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October / November - 2016
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Remember as a child how time seemed to drag during the holiday season? Everything revolved around Christmas presents so everything else was something we had to wait though to get there. Now, for so many of us, the holiday season seems here and gone before we even have time to notice.
As an author, I am fortunate to be involved in events that are connected to many of these traditions and I focus below on several that I hope might interest you, your family and your friends.Following my upcoming events and activities I've provided some reflections on just how special this time of year is to me. Because of the close proximity of some of the events below, I may not have caught all of the typos in this announcement. I hope you will forgive that in favor of receiving the information in a timely manner.
If you are new to this community, welcome, and new or regular I appreciate your input. If there is anything you would like to see included, expanded, reduced or removed please let me know. If anyone you know would like to join our community, please have them sign up on my website at AuthorChuckMiceli.com or e-mail me at Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com and I will be happy to add them. And now, here is what’s UP AND COMING.
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Grand Opening and Open Mic Night - Southington Community Cultural Arts Center, September 30, 6:30 - 9:00 pm. 93 Main Street, Southington, CT, 860-276-1581
Tonight is the official opening of the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, the Harvest the Arts Festival and the Grand Opening of the Southington Community Cultural Arts Center (SoCCA)!
SoCCA is celebrating its grand opening with an open mic night at the center. Starting right after the Apple Harvest Festival opening ceremonies, the center will present an evening of entertainment featuring singing, music, comedy, stories, poetry and magic. I will be there featuring selections from my poems and short stories, including my Writer's Digest award winning poem, "Miner's Lament." For those who would like to get a copy of my current novel, Amanda's Room, I will also be signing copies at the event. And while you are there, check out the amazing celebrity photo exhibition by Southington's own, John Atashian.
To present your talent during the open mic night, arrive by 6:30 pm to sign up for one of the available slots. Entertainment starts at 7:00 pm and runs through 9:00 pm.
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Last Day, Book Signings, The Eastern States Exposition – Big-E, Oct. 2, 10 am to 4 pm. Connecticut Building, 875 Memorial Ave. W. Springfield, MA.
I've had a great time at this year's 100th Anniversary celebration of the Big E. While there, I've met hundreds of great folks and enjoyed another year of successful book signings. I will be there one final time on closing day, October 2 from 10am to 4pm. Come join in the fun with food, arts and crafts, business and cultural exhibits, parades, agricultural competitions, rides and attractions, a complete circus, top-flight entertainment and much, much more. To learn more about the final day's activities and events, visit their website at thebige.com.
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Radio / Television Interview, Your World Discovered on the EPN Network with David K. Ewen, October 5, Noon - 1:00 pm. The video will be available on the EPN Network on Youtube following the interview at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYKx6HeHgd5vUbdKWgBwUA , in audio on BlogTalkRadio.com and directly from my website at AuthorChuckMiceli.com
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If you can't make any of my in-person appearances but would still like to know more about me and my books, this interview will be a good place to start. David is an author and speaker, a radio talk show host, TV producer, filmmaker and publicity event manager. He is also a pioneers in the area of independent book publishing and the former Executive Director of the New England Publishers Association. This wide-ranging interview will cover my non-fiction text, Fire Behind Bars, both editions of my current novel, Amanda's Room, my poetry writing, including my Writer's Digest award-winning poem, "Miner's Lament," and a discussion of my upcoming mainstream novel, Injured Angels.
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Book Reading and Signing of Amanda’s Room, October 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, Zingarella Restaurant, 83 W. Main Street, Plantsville, CT, 860-628-9464.
Have you or someone you know been thinking about reading Amanda’s Room but haven't gotten around to it yet? Well here's the perfect way to get motivated.
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Let's face it. Amanda's Room is not meant to be a scholarly text or high literary fiction. It was written to be fun to read and if it makes you cringe just a little, so much the better. So just in time for All Hollows Eve, the folks at Zingarella have scheduled me to do a book signing and discussion about this paranormal thriller. In the spirit of fun, I will concentrate on some of the supernatural aspects of the book and in the spirit of Halloween, their may be spirits. Come join us for a spooktacular good time. For more information, call the restaurant and ask for Michelle Zommer.
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Book Signing of Amanda’s Room, October 28 and 29, 3:30 - 7:30 pm, Lord and Taylor Department Store, West Farms Mall, 1500 New Britain Ave. W. Hartford, CT.
Just in time for Halloween, I'll be signing copies of my paranormal thriller at this iconic department store and if you are still looking for that perfect gift for your holiday shopping list, what could be better for the readers on your list than an autographed and personalized book? I and several other Connecticut authors will be positioned throughout the store. You can find me in one of the Ladies departments.
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Amanda’s Room Traveler’s Edition
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Now on Sale Everywhere!
The new “Amanda’s Room Traveler's Edition” under the Hitchcock Lake Publications imprint is now on sale. Since it is being distributed by Ingram, it is readily available through your library or book store. If they don't have it in stock, you can ask them to order it on-line.
Paperback: ISBN 978-0-9976986-0-2
Ebook: 978-0-9976986-1-9
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DONE! I've finished the forth and final pre-editing draft. The manuscript is now in the capable hands of my editors. We have a target date of November 1 for me to receive the edits, after which I will make the final updates prior to sending it on to publishers. In the meantime, I am starting to plan for the roll out of the new book. Details to follow. I am thrilled with the outcome of this next story and I trust that you will be too.
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Reflections on the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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The fall foliage is just days away, when New England drapes herself in her annual finest with vibrant colors and stunning images. This is when we pity other parts of the country that miss out on this annual pageant.
Next comes the harvest season when fruits and vegetables are picked before the killing frost sets in and with it, the fall festivals in virtually every town.
Then come the holidays in rapid succession starting with Halloween at the end of October when our kids turn into ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses. I'm happy to see how this holiday takes on more family characteristics every year when it becomes an opportunity for neighbors to visit each other as they accompany their children from house to house.
In early November, we pay homage to the veterans who have served to preserve and defend our freedom and especially to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The end of November brings my favorite, Thanksgiving. I love the universal aspect of this holiday. No matter what your religious beliefs, it is proper to take this opportunity each year to reflect on all the blessings we have. Many towns now have inter-faith services that bring believers together to focus on what we share in common rather than on what divides us. To me, that in itself is reason enough to celebrate. (It's also the deadline by which Judy and I finish decorating for the holidays. While other people lament the early start to the season because of commercialism, Judy and I celebrate the holiday's focus on love and good will and we can't wait to bring it into our home.)
During December, people from all different faiths celebrate religious holidays that focus on the beliefs that give our lives so much meaning and hope. As time goes by we have moved beyond this being an exclusively Christian season to one that includes Jewish, African-American, and even pagan traditions. While some regret this more generic focus, it gives me hope that we can all honor our individual beliefs and grow in tolerance, acceptance and even celebration as we focus on the universal aspects of faith, hope and love. My fervent hope is that instead of taking offense at "Merry Christmas" wishes, people will once again accept the greeting in the spirit in which it is meant and simply reply with "And a happy (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, etc.) to you."
And finally, with New Year's Eve we end one year and begin again with a renewed sense of hope for a better future for us all. My very best wishes to you and yours as we enter into this most wonderful time of the year.
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Well that does it for this month. Thank you for spending a while with me. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did sharing it with you. Until next month,
Warmest Regards,
Chuck
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