Fairfield Scribes will be at the Westport Library's Grand Re-Opening on Sunday afternoon with two writing workshops in the brand-new library.
FROM 2PM-3PM in the Writing Center:
Join local poets Ann Cefola, Ralph Nazareth, Neddy Smith, Jerry Johnson, Edward Ahern, and Alison McBain as they read their poetry and lead a short workshop on the process of writing and submitting poetry for publication, including an opportunity to write a poem of your own! The panelists will also do a "drive-by poeting" at the end of the session, where they will be happy to hand-write a personalized poem for volunteer participants to take home with them. Kids are very welcome to join in!
FROM 3PM-4PM in Brooks Place Seminar Room (next door to the Writing Center):
Join several of the editors and authors of local small press publisher Fairfield Scribes as they lead an interactive workshop on how to write, edit, and get published a flash fiction story (250 words and under). There will be an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do some writing of your own, in addition to the opportunity to get your story professionally edited on the spot, and receive a list of suggestions on where to submit your work for publication.
There are also many fun and creative activities for all ages, from live performances to a hands-on maker's space, so check out the Library's events page HERE for a full listing. The Grand Re-Opening goes from 11am-4pm.
FROM 2PM-3PM in the Writing Center:
Join local poets Ann Cefola, Ralph Nazareth, Neddy Smith, Jerry Johnson, Edward Ahern, and Alison McBain as they read their poetry and lead a short workshop on the process of writing and submitting poetry for publication, including an opportunity to write a poem of your own! The panelists will also do a "drive-by poeting" at the end of the session, where they will be happy to hand-write a personalized poem for volunteer participants to take home with them. Kids are very welcome to join in!
FROM 3PM-4PM in Brooks Place Seminar Room (next door to the Writing Center):
Join several of the editors and authors of local small press publisher Fairfield Scribes as they lead an interactive workshop on how to write, edit, and get published a flash fiction story (250 words and under). There will be an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do some writing of your own, in addition to the opportunity to get your story professionally edited on the spot, and receive a list of suggestions on where to submit your work for publication.
There are also many fun and creative activities for all ages, from live performances to a hands-on maker's space, so check out the Library's events page HERE for a full listing. The Grand Re-Opening goes from 11am-4pm.
~ ~ ~5/18/2019~ ~ ~
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The Fairfield Scribes were at the Hartford Book Festival, including writers Elizabeth Chatsworth, Alison McBain, Leslie Burton-López and Robert Tomaino. The event took place on Saturday, May 18th from 10am-5pm at the Hartford Public Library, located at 500 Main Street. The Festival had a number of vendors and speakers, with a full panel of events, including poetry readings, bands, workshops, children's creative events, and presentations. The theme of the Festival was: "How Are the Children?" - which is a traditional Masai greeting. The answer: "All the children are well" means life is good. The event was put on by Hartford's L.I.T., the Literary Integrated Trailblazers, with the goal of promoting a diverse day-long event for local creatives. The Scribes were there celebrating science fiction (there was an interesting-looking panel about science fiction world building in the morning). There were fiction writers, poets, thriller and mystery authors, and many more. Below are some pictures from the event. |
From left to right: Robert Tomaino, Alison McBain, Elizabeth Chatsworth.
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Get some steampunk on!
Robert Tomaino
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Writers in hats! From left to right: Alison McBain, Leslie Burton-López, Elizabeth Chatsworth.
~ ~ ~5/15/2019~ ~ ~
Jane Green
Several of the Fairfield Scribes' editors will be at the Connecticut Press Club's Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in "The Folly" room at Artisan Restaurant, located at 275 Old Post Road in Southport, Connecticut.
If you'd like to purchase tickets, they're $45 per person in advance HERE or $50 at the door. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary cocktail, plus a cash bar, with gift bag and other treats. The Scribes will be accepting the first place award in the editing category for our latest anthology, When to Now: A Time Travel Anthology.
The bestselling author Jane Green will emcee the awards ceremony - Jane is a former journalist and the author of 19 novels, including 17 New York Times Bestsellers. Jane is published in more than 25 languages, and she has over 10 million books in print worldwide.
Here are some pictures of the event:
If you'd like to purchase tickets, they're $45 per person in advance HERE or $50 at the door. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary cocktail, plus a cash bar, with gift bag and other treats. The Scribes will be accepting the first place award in the editing category for our latest anthology, When to Now: A Time Travel Anthology.
The bestselling author Jane Green will emcee the awards ceremony - Jane is a former journalist and the author of 19 novels, including 17 New York Times Bestsellers. Jane is published in more than 25 languages, and she has over 10 million books in print worldwide.
