For my traveling book display, I have a tiered cardboard stand that breaks down flat in my bag. It works well to present height, rather than the books filed down a table.
One downside of my train-hopping display is that I can’t pack the weight of my sample copies. And one thing I know about book lovers is that they like to flip the pages…reading the cover alone just isn’t enough.
Me and my traveling books! Happiness!
So I’d gotten this teeny kiosk that I can carry on the L train to events around Chicago. And I’m already rethinking it. It’s fast to set up, and so perfect. But still too bulky for L hopping. For close to home, it will still work. I’d also designed that ad board twice, and didn’t like either! So ran out of patience and left it blank (awkward!) this particular day. Let’s see what else I come up with for my city adventures…
Keep trying! Stay Inspired!
My pop-up bookstand is coming along! And it all fits in a few bags easily carried. I make my own magic, man! And you may think those are twinkle lights…but they’re fairies. They flew by to approve my shop.
Just a mock-up…but this little kiosk collapses into a bag to go over my shoulder! Tiered cardboard bookshelf on the way will sit on top. Need batteries for lots more twinkle lights! Let’s see what I do with the sign. Storage in the back for extra tales. Starting February, my little mobile bookshop and I will be L hopping. I owe you some visits, Chicago! Come along on the adventure with me…
Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a dragon tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!
For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak
To all the northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin readers…what events should I check out for 2023? Any fun festivals, fairs, or bookish spots I should look into? I’d love your input!
Stay Inspired!
{InspiredByVenice.org}
My book bins were sassing me today. They said they haven’t been out to an event in weeks! I told them we had to take a break so I can write new books for them to tote. But they talked back, told me they were missing out on the holiday market fun! I told them I don’t drive in the snow in winter. It gives me anxiety. They said it’s not snowing yet. I told them we take a break every winter. They said that’s ridiculous and that I’m a bore.
I mean – what to do when your book bins are giving you attitude?
My first book was published in 2015 and I’ve been on an adventure ever since. Growing as a writer, indie publishing, event attending, small business skills, marketing, social media. I love it all – I never get tired of it – I’m always inspired by it – and every day I’m growing. In fact, I feel like I’m just getting warmed up!
I wanted to say to all the writers, artists, creators, and small business owners out there. I see it now – one must KEEP LEARNING. Read, watch, listen, research, ADAPT, get excited, get inspired, keep going, KEEP GOING! It’s the ones who keep learning, and do not stop, that actually make strides to get where they want to go! Common sense? Then tell me why it’s so easy to become stagnant and let go of one’s hopes for one’s craft?
I’m very, VERY excited for 2023 in my bookish life. Some exciting new fun is approaching! And I believe that if I continue to take my own advice, the future is really looking very magical!
Stay Inspired!
Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a magical tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!
For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak
Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a magical tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!
For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak
Veleno – one of the loves of my life, and my most popular tale. Amazon’s got it a little discounted today (not sure for how long) – please consider supporting and reading an indie author! And if it’s my Veleno – I sincerely wish you a mysterious and thrilling journey!
My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak
Nothing makes me more optimistic than a piercing blue sky with bright green trees! What a view!
Just this moment, I have something special on my heart I’m hoping and waiting about. Something bookish and wonderful. But as it’s just not sure, I can only be hopeful and patient right now. I must believe that the best will happen, right?
What inspires you to be optimistic?
The magic was real this weekend at the 18th World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin, IL! So was the heat and humidity – oh my word! But let me tell you, if you are local, and especially if you have little ones, visit this event in the future. It is so special!
Thank you to the incredible readers, old and new. You bring sparkle, inspiration, and blessings to my life – I was amazed by the incredible reception I had at this event! And thank you to my friends who came out to support me and my bookish business! It meant so much!!
ALL my best to all! Stay Inspired!
Had a wonderful bookish day at the Oak Brook Artisan Market last Sunday! I’ve said it so many times, but I have to say it again – book days are the best days.
To all the readers on this author journey of mine – I sincerely appreciate you.
Stay Inspired!
I’ll be at the Evanston Made Maker’s Market tomorrow – May 1st – from 12 – 5 p.m. signing and selling my tales! So excited!
In advance of any book-selling event, I take prep pretty seriously. I have this fear that I’ll show up without my cash box, calculator, receipt book, etc. Or very importantly, snacks. Ha!
I used to teach public speaking, and one of the keys to helping with nervousness is to be as prepared as possible for your speech. I use this tip to feel ready for events too. Bookmobile already packed!
Hi Friends!
Man…is anybody else ready for spring?! I sure am. I need some warm sun. It’s been a winter, that’s for sure!
So, I’m thinking about events in 2022 and beyond and thought I’d ask you all – what do you suggest in the Chicagoland – Milwaukeeland area that I check out? Fairs, festivals, markets, conventions, independent-author-bookish-fun-stuff, etc.? Please mention in the comments and I’ll absolutely take a look! And, thank you!
Stay Inspired!
