Happenings
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I have three upcoming events:
* On Tuesday, February 28, I'm doing a day/night YIKES! & TYKES signing event for members of the Premier Athletic Club in Montrose, NY from 8:30 am - 1 pm & 4 pm - 8:30 pm, with Linda Griffin, author of the parenting book, My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems.
* On Thursday, March 15 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, I'll participate in a "Meet the Authors" night at the Mahopac Library in Mahopac, NY. I'll talk about DUST and my new novel, Peachwood Lake, and also sign copies of both books.
Mahopac Public Library
668 Route 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
(845) 628-2009
* On Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm, I'll talk about both novels at the Hart Library, in Shrub Oak, NY. I'll discuss how I got the idea for each book, the writing process, plus my publishing experiences.
John C. Hart Memorial Library
1130 Main Street
Shrub Oak, NY 10588
(Please register at the Reference Desk or call 914-245-5262, Ext. 227)
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On December 17, I signed copies of DUST, and my new thriller, Peachwood Lake, in the Village Deli & Cafe in Ossining with Linda Griffin, author of the parenting book, My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems. I had a great time signing books--and the food was delicious! Here come the photos:
Linda and I call our two-person events Yikes! & Tykes. Anna bought a copy of DUST for herself and her two children. This man, a local photographer, bought a signed copy of Peachwood Lake. Thirteen-year-old Wendy wanted a signed copy of DUST. (She also wanted to read Peachwood Lake, but it has an R-rated scene).  I autographed a copy of DUST for Irene, owner of Village Deli and Cafe--a wonderful place for breakfast or lunch!* * *
I was interviewed on "Good Morning, Hudson Valley" radio on December 13
mostly about my new novel, Peachwood Lake. The interview was broadcast in two parts (on air and online) at 1420 WLNA/1260 WBNR (AM). If you missed the broadcast, you can listen to it here:
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On November 9, I participated in Barnes & Noble's Small Press Expo in Mohegan Lake, NY. It was great seeing other local authors again. Unfortunately, we didn't see many customers during the mid-week off hours (5 pm - 7 pm).
Notice that I'm listed first. (it's good to be a "B"!)
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On October 22, I was at JV Hot Bagels in Jefferson Valley, NY, signing copies of DUST. It was a fun experience, sitting outside the busy store on a sunny--but cool--Saturday morning. And my bagel was delicious! Here come the photos:
This is my little table display--complete with my poster and colorful "DUST-er."
This woman bought DUST for her older daughter, a teenager.
Notice the huge line all the way out the door as I signed this woman's book. The food in JV Hot Bagels is really excellent! This teen boy will be reading DUST...  ...and so will this teen. (I'm now wearing my JETS' sweatshirt with a muff because my fingers were so cold, I was having trouble signing books!)  This couple's daughter saw DUST in the middle school book fair last week (see photo below), but thought it would be too scary for her. However, her dad loves supernatural thrillers so he came to see me and buy the book. * * *
DUST--a great read for teens --has again been included in Lakeland-Copper Beach Middle School's Book Fair (Shrub Oak, NY), running from October 17-21.
Here's the DUST display at the school library on Parent Preview Night, October 17.
* * * On September 18, I participated in the Brooklyn Book Festival in downtown Brooklyn (NY), signing copies of DUST. I had a great time introducing the book to new readers and meeting other authors. One question though: Why is it always so windy at my outdoor events? Could my evil dust be responsible? Here come the photos:  I shared a table with Doris Nieves, author of the novel Misconceptions: Pride and Prejudice: A Conclusion.
It was great to meet Facebook friend and fellow writer, Beth Glash, in person and sign a copy of DUST for her.
This was the view of the Book Festival from our table. We were in front of the Supreme Court building and next to the subway.  Harold told me, if he enjoyed DUST, he would definitely read all my other books.  Cesar is 9-years-old, a little young to read DUST by himself, but he wanted a copy of the book so much that his mom promised to read it to him.
I signed a copy of DUST for Gina, another fellow writer.  Nicolle purchased DUST because she needed a supernatural novel for her extensive book collection.  New! Look for signed copies of DUST at Demarche Publishing's table in upcoming book fairs across the United States! * * *
On July 28th, I was interviewed by Janice Lee for her radio program, "Featuring the Arts." The interview aired on WSKV 104.9 FM at 5:30 pm EST and streamed on the Internet. If you missed the broadcast, you can still listen to it here. (Go to "2011 Archives" and scroll to #17 - "7-28-2011 - Susan Berliner"): http://featuringthearts.com/index2/?page_id=7
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I participated in a Small Press Expo at Barnes & Noble in Mohegan Lake (NY) on June 17with six area authors. It was fun meeting enthusiastic readers, telling them about DUST, and signing copies of the book. A few pictures follow:
The sign outside the store announced the event.
