“When I was very young, my biological mother abandoned me, literally leaving me for dead with a complete stranger. As a result, I found myself in the foster care system. I was eventually placed in a permanent home, but I was broken before I could even get started in life. For example, we had projects to do in school that required infant or baby pictures, and I never had any. I never knew my mother, father or one single blood relative, and it left me never really understanding where I fit in. I started reading and writing when I was 6 or 7 years old, which allowed me to create a world over which I had complete control. It was my secret hiding place: authentic, special, and where no one would judge me. I could process the trauma as well as express the hope that someday everything would come together and I would rise above my circumstances. Reading and writing saved my life.
“Because of those early experiences, I'm passionate about literacy and so grateful for the opportunity to present Books & BBQ to the public. There are people out there who have poured their hearts and souls into manuscripts that they never actually publish because they don't know how to find the resources needed to complete the process. There are children who need alternate ways to deal with low self-esteem, with bullying, and with other pressures of life. There are those who hope to do great things in the future, and we want to instill in them the belief that if they apply themselves, there is a very good chance that they can reach their goals. Reading and writing not only allow us to dream, but to dream BIGGER than we’ve ever imagined.
"Books & BBQ is a fun event for anyone who likes to read or write, not just for authors and publishers. Kick-off is at 10:30 Saturday morning with the special VIP arrival of featured authors and a surprise guest the children will love. There will be book-signings, workshops on writing and publishing, a Children's Corner, small business owners, and plenty of barbecue of course!"
“Because of those early experiences, I'm passionate about literacy and so grateful for the opportunity to present Books & BBQ to the public. There are people out there who have poured their hearts and souls into manuscripts that they never actually publish because they don't know how to find the resources needed to complete the process. There are children who need alternate ways to deal with low self-esteem, with bullying, and with other pressures of life. There are those who hope to do great things in the future, and we want to instill in them the belief that if they apply themselves, there is a very good chance that they can reach their goals. Reading and writing not only allow us to dream, but to dream BIGGER than we’ve ever imagined.
"Books & BBQ is a fun event for anyone who likes to read or write, not just for authors and publishers. Kick-off is at 10:30 Saturday morning with the special VIP arrival of featured authors and a surprise guest the children will love. There will be book-signings, workshops on writing and publishing, a Children's Corner, small business owners, and plenty of barbecue of course!"
The first annual Books & Barbeque will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015, from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm at the Agricenter, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. Admission is $3 for adults. Children 12 & under admitted free. For more information ---