I will be making my first public appearances to support my new novel, Five Years, this weekend. 

Five Years is Book 1 of The Middlewich Chronicles, a dystopian trilogy set in what used to be rural New Hampshire. One small town has walled itself completely off from the chaos tearing apart the rest of the world, but the townsfolk must navigate the minefields of internal governance amid dwindling resources. The re-emergence of a key resource revives hope, but now they must figure out how to put that resource to its best use, potentially altering the downward trajectory of humanity.

It’s heavy stuff, but I wrote the story believing that hope shines the brightest during the darkest times. Despite our worst, most selfish tendencies, we have the ability to change and become better, both individually and as a species. 

I will be presenting my book in person for the first time on Saturday, June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Tamworth Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday in the UUFES parking lot at 30 Tamworth Road. People will have a chance to buy hardcover and paperback versions of the book, and I will be the one doing the selling, plus chatting about it and signing copies for people who want them. 

Next, I’ll be headed to the new and improved Sandwich Farmers’ Market on June 25. This  market is held on Wednesdays at the Village Green in Sandwich, NH, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

Why farmers’ markets for my first appearances? For one thing, they are accessible. Farmers’ markets exist to facilitate small enterprises. The booth fees at farmers’ markets are reasonable, which allows me to sell my books at competitive prices. 

Second, these markets are an excellent way for me to meet people in my community who might be interested in my book because it takes place in the local area. While Middlewich is fictional, the town is a compilation of local landmarks as well as other geographic and cultural features. 

Finally, Five Years has many themes in common with farmers’ markets. The book’s characters must grow, store, and make their own food to survive in the post-apocalyptic setting. Additionally, as an independently published book, I figured Five Years could find its rightful place among these markets, where the DIY ethic prevails. 

I am grateful that my application to sell at these two farmers’ markets was approved and that I have been given three dates to sell at each. In addition to the dates mentioned above, I will be selling my books at the Tamworth Farmers’ Market on Aug. 16 and Oct. 4, and at the Sandwich Farmers’ Market on July 23 and Aug. 13. Hopefully, I will learn much from these in-person experiences.

I will be announcing more appearance dates at different venues soon. If you can’t make it out to an in-person appearance, you can find my books on Amazon or purchase signed copies directly from me here.