All the local authors shared a line of tables near the front of the store.
Here's a view of our book displays on the tables.
 This teacher was interested in using DUST with her junior high school class.  I signed a copy of DUST for this woman's friend. * * *
On June 11, I had a table showcasing DUST at the Ossining (NY) Village Fair. Although it was overcast and cold (like autumn!) the entire day, it wasn't a total washout. Here are some photos:
As usual, my table is filled with DUST information. But notice that everything is under plastic because of the pesky rain and drizzle.  I signed a copy of DUST for this woman's teenage son. (Of course, this was when it rained the hardest!)  Here's a view of some of the other tables along Main Street in Ossining.  Doris Nieves, author of Misconceptions: Pride and Prejudice: A Conclusion, shared the table with me at the Fair. * * * On May 22, I was a guest speaker at the Jewish War Veterans (Post 46) breakfast meeting at the Somers (NY) Library with fellow YIKES! & TYKES author, Linda Griffin. After a delicious breakfast of bagels and lox (what else?), we each gave a brief presentation about our respective books. A few photos follow:  Our books, and information about them, were neatly displayed on a nearby side table.  After our bagels and lox breakfast, Commander Lawrence Kaufman began the meeting.  I spoke first, explaining what DUST is about.  I also talked about dust devils and passed around copies of newspaper articles about these mini-tornados that are the basis for DUST.  Linda Griffin then spoke to the group about her excellent parenting book, My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems.
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On May 14, I participated in Yorktown Community Day, atown-sponsored charitable event benefiting drug prevention programs for Yorktown (NY) youth--Alliance for Safe Kids and the D.A.R.E. program. Although it was cold (more like mid-March than mid-May!), I had fun meeting people and signing copies of DUST. Here are some photos:
My DUST table is ready for visitors.  Here's a view of some nearby tables.  I signed a copy of DUST for this woman's daughter.  This teen was excited about reading DUST and...  ...his father was pleased. (It's great when a teen boy wants to read a book!) * * *
On February 4, I was interviewed about DUST and fiction writing on "My Home Away From Home" on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/my-home-away-from-home/interview-with-susan-berliner-the-author-of-dust/199256353422028
They also ran a week-long DUST trivia contest for a signed copy of the book. * * * On December 15, I had a YIKES! & TYKES book signing event with fellow author, Linda Griffin, at the Cidade Cafe in Ossining, NY. We had a wonderful time meeting people, autographing books, and eating the delicious wraps and pastries, all baked on the premises. Now for the photos:  Three tables lined up along one side of this cozy cafe showcased DUST and Linda Griffin's book, My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems.  Pedro, owner of the Cidade Cafe, made us feel comfortable and welcome. And the delicious pastry-based Portuguese food made us feel wonderful!  I signed a copy of DUST for this woman's mother, who was in the hospital. Hopefully, it will help her forget her medical problems.  Charlie Cody, a fellow writer and poet, also decided to purchase DUST.  Lawrence Kaufman, Commander of Jewish War Veterans' Post 46 in Somers, NY, and Seymour Goldberg, Quartermaster (partially hidden), invited Linda and me to speak to the members of their worthy organization next May. We both readily agreed! * * *
On December 10, I visited the Freight House Cafe in Mahopac, NY to autograph copies of DUST. I had a terrific time and met some delightful people who came to enjoy the fine food in this cozy 19th century railroad building. Here come the photos:
I sat in this comfy little couch with my copies of DUST--and my colorful duster.
Owner Donna Massaro has helped to promote DUST by displaying the novel and bookmarks. I appreciate it!  Here's a view of this 19th century railroad building. Notice the planked wood walls and floors, plus the eclectic furnishings and whimsical accessories. (And the food is excellent!)  This customer was fascinated by the dust devil experience that inspired my novel. (See Real "Dust" Events)  I signed a copy of DUST for this woman's daughter. It'll make a great Christmas gift! * * * This article from the November 30 edition of the Putnam Examiner mentions two of my December book signing events. 
