Geocaching 101 at the Ridgeway Library

WHO DOING WHAT: Damned Rodan (that would be me), giving a presentation on geocaching, including a little bit about how it goes hand-in-hand with writing scary fiction

WHERE: At the Blue Ridge Regional Library, 900 Vista View Lane, Ridgeway, VA 24148 (N 36° 34.600 W 079° 51.339)

WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.

The presentation will include an introduction to geocaching, with an opportunity to hunt a new cache hidden on (or near) the library grounds. I'll give a brief talk about my newest novel, West Virginia: Lair of the Mothman, which features geocaching as an integral plot element. The book is part of  Elizabeth Massie's Ameri-Scares series by Crossroad Press, due for release later this year or early next.

For more information, contact the Ridgeway Library at (276) 956-1828 or ridgeway@brrl.lib.va.us

Between a Book and a Hard Place

Awaiting the green light for the panel discussion to officially begin

This afternoon, I took part in an enjoyable spooky-themed panel discussion at the Eva Perry Library in Apex, NC, along with NC authors Jenna Black, Clay & Susan Griffith, and Lisa Shearin. I wasn't sure whether a Sunday afternoon literary panel would draw much of a crowd, but we ended up with standing room only. From answering the staff moderator's questions about our influences, our favorite authors and literary works, and our work habits to addressing audience questions about our views on self-publishing and how much influence authors' have in the actual presentation of their published works, the lively, hour-long discussion exceeded my expectations all around. The library itself appears to be a well-run, well-stocked facility with a capable staff. I've been impressed with the Wake County library system from previous events I've attended, and I'd be quite happy to participate in any future events they see fit to present. Most pleasant was to see my old friend Greg Hill, once owner of the late, much-lamented Lazy Lion Bookstore in Fuquay-Varina. Haven't seen Greg in the flesh in most of a decade, and it was kind of him and his SO, Mary, to face the horror and visit with us for a bit.

Naturally, a trip over to the Triangle wouldn't be complete with some geocaching and a spot of wine. Much to my satisfaction, there was a cache right there at the library — "Between a Book and a Hard Place" (GC3BEN1). After the panel, Kimberly and I made our way to the Chatham Hill Winery in Cary, which proved excellent, with an exceptional selection of dry reds — the Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Trinity blend being the most notable — as well as a few decent white and sweet wines. Finally, we had a delicious dinner at Ted's Montana Grill, where bison is the specialty and about which I can hardly holler to high heaven sufficiently.

And here comes the bleepin' work week again. Not sure how that happens.

Halloween Horrors in Wake County

During the month of October, the Wake County Public Library System will be hosting several panel discussions with North Carolina authors who specialize in dark and speculative fiction. Guess who fits that bill....

The events will take place at various of the library branches, and I am scheduled to participate on Sunday, October 13, at 2:00 PM at the Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex, NC, along with Jenna Black, Clay & Susan Griffith, and Lisa Shearin. Authors will discuss speculative fiction, their writing processes, and more, with an audience question-and-answer session following. If you're in range, please come on out and join the discussion. The library is located at 2100 Shepherd's Vineyard Drive,Apex, NC 27502 (View Map). For more information, visit the Wake County government's library event site here.

I'm pretty sure there will be geocaching for afters. I hope to autograph several log sheets.