Turkeyville 2025

September 2025

This past weekend, I enjoyed a return to Turkeyville, USA in Marshall, Michigan. This delightful place brings together venders of nearly every variety for a few days of community mingling and artistic discovery. This was my second adventure to Turkeyville, and I had a great time talking with people and soaking up the sunshine.

A clear indication that you're about to have a tremendously enjoyable weekend is when after getting all set up, you hear the rythmic clip-clop of hooves on pavement, and look up to see miniature horses trotting by! If that doesn't start off your day with a smile, I don't know what will! 😊🐎

The amazing;y talented Mark Love and I shared a tent; and Indie Authors, Donna Neumann, Randy Pearson, and Michael Carrier shared their books during the weekend, as well. Spending time with my writing friends always makes the day nice... but there were other special things, aside from selling books and chatting about craft, that made the weekend extra fun.

I drove in early on Friday to settle into the hotel. My plan was to get in an afternoon and evening of editing before the fair began on Saturday. However, in my haste to pack, I forgot my computer mouse at home. I'm not a fan of using a trac pad, so I went on a quest to find a computer mouse. I scoured the small town of Marshall, looking for a replacement. I looked everywhere. The Dollar Store, The Goodwill Thrift Shop, The T-Mobile store, and I even walked through the school supplies asile at the Family Fare.

Sadly, I didn't find the technology I sought... but I did find something better. Drake and I ventured into Tractor Supply as a last ditch, hopeful effort that they might have a school supply area... and although they didn't have anything in that category, they did have DUCKLINGS! As you can imagine, Drake and I were thrilled to find so many cute little quackers. We stood at their cage for some time, yearning. But alas, even though they were 50% off, and super-cute... we couldn't bring one home. Our neighborhood isn't zoned for outdoor ducks, and Drake and I agreed Charlie might be a little annoyed if we brought home a winged sibling or two. So, sadly, we left them behind. Drake and I are confident they will find homes soon. 🦆

Other highlights of the weekend included sharing a hotel room with my dear friend, and Indie Author, Donna Neumann. Put two writers who genuinely enjoy each other's company in a room together and it's bound to be a fun few days. The bonus? Donna remembered to pack her mouse, so I actually did get a bit of editing done on Friday night! Thank you, Donna; you're a deadline-saver! 😊

Donna's tent was directly across the walkway from Mark and me, so the three of us got to visit all weekend long. I've talked before about Donna's books... she writes terrific stories about Annie The Porcupine... and this weekend, Annie joined us in the form of a large plush. Everyone enjoyed seeing Annie sitting in her little chair near the books at Donna's tent, and even a few friendly dogs stopped by to say hello. (Pictured here are Pocket Puppies Piper and Benny.)

Future Authors, Hannah and Allie!

The weekend wrapped up Sunday afternoon with a spectacular visit from two astounding young women, Hannah and Allie. I truly enjoyed our conversation and all the laughter we shared. Both ladies picked up a copy of The Writer's Workout along with The Drifter and A Tryst of Fate. They promised their intention of gently supporting each other in making daily writing a part of their regular routines. I'm thrilled that I can help them come a little closer to reaching their writing goals.

Hannah and Allie were very kind, indulging me as they listened intently to every book pitch I threw at them, and then discussing the nuances of a few of my stories. I explained our Community Service Project Anthologies to them, and invited them both to submit work for the upcoming book. You can imagine my absolute joy at checking my email this morning to discover that Allie already submitted a story! Keep your eyes open for these two wonderful women to burst into the book world in the very near future. Their enthusiasm was infectious, their gentuine kindness uplifting, and their passion for writing will certainly take them far as they explore and dive deep into our world of words.

Huzzah, Hannah and Allie!