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On December 4, I signed copies of DUST at the BeanRunner Cafe in Peekskill, NY with Linda Griffin, author of My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems. We call our two-person events YIKES! & TYKES. Here are some photos:
 We shared a table to showcase our books.  Diners were able to watch and listen to us while they ate.  This man was interested in DUST...  ...and so was this woman.  This man purchased a copy of DUST. * * *
Copies of DUST and My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems are now available for sale at Arcadian Cards & Gifts, 230 South Highland Avenue in Ossining, NY. Stop in and pick up a signed book!  Here we are on the counter of Arcadian Cards & Gifts! * * *
DUST is appropriate and fun for women, men--and teens. The novel was included in Lakeland-Copper Beach Middle School's Book Fair (Shrub Oak, NY), which ran from October 18-22. Here's a photo of me at the library, after delivering the books to the library for the Fair.  Notice the empty display cases. Parents were waiting for a class to end before setting up the books. * * * I was at Kathleen's Tea Room in Peekskill, NY on October 21 for a Literary Tea, Talk & Book Signing with Linda Griffin, author of My Child Won't Listen...and other early childhood problems. We each gave a brief talk about our very different books and then signed copies. And, as always, the food was wonderful! Here come the photos:  Our posters publicizing the event are still taped on the front window.  I spoke first, mostly about theweird weather phenomenon that inspired my novel: a dust devil.  Linda Griffin talked about her parenting book and read a few humorous examples from the chapter entitled, "The Difficult Parent."  Here I am with Kathleen Chilcott, owner of Kathleen's Tea Room, signing a copy of DUST for her 91-year-old mother.  This woman purchased the novel as a Christmas gift--a great idea! The Yorktown Examiner printed the following article about the Kathleen's Tea Room event:
For a clearer version of the above article, here's a link to the Yorktown Examiner's archives. (Please scroll to p. 15): http://www.theexaminernews.com/archives/yorktown/YorktownExaminer10-5-10.pdf* * * On October 9, I joined other local authors at a book signing event at Barnes & Noble in Mohegan Lake, NY. It's always fun to introduce new readers to DUST! Here are some photos:
Notice my name is listed first. (It's good to be a "B"!)  As usual, my DUST sign and duster are on display.  My first customer: a teen reader--and writer!  Another young fan of the supernatural purchases a copy of DUST.  Here's another new DUST reader...
...And another!  It's always a pleasure to sign a copy of DUST for a fellow Mets' fan! * * *
In keeping with the "Locally Grown" theme, I had a mini book signing at the Yorktown Grange Fair in Yorktown, NY (my hometown) on September 11. It was a very mobile experience. Check the photos below and you'll understand.
Here's where I began, in the Exhibitor Tent,at a table adjacent to Barnes & Noble, which handled my little event. Unfortunately, no one paid any attention to DUST. Fair goers were more interested in the cooking demonstration thatbegan a few minutes later at the table to the left.
Then my table was moved to the center of the tent, opposite Barnes & Noble, and an exhibitor took my former spot next to the cooking table. I was in a space all by myself. Sounds good, right? But only a few people even stopped at the table. This woman was one of the few to visit.
Finally, I moved to my final location, behind the Barnes & Noble table--and that spot was much better!
Almost immediately, I had my first customer! This man loved signed books--and he added DUST to his collection.
Soon I had another customer...
And another...
And still another as this woman bought DUST for her daughter.
Support Connection is a wonderful Yorktown charity that holds events to raise money to battle breast and ovarian cancer. I donated a copy of DUST to Support Connection director, Kathy Quinn, for the organization's upcoming raffle.
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On August 25, I was interviewed about DUST and my fiction writing by Robyn Murphy on Roboloblyn's Universe of Books for "Writer's Wednesday." Check it out! http://bit.ly/aUPe3J
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On July 10, I participated in the Inwood Book Fair & Signing at Coogan's Restaurant in upper Manhattan with eight New York area authors--novelists, poets, non-fiction writers, and a photographer. I had a terrific time--and learned a lot about how other authors think and write. Here come the photos!
We all sat at a long table with name tags and copies of our books. Many thanks to John & Barbara McMullen for coordinating the event!
Here's our author's panel, which John F. McMullen (right) emceed. The other participants included (l.to r.): Stan Trybulski, Amy Holman, George Hopkins, Thomas Wm. Hamilton, me, Paul Levinson, Don Wortzman, and Kathleen Collins.
Each of us had five minutes to discuss our books. Of course, I talked about how I got the idea for DUST.
People attending the event ate lunch while they listened to our short presentations. Here, Stan Trybulski explains his crime novel series.
