Midsummer Mingle: A Day with Authors

 

I'm still on cloud 9 from the Midsummer Mingle author event I had the tremendous blessing to attend earlier this month. Anytime readers and authors get together memories and laughter are created. While most people love spending their vacations hiking, on the beach or exotic destinations, I love going to book conferences, hanging out with authors and readers. Meeting authors is the equivalent of meeting a celebrity. I think most bookworms would agree with me.

When I saw this incredible all-star line-up of authors, I jumped at the opportunity to go. (Sidenote: All of the authors were genuine, warm, gracious and just as excited to meet the readers as we were to meet them. The love that all the authors had for the readers was so evident).

Some of the Authors at the Event Included: 

• Dani Pettrey pens contemporary, page-turning thrillers with happily-ever-afters. She is so gracious and poised. 
• Gabrielle Meyer writes both contemporary and historical novels. I absolutely LOVE her Timeless series. You need to add it to your TBR pile. Gabrielle had this wonderful quiet appreciation and truly cherished her readers. 
• Bethany Turner is known for her hilarious, rom-com romances with her sharp pop culture references.  She has the uncanny ability to make her readers feel like her best friends and she is absolutely delightful. 
• Pepper Basham is a new-to-me author who writes both contemporary and historical. She is so effervescent and has a quick-witted sense of humor. 
• Kimberley Woodhouse is a multi-talented author who writes both contemporary and historical. Kim has such a jubilant and witty presence you can't help but be drawn to her radiance. 
• Amanda Dykes pens dual time stories that tug at the heartstrings. She is an absolute sweetheart who radiates grace and a humble demeanor with a fantastic fashion sense. I want to dress like Amanda Dykes when I grow up. 
• Karen Witemeyer writes historical Westerns that have feisty heroine, swoon worthy cowboys, faith and humor. She puts readers at ease with her warm smile, humor and the genuine care she has for her readers shines through. 

Not only did readers get to spend the day with authors, but we also got to have lunch with them. You can imagine how was over-the-moon excited to be having lunch with Karen Witemeyer!  I got to pepper her with writing questions to my heart's content. Dreams do come true! (Thank you, Karen!)

This conference is an incredible blend of indulging in a book-buying binge and spending the day with remarkable authors, soaking up their knowledge, absorbing their wonderful testimonies and life verses, and enjoying loads of laughter.

It made me realize in my own aspiring author journey how excited and thankful I am to be a part of the Christian fiction community. All of these ladies were joyful and an inspiring reminder to me to use my author voice as a ministry to honor God. 

I also want to thank the amazing Chris Jager and the whole staff at Baker Book House for all the hard work and seamless, behind-the-scenes-work that made Midsummer Mingle with the authors such a fun and memorable event. 

If I had to sum up this weekend in one word...it would be JOY.