Summer Fun
“Stories matter and access to stories changes lives.” ~ Dr. Carla Hayden
As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, we are reminded of these two truths the former Librarian of Congress shared while receiving an award from the Author’s Guild. “Stories matter and access to stories changes lives.” Dr. Carla Hayden’s words ring especially true this July.
Pride Month is in our rearview mirror. Rainbow paraphernalia disappears quickly, unless you’re like us and celebrate pride 24/7, 365 days a year. Similar to May, June was a blast and bustling with events in Maryland and Washington, D.C. We even traveled to our first event in Virginia and met a lot of new friends at Pride LitCon. We also participated in a daily pledge to spotlight queer authors on IG. Did we say daily? It was challenging to stay committed for sure — but like many of the writers featured, we’re indie authors and community is important to us. Hopefully you saw our posts and expanded your “to be read” (TBR) list.
Speaking of widening your list, THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story and Why Not Us? ebooks are half price at Smashwords during their 18th Annual Summer/Winter Sale! The sale, which lasts the entire month of July, is a great time to get or gift our books, along with books from other talented indie authors, at bargain prices.
Meet us in these author streets…
Upcoming Events
Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) Annual Conference, Orlando, FL August 5-8
Indies & Bookworms Book Fair, Baltimore, MD, August 15
Women in Fiction Book Fair, Glenn Dale, MD, September 19
Information about all events may be found on our events page.
Speaking of the streets (and podcasts)
We celebrated Juneteenth at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Historic Oella, Maryland. Please, please, please show this underutilized museum some love if you’re local — maybe make it a day trip with a cute lunch basket. The museum is a historical treasure, dedicated to telling the inspiring story of Benjamin Banneker, and the grounds are beautiful. FUN FACT: A scene from Why Not Us? takes place onsite on Trolley Trail #9.
We made history and collaborated with Tangee Austin from Melanin and Manuscripts (M&M) for her first ever Author Spotlight. Please like or share the interview and while there, follow M&M for future book news and recommendations. Also, here’s the full interview.
We’re sending a HUGE thanks to readers who have requested our books/ebooks in their local libraries. This is a way to support your favorite authors without straining your budget. Locally, the books may be found at Bird in Hand Café and Bookstore, Charm City Books, and The Maryland Center for History and Culture.
Continue sending us your pictures of our books and we will share them with our growing community.
Breaking News!
We’ve learned quite a bit along our author journey, including the fact that sometimes covers need a refresh. We heard the feedback and made a few tweaks to the cover of THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story to better reflect the story’s narrative.
Cover Refresh
Just a few tweaks, but we think they help tell the story a bit better.
Have a hot reading summer!
Naomi + Rivers