It’s hard to describe the feeling you get as an author, when the first copy of your book arrives in the mail. Before, your work was just endless words on a bright screen. For months, sometimes years. And then one day, the book is real. And holding it in your hands, it’s something I just don’t have words for. Even as a writer…
Still by Michelle Novak ~ Release date announcing soon ~
.
Roe works as a backer, a jack-of-all-trades in one of New York City’s oldest museums. Housing a legion of ancient treasures, its dim and mysterious halls have been venerated for long over a century. Her father before her, an esteemed historian in the museum for decades. It was from him, that she learned everything.
In this place, Roe’s whole life has been spent. Exploring every shadowy corner, gazing over every priceless piece, sneaking a glance inside every creaky drawer. So, she thought she had discovered all of its even most secret of secrets. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In a museum, there is always more to find. Or more to find you. And here, something has been hiding in the basement for a very long time. Something that has now begun looking, for Roe.
.
For a list of my works, please visit here.
Join me on Instagram.
Join me on Goodreads.
Follow my Author Page on Amazon.
I have only two goals today. To eat that sandwich (check!) and to sharpen those pencils (I’ll get there…maybe this afternoon…or tonight).
I’m not aiming high. I need rest. And some days, we just have to say, that’s okay.
Yes. Dull pencils drive me bonkers. Quite bonkers.
Author asides: Still releasing soon!! Oh my gosh – oh my gosh – oh my gosh. Who wants to get creeped out in a museum?! ME – Me – ME!! Early 2022 – date coming in a blink!
Dragons at Dusk – first quarter of 2022! Other new works? A glimpse is just around the bend. New events? Will announce the 2022 bookish fun as it is scheduled!!
Bonus: 5 author-signed copies of my Ancient are on giveaway NOW at Goodreads! Here’s the link.
For a list of my works, please visit here.
Stay Inspired!
What would make my holiday wish come true? A book review, from you!
Dear Friends ~ If you have read and enjoyed one of my tales, I would warmly appreciate a book review on Amazon, or Goodreads, or both! I genuinely appreciate these. Even just your rating and a sentence or two is so meaningful to this independent author who started this writing journey from scratch! Today, I am so excited about where I am, but also for all the stories I have yet to share! So please, make this wish come true! Your support continues to mean everything.
Thank you, thank you. Happy Holidays ~ Michelle
To learn more about my books, please visit here.
To join me on Instagram, please visit here.
To join me on YouTube, please visit here.
Book day today!! Book days are the best days!
Can’t every day be a book day?!
Thank you to all the gracious folks I met in Skokie at the Holiday Fair Extravaganza today! And for your support, each of you new readers. I ever hope that each tale that walks away, brings with it as much adventure, inspiration, and happiness, as always seems to come to me. I, am ever humbled and thankful.
All my best – Stay Inspired!
Holly jolly! Glitter and gold! Sparkle and lights!
I’ll be in Skokie tomorrow for a little holiday fun, talking books!
If you aren’t within a sleigh ride’s distance, please consider being a fairy godpatron this season with an online order. Because everyone wants a book in their stocking!! Of course!
And chocolates. Of course! And new fuzzy socks…
I’d appreciate some smelly cheese and fancy crackers in my stocking. Is that weird?
Merry, MERRY!
For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/
Here’s my tiny Christmas tree! It’s real. It drinks a lot of water. Or maybe it just evaporates fast? I enjoy sniffing my tree. That pine scent – oh my word!
I’ll be talking books this Saturday in Skokie at the Holiday Fair Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! I would wear my ugly Christmas sweater, but it was so ugly I think I made it disappear from my closet. HA!
Merry, Merry, you all!
Thank you to Studio Moonfall for hosting this author yesterday. My new Moonfall mug filled with hot cocoa (and refill!) was a treat, and proprietor Donovan Scherer a true mentor to the independent author.
A magical mention!! A selection of my books are now available at Studio Moonfall. Presently – Beauty Sleeping, Veleno, Dragons at Dawn, and Once Upon a Star! If you haven’t yet visited this gem of a bookstore in Kenosha, WI – you really must!
New books, new events, more magic coming soon! But in the meantime, Stay Inspired!
Guest author at Studio Moonfall in Kenosha tomorrow between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.! I’ll be taking in the fresh air just out front, talking books. And probably eating Halloween candy. Wait – who is bringing the Halloween candy?! There HAS to be Halloween candy! I better find some Halloween candy!?!
Best to you all – and a very Happy Halloween!
Set up a mini bookshop in a parking garage next to my faithful bookmobile today – and I loved it!
Wish everyday could be a book day. I really do.
@evanston_made – thank you for bringing together so many amazing artists. You – are an incredible organization.
And to the new readers I met today – I hope every page turned is a wonderful adventure. And how much I appreciate your stories, your generosity, and your smiles!
This coming Saturday October 2nd, 12-5pm! Excited to gab about books and creating with my fellow Evanstonians! And hey – the farmer’s market will also be going just outside until 1pm. What a wonderful community gathering! I hope to see you there!
Thank you @evanston_made for this lovely graphic, and for welcoming this author to the fun!!