Here are some pictures of the event:
Before the awards, from left to right: Gabi Coatsworth (1st place winner in the short story category for "Misconception," published in WHEN TO NOW), Alison McBain (1st place winner in anthology editor category for WHEN TO NOW), Kate Mayer, and P.C. Keeler (1st place winner as anthology co-editor of WHEN TO NOW).
From left to right with awards: Gabi Coatsworth, P.C. Keeler, Alison McBain.
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Emcee Jane Green wowing the crowd with her wonderfully funny stories.
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~ ~ ~5/9/2019~ ~ ~
Fairfield Scribes authors Alison McBain, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Gabi Coatsworth will join local author Roman Godzich in the aptly-named Steampunk Library in The Storyteller's Cottage at 750 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut. The reading will take place from 7pm-8:30pm.
From the Storyteller's Cottage website:
If you love losing yourself in a book about time travel, deep sea expeditions and the world beyond, you must join us for this exclusive author night featuring four incredible Sci-Fi authors! Meet each author and hear readings from their latest books. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Enjoy a light reception after. If sci-fi isn't your thing, don't worry, each author has written several books from other genres as well from romance to history and YA. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new favorite genre!
Go HERE to register for the event - there's a $5 cover charge to attend. We hope to see you there!
From the Storyteller's Cottage website:
If you love losing yourself in a book about time travel, deep sea expeditions and the world beyond, you must join us for this exclusive author night featuring four incredible Sci-Fi authors! Meet each author and hear readings from their latest books. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Enjoy a light reception after. If sci-fi isn't your thing, don't worry, each author has written several books from other genres as well from romance to history and YA. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new favorite genre!
Go HERE to register for the event - there's a $5 cover charge to attend. We hope to see you there!
Roman Godzich
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Alison McBain
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Elizabeth Chatsworth
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Gabi Coatsworth
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From left to right: Roman Godzich, Alison McBain, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Gabi Coatsworth.
~ ~ ~5/4/2019~ ~ ~
Fairfield Scribes authors Alison McBain and P.C. Keeler will be at the Torrington Author Expo and Book Fair, located at the Torrington Library on 12 Daycoeton Place in Torrington, Connecticut. The event will take place from 12pm-4pm.
From the library's website:
Event Featuring
Just Write it Already! Panel Discussion at 2:00pmDon’t wait for inspiration to write your first book! In this light-hearted discussion, you will learn from published authors how to just write it already. This is perfect for aspiring writers and book lovers alike to get inside the mind of writers.
In addition to the Fairfield Scribes, writers include Rick Arruzza, Katie L. Carroll, Suzanne Cordatos, Rich Cyr, Shelby Davis, Terri Dixon, Charlene A. Donaghy, Olyvia Freeman, Sheryl Kayne, Tabitha G. Kelly, Christine Pakkala, Renée Pirie, Donna Marie Merritt, C.R. Quinn, Susan B. Roara, Jack Sheedy, and Jamie Jackson Spannhake.
The event is free to attend, with lots of great giveaways and prizes. We hope to see you there!
From the library's website:
Event Featuring
- A variety of adult, young adult, and juvenile Connecticut authors showcasing and selling their work throughout the library.
- Complimentary coffee and light refreshments.
- Bookworm-worthy raffles!
Just Write it Already! Panel Discussion at 2:00pmDon’t wait for inspiration to write your first book! In this light-hearted discussion, you will learn from published authors how to just write it already. This is perfect for aspiring writers and book lovers alike to get inside the mind of writers.
In addition to the Fairfield Scribes, writers include Rick Arruzza, Katie L. Carroll, Suzanne Cordatos, Rich Cyr, Shelby Davis, Terri Dixon, Charlene A. Donaghy, Olyvia Freeman, Sheryl Kayne, Tabitha G. Kelly, Christine Pakkala, Renée Pirie, Donna Marie Merritt, C.R. Quinn, Susan B. Roara, Jack Sheedy, and Jamie Jackson Spannhake.
The event is free to attend, with lots of great giveaways and prizes. We hope to see you there!
From left to right: P.C. Keeler and Alison McBain.
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From left to right: Alison McBain and author Sheryl Kayne.
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~ ~ ~3/23/2019~ ~ ~
Several of the authors and editors of the Fairfield Scribes, including Alison McBain, Edward Ahern, Gabi Coatsworth, and Elizabeth Chatsworth, will be at the 4th Annual Local Authors Fest, hosted by the Public Library of New London. The event takes place from 11am-2pm on Saturday, March 23.
From the library's website:
From the library's website:
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The Public Library of New London will be hosting its 4th Annual Local Authors Fest in our Adult Reading area. Authors from Southeastern Connecticut will be on hand to talk to you about their books and sign and take photos. Authors of fiction, nonfiction, Young Adult literature, Children's literature, romance, history and mystery will be here. It's a great event for all ages! Midafternoon, several authors will speak to the public about their work, and their experience publishing their books.
