Believe It or Not, It Happens !

July 2026

As an author, it can be very disappointing when you attend an author event where no one from the public shows up. You can have the best advertising, but it is not enough. There are so many factors that are too many to name, but it is disheartening when this happens.

You spend hours preparing for an event, only for the event not to have any customers or readers. I can count the many times on both hands that this has happened to me.

We pride ourselves on having the best experiences as an author. Through collaboration, we work together with the venue to achieve the result. The venue can also advertise for you too, but the reality is that the author must realize that “no-shows” occur.

So, when this occurs, I use the time to get to know the bookstore employees and owners to maybe plan a different day, time, or future venue. Not all is lost because of this situation; networking still occurs. The cool thing is that many people commented on my picture on Facebook, so that was awesome.

Here is a recap of the last part of my June Events:

June 27, 2026

I attended the new store, The Last Page Bookstore, in Moore, OK , to read my book It Happens! This was the second time that I came to the store. The first time, I had a few children that I read to, but not this time. So, I admired the cat they have in the store called “Princess”. Here is a reel on Princess (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1670831277302530) and a picture. She is the guardian of the store. I also had fun talking with the store employee about the bookstore.

I attended an author event at the Barnes & Noble Store – Quail Springs in Oklahoma City, OK, advertising my first book, Did You Come Home For Lunch? since it was so close to July 4^th , which was coming up. During the event, I had many children and adults tell me, “Thank you for your service,” since they knew I was a Veteran of the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. I enjoyed each customer who came to my table to talk with me. In addition, I sold some books too, which was a plus. I really appreciate the Barnes and Noble Event Coordinator for allowing me to conduct this author visit at their store. (https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2725)

July 4, 2026

Recently, our local newspaper published the Hometown Heroes section of the newspaper. Here is the article that was in the newspaper for me. The only change is that I am currently not the Chaplain for the VFW. It should have said VFW Member. A new VFW chapter was just formed in my local area, and I am now a member of it.

I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy and safe 4^th of July weekend from my house to your house.  Happy 250^th Year Celebration of the United States!

My next event is scheduled for July 11, 2026. it is a Pickle Festival featuring my book, Nicoli Picoli and lots of other pickle swag I have to go with the books.

Also, I'm excited to share this article featuring me and my books in the Choctaw Times, July 1, 2026.