Be sure to check out Evanston Made! What an organization!
What a wonderful adventure I had at Studio Moonfall today in Kenosha, WI. Thank you @donovanscherer for graciously hosting me and welcoming my tales to your wondrous bookshop! And a special thank you to the new readers I met today. My goodness – I won’t ever forget this sunny, welcoming, bookish day!
Friends! Special updates coming soon!!! What a magical season this has been! This author’s cup runneth over! How much I appreciate you all…
Stay Inspired!
Though I will not be dressed in historic garb (or will I?), I will be selling and signing my tales tomorrow at the very fantastic Studio Moonfall in Kenosha, WI from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Check out this awesome bookshop at:
https://www.studiomoonfall.com/
@donovanscherer
All my best!
Friends ~ Thank you for THE most amazing Bristol season my little bookstore, The Quill and Brush, could have ever hoped for. Your generosity, kindness, ideas, smiles, laughter, and inspiration, were incredible this 2021. My 5th season was truly, a dream.
I wish that every tale that walked away with you, will entertain, lift, delight, hearten, and inspire. Such a hope, is what fills my heart and moves my pen! More stories are very soon on the way!
My next event – Evanston’s Maker’s Market – October 2nd.
For a list of my works, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/
Do you know what fills my heart? Boxes of books. My books. The loves of my life. The works of my soul. The hundreds of hours spent to give them breath.
They may not look like much in the cardboard, stacked in their paper and plastic. But when I place each individually into someone’s hands, and they walk away, I somehow feel I’m doing what it was I’m here to do. Offering just a little bit of magic, love, happiness, adventure…This is what I have to give.
Stay Inspired
How we enjoyed our first weekend as The Quill and Brush at the Bristol Renaissance Faire this past weekend, sharing our fantasy and historical fiction books and art! The weather was lovely and the opening weekend wondrous!
The highest privilege was sharing in the numerous conversations with the energetic, warm and amazing patrons as well as the kind and creative vendors. The faire is truly a magical place, for both its creators and visitors make it so!
Lita hand-painted our sweet sign and I adore it! What a finer flag for the author and artist?
Lita’s colorful art put smiles on a lot of faces and delighted the wee ones! Her nature illustrations were befitting the beautiful place around us and were quite admired…
And I so enjoyed sharing summaries of my tales with the kiddos. Their eyes often grew wide to hear them. I sincerely hope that they enjoy reading them, and keep memories of their day at Bristol in their hearts, just as I always did as a child…
A special thank you to my step-dad Charlie for his helping us with the labors involved with such an undertaking, and to our family and friends who visited us this past weekend and showed their support for our little business…
A sincere thank you also to each and every one of the wonderful folks who selected a piece of art and/or one of my books. Your patronage means the world to us and we hope you’ll delight in our works, which we joyfully bring to you.
Here’s to 8 more exciting weekends yet to come at Bristol! We hope to see you there!
It is the season for cheer and goodwill, a season for family, friends and thoughtful gifting to all those we care about!
As a writer who loves a good adventure, I am always pleased to be gifted with a book. Books allow us to use our imagination and travel far from where we live, they often provide hours of inspiration long after they are given, and are (usually) stress-relieving, intellectual and a pleasure!
And so this holiday, I humbly recommend the gift of Venice for a lady in your life, whether sister or daughter, grandma or mother, best friend or colleague or neighbor. This delightful trip to the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, through its interactive choose-your-own-adventure style (you choose what you will see and do in the book by making selections at the end of each chapter), will be a treat for any reader and lover of adventure and travel!
And for the young ladies in your life, please consider A Festival Day in Bristol and Princess Liliana and the Dragon! These tales are light history for some learning fun, contain positive moral themes and are entertaining!
Thank you for all of your support! My books are written with a passion to inspire, entertain and enlighten, and I hope that you will enjoy them. Here’s wishing you a bright and peaceful holiday season with all those you love!
Malaysian author and storyteller
Recipes, advice, reviews, travelogues & news
Travel, History, Costuming, Nature, Writing, Great Food and the good things in life! Authoress Michelle Novak
A fine WordPress.com site
How to start a hobby farm with basic tips and ideas
The world of food and nutrition by a Dietitian who just happens to be a Foodie
Regency • Baroque • Historical Needlework
Sharing quick, tasty and simple dishes for a busy lifestyle
My Food Hunt through Nottinghamshire
Pictures of Burgers. No more, no less.
Just a woman navigating life.
Renaissance Woman... Modern World
Frills and Frivolity!
Because we’re all recovering from something.
The world is everything that is the case. --- Ludwig Wittgenstein. "die Wahrheit ist konkret"---Bertolt Brecht.
Sarcastic and inappropriate commentary on sensitive topics
Growing Our Life in Northern Michigan
The Victorian Seamstress
THE WELL DRESSED HISTORIAN
Exploring Japan Through Pictures
The Fragrant World of Venice
A pictorial record of life as I see it.
Embracing Absurdity One Day at a Time
Let's go around the world with SAWAWORLD!
It's the little things that confuse
Inspired By Venice 