Whether you are an author, an avid reader, a fan of local talent, or a community event connoisseur, please stop by and get to know some great local authors, hear about their backgrounds and latest releases, support the community, and own original signed copies of authors on the rise. This event is free and open to all. |
Here's more info about it
There are over 50 local authors anticipated to be there, so it's guaranteed to be an amazing event - with something for every type of reader. Hope to see you there!
From left to right: Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Alison McBain, and P.M. Ray. They were also joined at the table by the lovely author Gabi Coatsworth (not pictured here).
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Steampunk Ed!
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From left to right: Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Alison McBain, all getting their Victorian on.
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~ ~ ~2/17/2019~ ~ ~
This month, WestportWRITES at The Westport Library welcomes the Fairfield Scribes for a panel conversation and workshop focused on the craft of writing short stories and getting those short stories published.
Six writers from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Alison McBain, Robert Tomaino and P.C. Keeler) will open the day with a panel conversation about the craft of writing short stories. Then, after a break, the writers will lead an interactive workshop focused on how to submit the attendees' existing short stories for publication.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 1pm-4pm at the Program Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. You can find out more information about the panel HERE.
We hope to see you there!
Six writers from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Alison McBain, Robert Tomaino and P.C. Keeler) will open the day with a panel conversation about the craft of writing short stories. Then, after a break, the writers will lead an interactive workshop focused on how to submit the attendees' existing short stories for publication.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 1pm-4pm at the Program Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. You can find out more information about the panel HERE.
We hope to see you there!
From left to right: P.C. Keeler, Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Robert Tomaino, Alison McBain, and Gabi Coatsworth.
(Photo courtesy of Mitzy Sky.)
The Fairfield Scribes talk to a full house at the Westport Library. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Wolfe.)
From left to right: P.C. Keeler, Edward Ahern, Robert Tomaino, and Alison McBain. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Wolfe.)
10-minute writing sprint from a "mix 'n match" creative writing prompt list. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Wolfe.)
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Robert Tomaino (Photo courtesy of Kristin Wolfe.)
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From left to right: Edward Ahern, P.C. Keeler, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Robert Tomaino, and Alison McBain. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Chatsworth.)
PAST EVENTS IN 2018
~ ~ ~10/13/2018~ ~ ~
The authors reading at the Fairfield Scribes' panel at the Brownstone - from left to right: Jacqueline Masumian, Gabi Coatsworth, Alison McBain, P.C. Keeler, Elizabeth Chatsworth, P.M. Ray, Robert Tomaino and Leslie Burton-López. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Chatsworth.)
The authors braving the wind and rain on the green at the Westport Library to chat with readers about WHEN TO NOW. From left to right: Jacqueline Masumian, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Gabi Coatsworth, Alison McBain, Robert Tomaino, P.C. Keeler and Edward Ahern. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Chatsworth.)
(Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Chatsworth.)
The Brownstone. located at 142 Main Street (at Elm) in Westport, CT.
Our reading and publishing talk will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13th, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Gabi Coatsworth.)
Getting ready for the Saugatuck StoryFest, which is just over a week away... Here are some of the promo tote bags we will be giving away with every book purchased. Plus, of course, the books! Amazon bestselling anthology WHEN TO NOW: A TIME TRAVEL ANTHOLOGY. (Photo courtesy of Alison McBain.)
~ ~ ~7/28/2018~ ~ ~
From left to right: P.C. Keeler, Alison McBain, and Edward Ahern.
Live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore from three new speculative fiction novels released by the Fairfield Scribes!
THE ROSE QUEEN (by Alison McBain) is a YA retelling of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, with the Beast as a woman. MIGON (by P.C. Keeler) is a YA science fiction/fantasy crossover set in the far future about a boy who becomes a miniature dragon. THE WITCHES' BANE (by Edward Ahern) follows the adventures of a mystical detective intent on tracking down the supernatural killers of his ex-girlfriend.
Come join the authors to hear a reading from each novel and chat about books and writing in general. Refreshments will be served, and the first 20 readers to buy a book will get a free Fairfield Scribes tote bag.
More info can be found on the Fairfield Scribes' Facebook event page.
July 28th, 2018 - from 1-3 PM at the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
From left to right: P.C. Keeler, Alison McBain, and Edward Ahern.
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Authors with book covers: Edward Ahern with THE WITCHES' BANE, Alison McBain with THE ROSE QUEEN, and P.C. Keeler with MIGON.
Alison McBain reading from THE ROSE QUEEN.
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Edward Ahern reading from THE WITCHES' BANE.