Barbara McMullen (left) expertly handled our book sales.
I signed a copy of DUST for a fan of supernatural fiction.
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I had a wonderful--but weird--experience signing copies of DUST at Tazza Cafe at the Heritage Hills Shopping Center in Somers, NY on June 17. Almost immediately after I arrived at about 11:30 am, the power went out and remained mostly off until I went to the restroom at 1:30. When I flicked the light switch, that's exactly when the power returned! Do I have (unknown) supernatural abilities? Ask owner Ed Novak, who was with me when I turned the electricity back on. He said the incident gave him goosebumps!
Many thanks to Jodee and Ed for letting me have a book signing at their lovely cafe. I had a great time--and the food is terrific too!
Here come the pictures!
Jodee and Ed Novak promoted DUST in Tazza Cafe and helped to make the book signing a great success. I'm sorry I seemed to disrupt the electricity! As my sign says: Weird things really do happen!
Mort, my first customer!
Reporter Rich Monetti (left), interviewed me for a story on Patch.com, giving me an opportunity to talk about one of my favorite topics: dust devils. Here, I'm explaining the strange weather phenomenon to Neil, who must have been impressed: He bought a copy of DUST.
Jodee's mom, Deena, bought copies of DUST for herself and for her grandkids.
...And here's Emily, one of the grandkids, who came into the cafe and received her copy of DUST.
Maria bought DUST for herself and her teen daughter.
Eileen and Frank came to Tazza Cafe especially for a signed copy of DUST.
Gladys was my final customer of the day.
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I participated in Yorktown Community Day in Yorktown Heights (NY) on Saturday, May 15. The proceeds of this town-sponsored event benefit drug prevention programs for Yorktown youth (Alliance for Safe Kids and the D.A.R.E. program). It was a beautiful sunny day, but strong wind gusts made displaying book materials a real challenge! Here are some photos:
The back of the DUST poster is tied to the table with string to keep it from flying away.
This girl examines my "DUST" Basket--a raffle prize for a lucky winner.
I signed a copy of DUST for this lady.
Visitors check out the participating tables.
This family showed interest in DUST--and the "DUST" Basket.
Stacey Ann Beitler, author/illustrator of the children's books Willy Goes to the Farm and Willy Helps a Friend had an adjoining table at the event.
And here's the lucky "DUST" Basket Winner: It's Maria DeMartino of Yorktown! I delivered the prize to Maria a few days after the event. Happy DUSTing!
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On Monday, May 3, I talked about novel writing to students in Katherine Callahan's creative writing class in Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, NY. I loved talking to the teens--and I hope they did too! Thank you, Ms. Callahan! Here are a couple of photos:
Notice the "Welcome" to me on the board.
Even though I spoke for the entire second period, the students seemed to be listening. I don't know if they were really interested--or just being polite.
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I participated in Barnes & Noble's "New Writers for Haiti" Bookfair on Sunday, May 2 in White Plains, NY. The event promoted Haitian culture, with 10%-20% of the total bookfair proceeds donated to Haitian relief. Here come the pictures:
This sign in the front of the store promoted the event.
Eighteen authors participated in the event, arranged in nine tables lining the corridor leading to Barnes & Noble. I was at Table 2 at the end of the hall.
I signed a copy of DUST for this woman who bought many other local authors' books.
Both Mom and daughter are looking forward to reading DUST.
Racquel Brown Gaston, author of Deadly Instincts, examines DUST.
I signed a copy of DUST for Robert Santoro, author of Wrath and Pride, books of the Deadly Sins Series.
DUST was a Mother's Day present for this woman's mom.
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DUST is a great vacation read!
Here I am in the library of the Norwegian Gem (with DUST), cruising to Florida and the Bahamas at the end of March.
During the cruise, I signed a copy of DUST for Patricia. Happy reading!
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I gave a talk about DUST and then signed books at the East Fishkill Community Library in Hopewell Junction, NY on February 18. Here come the photos:
I discussed how I got the idea for DUST and my writing techniques.
Here's another view of the audience.
After the book talk, I signed a copy of DUST...
and another copy...
and another copy...
and yet another copy.
I'm surrounded by new DUST fans.
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I participated in Putnam Valley's Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) Literacy Fair on January 15 at the Putnam Valley (NY) Elementary School, signing copies of DUST for adults and older teens in a 1st grade classroom. Here are some photos:
Setting up in the classroom.
A family checks out DUST.
A school district photographer takes my picture. (Am I a celebrity?)
