My First Attempt at Blogging!

So, this is my first official blog.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  I love new adventures so I'm anxious to get this one started.

Although I'm feeling under the weather today, I'd like to write about a very sad event that occurred this weekend.  At our monthly Long Island Writers and Illustrators (LICWI) group meeting a founder of the group and Author and Illustrator Event Coordinator, Brian Heinz, has decided to eliminate the Author and Illustrators Nights.  Anyone who is not familiar with these events should know these evenings were started as a way for children, parents and teachers to visit with local authors and illustrators, engaging with them the love for writing and reading.  The children were the main focus.  I can't tell you how many times I had a small face smile up at me too shy and tentative to speak with me until I could coax them out of their shell.  Once they realized I was a normal person, they were able to open up and I'd have lovely conversations with them.  Some would purchase a book but more so then not, the only fulfillment I received was in payment of conversation.  I shared  details of my book, my writing style, questioned the children on their writing and I hope I influenced some of the young minds I spoke with.

Author and Illustrator Nights have run now for over 18 years.  A long, long time for a "living book fair."  It is sad to see such wonderful events be canceled due to the poor taste and lack of professionalism on a few members parts.  However, out of all bad things comes something positive!  LICWI will now focus on what the main mission of the group originally was and at times has drifted from the humble beginning that began in someones house many years ago by a small group of authors.  Focusing on the groups writing/illustrating will once again feed and nurture new and existing talent.  Who knows, maybe one day out of the many aspiring writers we may produce another J.K. Rowling or Mark Teague.  If you don't know who they are, check out Harry Potter Series and Funny Farm, a picture book.

I could not write about this event without thanking Brian Heinz for his dedication, not only to the Author and Illustrator Nights  but to LICWI.  With his many published titles, school visits and traveling schedules, he still manages to attend LICWI meetings, sharing his work and critiquing  work that is shared by our many members.

So, here is some food for thought.  Author's are not big money makers. Instead, they love the written word, whether they are creating or simply reading marveling at another author's unique writing style.  They love to discuss everything and anything having to do with their latest novels or a friends latest project. And seeing the faces of a certain fan, brighten when you take the time to speak with them.