Leon & LuLu Host Local Authors & Books

Twice a year, the wonderful folks at Leon & LuLu, a specialty boutique in Clawson, Michigan, host local authors and their books. This is one of my favorite shops in the area. They sell all sorts of fantastic things that are certainly not in the mainstream... and that's why the shop is so much fun. From art, to shelf decor, clothing, and furniture... there is something to appeal to almost every artistic sensibility. Sharing my books here is much like sitting in the most comfy living room and talking with friends about story and creativity. It's fantastic. 🛋️

Yesterday, I was part of a group of about thirty authors sharing their books and enjoying the ambiance of this one-time roller-skating rink now turned mini-museum and boutique. (Yes, I skated here as a teen.) 🛼

It's always a treat to meet so many new-to me authors, and re-connect with authors I haven't seen in a while. Iris Underwood's table was to my left. Once members of Detroit Working Writers together, we hadn't seen each other in several years, and it was fantastic to see that she has continued to write, and is still, as always, a kind-hearted soul who genuinely sees the world with the very best of hopes and dreams.

To my right, the incomparable Deborah Reed (D.A. Reed) spread her fifteen books across a terrific country kitchen table. Deborah is one of my favorite people and dearest of friends, with a heart as big as the galaxy and a storytelling style that captures me every time I read her. We hadn't seen each other physically in about two years (although we've enjoyed time with the virtual book festivals), so it was a sincere delight to spend time with her again in the same space, share stories, check in on family, and reciprocate in a few warm hugs. I snagged a copy of her latest novel, a fantasy called "The Heirs of Agron". This is a slight departure from other books she's written; mysteries, horror, and young adult novels, and I'm tremendously excited to read it. I know I'll enjoy the story. Deborah has yet to disappoint me with anything she writes. She's an astounding storyteller!

Also, I was honored to spend time with Deborah's daughter, Emma (E.M. Reed), who had her own table filled with books nearby. This talented young woman of just fourteen, has already written five books! I first learned about her amazing imagination when she submitted a short story to our community service anthology, "The Drifter and Other Unusual Tales." I was pleasantly surprised that such an inventive, creepy story came out of such a usually quiet and reserved young lady. Yesterday, early, before customers started coming into the shop, I bought her book, "The Shadow Realm Chronicles," and sat down to begin reading. I got thirty pages in, and loved every word. It's a little dark, and tremendously interesting... I'm already hooked on these characters and their circumstances, and I'm looking forward to reading more. If I'm being truthful, I was a little disappointed that the shop was busy. I could have curled up in that comfy couch and read Emma's book all day! I adore you, Deborah, but this time, I must read Emma first! 😉

I also had the pleasure of meeting debut author, Karen (K.J.) Francoeur. As I walked the shop first thing in the morning, after setting up, to discover what other authors were sharing, I was immediately drawn by the title of her book: "Five Years After: Rebuilding Post Apocalypse." I jokingly remarked, "We had an apocalypse, and I missed it?" That one comment led to a day of chatting and learning a little more about each other. I love that books naturally provide an introduction to meeting new friends. Karen told me that this story is part romance, part military intrigue. So I added it to my TBR, curious to read the story this new-to-me author has created. She tells me this is the first in a trilogy. I'm thrilled to know that my TBR will not be lacking for company. 😊

Drake and I loved our time at Leon & LuLu. Meeting readers and talking about what types of books they enjoy always confirms my motivation to continue writing in as many genres as I can. Meeting new authors warms my heart to know that we are far from falling into a society dominated by screens. Reconnecting with author friends and rekindling friendships with these astounding storytellers reminds me that the heart of the written word is still beating strongly. The storytelling craft will reinforce it's legacy with these wonderful scribes continuing the quest to share stories... and Drake and I agree that's a pretty spectacular thing! 🦆

The 2025 Festival Season has begun with wonderful interactions with readers and writers, and I'm excited for all the new places I'm scheduled to appear this year... and even more so for the friends I'll meet and re-connect with along the way. I hope you'll come out and visit at one of these events. You can find a list on our Event Calendar. Drake is boldly proclaiming that he's going to attend EVERYTHING... so if you've been curious to meet the duck, this is your year!