Some children collected autographs of the participating authors.
These kids were buying a copy of DUST--for one of their moms.
Signing another copy of the book.
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I did a "virtual book tour" in November 2009, which included online interviews, guest posts, and reviews of DUST. My itinerary for the month is listed below.
Check it out!
November 2 - http://www.fivemonkies.com/2009/11/special-guest-post-from-susan-berliner.html
November 11 - http://lorisreadingcorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-tour-susan-berliner.html
November 13 - http://readbookswritepoetry.blogspot.com/2009/11/dust-by-susan-berliner.html
* * * We had a small, but attentive, audience for the Authors' Panel on Publishing-on-Demand (POD)/Book Signing event on November 15 at the Mount Pleasant Library in Pleasantville, NY. I'm posting a few photos below:  I've got my props--DUST poster and colorful duster--and I'm ready for the event to begin.  Our 3-author panel (l. to r. - Don Wortzman, me, and John F. McMullen) is set for the library talk.  As always, I am making a point about DUST.  Our Authors' Panel business manager, Barbara McMullen, expertly handles our book sales.  Another DUST reader! I just signed this woman's book. * * * On November 10, fellow authors John F. McMullen, Don Wortzman, and I briefly discussed our publishing experiences at a senior community in Yonkers, NY. Here are a few pictures:  As usual, I am talking about DUST.
Poet John F. McMullen discusses his writing.  Author Don Wortzman describes his experience writing and publishing his thriller.  I think the audience enjoyed our talk, but I know they were looking forward to lunch, which was served immediately after we finished speaking. * * * The November 7 book signing at Barnes & Noble in Mohegan Lake, NY was fun, but tiring. I loved talking to strangers and telling them about DUST--but standing for more than five hours was tough! Here are some photos:  After signing this man's book, I discovered that I once worked with his ex-wife.  This couple was interested in the book--and the bookmark.  Notice the photo on the back cover of the paperback book this man is holding. It's Stephen King. I knew he would be a potential DUST reader!  Both of these women were intrigued with DUST.
This was my last customer. As you can see, we were all very happy!
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My talk at the Mahopac Libary on Wednesday, October 21 was more intimate and informal than the Hart Library talk last month where I stood behind a podium. Here, everyone sat around--or near--a large rectangular table. The casual environment led to more questions. Afterwards, I signed copies of DUST. Here are a few photos:
Setting up for the Mahopac Library talk.
A view of the long table.
Signing a copy of DUST.
Another new DUST reader.
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The article below is from The Putnam Examiner. It focuses on my inspiration for DUST and on my October 21 talk at the Mahopac Library. I love the first line!
For a clearer version, here's the link (Scroll to page 10): http://www.theexaminernews.com/archives/putnam/PutnamExaminer10-13-09.pdf
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I gave my first solo informational talk about DUST at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak, NY on Saturday, September 12. Although I was very nervous before the event started, it turned out surprisingly well. People in the audience listened attentively and seemed to enjoy the talk. I'm posting a few photos below:
At the podium just before the Hart Library event.
The audience seemed to be listening. (At least no one was sleeping.)
Another view of the audience at the library.
After the talk, I signed a copy of DUST for this mother and daughter.
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The Authors' Panel/Book Signing at Lola's Tea House in Pelham, NY on August 22 was my first "speaking engagement" about DUST. It was a good learning experience. Afterward, people said the talk by all four authors on publishing-on-demand was interesting and informative. I just wish more people had attended! Here are a few photos from the event:
At Lola's Tea House (l. to r. from rear): Authors George Hopkins, John McMullen, Don Wortzman, and me, speaking.
 I guess I had a lot to say!  Maybe all that talking tired me out. I couldn't seem to keep my eyes open after I had just signed this man's book!
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I had my first book signing at Barnes & Noble in the Cortlandt Town Center in Mohegan Lake, NY on Saturday, July 25. Considering the weather (hot, sunny, and gorgeous--the best day of the summer), it was a success. I'm posting some pictures below:
I'm signing a copy of DUST. Note the "Dust" Basket on the left. It was won by Gene Ehrens of Yorktown.
My first customer!
Another customer--a fellow writer!
DUST is suitable for all ages. Mom purchased the book for her daughter.
Marsha Smith was one of the first people to read DUST. She loved it! (Read her comments on the Reviews page.)
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The first newspaper article about DUST was published on July 15, 2009. Here's the link:
http://www.ncnlocal.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=6950
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