Orange is for October
It’s officially fall!
Hot Summer and September Sapphic Reads - books promos that I hope you took advantage of - are in the rear view mirror. One of my final summer acts, was to harvest most of the remaining garden bounty and separate zinnia seeds by color – a tad anal, yes. Trust me, the flowers will be stunning next year. Depending on where you are in the world, some call the fried goodness shown below fritters, pakora, or tempura. I called these little tomato treats DE-LISH!
IT’S APPLE SEASON!
Last month I mentioned that I’m in awe of the brilliance of fall colors found in food and foliage. My father-in-law is planning a visit to go to a “real apple orchard.” I sent him a picture of these beautiful apples and I believe he started preparing to head north almost immediately.
Glorious colors
It’s almost criminal to pass by such beauty without acknowledging it. This time of year, my walks are often slower because I’m busy taking pictures.
Banned Books
Banned Book Week was October 1 - 7. Why is there a need for such a week? According to bannedbooks.org, it was started “… in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools.” Sadly, state and local governments passing legislation and instituting policies to limit access to information and books has picked up steam in recent years. Why? Because information is power.
It’s no surprise that works by authors of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ often bear the brunt of book bans. For example, the African American Literature Book Club shared 126 of The Black Books They Don’t Want You to Read. What can you do to help? PEN America, an organization that works to preserve free expression, has recommendations.
All of this talk about book bans always brings to mind one of the best poems, in my opinion, for advocating for others by Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran pastor.
“First They Came” by Pastor Martin Niemöller
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
Fan Girl Alert!
On October 5th, I had the distinct honor of attending an author talk hosted by Charm City Books at Baltimore Center Stage with Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. She was in town recording an episode of the podcast “...But Make It Books.” Deesha was gracious, engaging (especially with the LONG line of fans), and encouraging (definitely a highlight). She even bought my book... YEY! Her book though is fire! And deserves all the praise and press that it has received.
Book Updates
My first chapter of THIS: A Simple Complex Love was selected to be read as a part of the “First Chapters” podcast with Heidi Harrison. It’s scheduled to be broadcast the week of October 20th. I’ll share via social media when it’s posted. There’s more exciting news, the Bonus Chapters of THIS: A Simple Complex Love Story are being featured in an anthology to be released Spring 2024. Lastly, I’m feverishly writing to get Book #2 on the page. Fingers crossed, a reader magnet preview will be uploaded to BookFunnel on November 1, 2023.
One more thing… like all authors I would appreciate your review of THIS: A Simple Complex Love Story.
Here’s to hoping Fall provides you with a little time to settle in and enjoy some of your TBR list. Until next time, happy reading!
Naomi
