The Author Expo I attended on National Authors Day brought together a variety of authors, and each had a story of their own to share.
One of the authors I had the pleasure of talking with was Lisa Kroehler. Her memoir Never Say Never is filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and life lessons. Lisa has quite a story to tell! She met her husband aboard a cruise ship, and after just twelve dates, the two were married. Her life took an unexpected turn, going from a television career in Ohio to living on a pig farm in Minnesota. Together, they weathered a million-dollar debt, eventually built a successful business, and recently retired. It was a pleasure talking with Lisa and her granddaughter.
As I made my way from table to table, I met children's book authors, romance, fantasy, and thriller writers, poets, and those who write Christian and inspirational works. Each brought a different story.
One author, Jenna Kipfer, at 16, had already written a young adult fantasy novel, while Susan Paulus began writing her first book in her seventies.
Theo Makombe survived the Rwandan genocide and had a story of his own to share. Other authors at the expo were Jeanne Bennett Calvert. James Colson, Joe Ginter, Scott Geisel, Amanda Hake, Luci Hoffman, Heather Lynn Osting, Tasha Sheipline, and Tonalee Shinabery-King.
Seven authors took part in a
panel discussion, sharing different adventures and stories. An afternoon like this is a reminder that authors each bring their own experiences, imagination, and
perspectives. There are many stories waiting to be
discovered, and sometimes the opportunity to meet the person behind
the book makes those stories all the more meaningful.
It was truly a wonderful mix of people, experiences, and stories, and a reminder that inspiration can find us at any stage of life, and sometimes the most meaningful stories come from the most unexpected places.
Happy Reading, Lori
