I had my first author reading in an English-speaking country – in Seward Alaska!
My dear friend and host, Margaret (Meg) Schatz (Hawley), inspired the idea. Meg is a hotelier and homeschooling teacher at Little Bear Lane. She suggested a reading at the community library during our stay.
The project was spontaneous. We booked the community room only two days before the event.
Yet, several families joined us: preschoolers, elementary schoolers, teenagers, parents, Seward residents, and even tourists.
After the reading, we shared our stories. We talked about difficult emotions in daily life, what they reveal about us, and what we can learn through them.
Meg and I met eight years ago in Mui Wo, Hong Kong. Back then, she read the very first draft of “The Mysterious Glow”. Her enthusiasm dissolved most of my doubts. Her faith gave me courage to continue. She recognized the value of a story about difficult emotions. My path so far had been marked by hesitant steps. I was searching for words to express a message that was dear to my heart. But I didn’t know why it was there or where it would lead me. In addition to her enthusiasm, Meg also shared ideas for expanding the story. Her suggestions gave me goosebumps and motivated me to keep writing.
From that point on, I wrote many more drafts. Step by step, with discipline and determination, I shaped the story into its final form until it was ready to be presented to potential illustrators.
Only a few copies remain of the first edition: 250 self-published books printed in Switzerland.
Now, I dream of reaching more English-speaking readers. I also hope to publish a second edition that can be shipped internationally with ease. The next steps are still in the planning stage.
Contact me if you would like to host your own author reading event.