Writers On The River; Monroe Library

November 2025

The Monroe Library Writers on The River event was a first for me. I can't remember the last time I drove through Monroe, and I've never visited their library. But here's what I can tell you after today's experience... This place is fantastic! It's a large space, with lots of windows, and books, upon books, upon books... so many books just in their children's department alone (which is where my table sat)! That may sound weird, my emphasis on a library with lots of books, but really folks, this place is huge! The staff was AMAZING, super helpful, and tremendously supportive. This event was exceptionally well-organized, I met a lot of very nice readers, sold and signed some books, laughed with other authors... simply put, it was a joy-filled day.

There were about fifty authors there today, ranging in age from fourteen years old - an astounding young man who wrote five books and composed piano music to accompany them... to a gentleman poet of advanced age (if it's not polite to ask women, it's probably just as rude to ask men)... and everyone in between. Some of the authors I knew, and follow their careers in earnest. Others I met for the first time today, and discovered their books. While I can't possibly write about all the authors I encountered today, I'd like to share three of them with you.

Find Shannon's Books HERE

Shannon Waite is an astounding human, and an exceptional author and educator. She mentors young writers toward publication as an English teacher at a Detroit School. For that alone, she deserves a medal! We first met years ago in a critique group. Her poetry, story, and perspective on life is unique and beyond interesting. If you haven't discovered her yet, I highly recommend that you do.

Discover A. Kidd's Website HERE

A. (Angie) Kidd is one of my favorite children's authors of Michigan. We've known each other for some time. Her writing style grabs me and transports me to all the wonderment of my childhood. Her book, The Healing Star, made me cry... in the very best way possible. It reminded me of all the good parts about my relationship with my grandmother. Yasuko and The Dream Eater is an imaginative tale that shares a bit of Japanese folktale tradition, too. I loved this book. I've had Angie on the Indie Reads Aloud podcast with both her books, and I encourage you to look for those episodes and treat yourself to the delight of her storytelling.

Discover Jamie's LinkTree HERE

As fortune would have it, I also reconnected with the spectacularly tall and talented, J.M. (Jamie) Samland. I've known Jamie for a while. We've found ourselves sharing space at several book events, and I have also enjoyed having him on several episodes of the podcast. Each time we see each other, I feel a kindred spirit between us that connects through storytelling. Both of us truly love what we do. Jamie writes in a wide range, from humorous short stories (that really do need more squirrels, Jamie...) to a series of Necromantic Adventures (everyone who loves fantasy should read these), LGBTQ+ Fantasy filled with folklore, and Young Adult Fantasies that truly understand that whole, "coming of age" thing that so many of us find challenging. Jamie also lends a bit of page time to his alter-author, Dirk Mourningwood, who brings the spicy side of LGBTQ+ romance to the bookshelf. The diversity of his work and the depth of his storytelling makes Jamie an author I feel truly honored to know. On top of all that, he is one of the most genuinely kind souls I've encountered in the book world.

I had a lovely time today, and if asked back next year, I would love to be included! In the meantime, I'll spend some time learning more about all of the authors who attended today, and I hope you will too. Jump over to the Library's event page and discover them. But you might want to hurry, I'm not sure how long the link will be available. 😊