Meeting Kelly Creagh

My friend, Hope Collier, (AKA Izzie) and I try to attend every author event we can. We love meeting authors, listening to them read from their work, and then getting a signed copy of their books.

Writers are a genuine bunch. I think it's because writing it so personal. Stories are a part of us, and once someone has read your work, they've experienced your creativity, your mind. Honestly, there is such a kinship between reader and author that most book signings I've been to feel more like a family reunion instead of a bunch of strangers in a room. 

One of Izzie's favorite books is Nevermore, by Kelly Creagh. When we heard Kelly was going to be at Carmichael's, a wonderful little Indie bookstore in Louisville, we knew we had to go.

In complete nerd fashion, we showed up few hours early and found an overpriced restaurant. Meeting another author should be celebrated, after all. :-) After spending way too much money on a few appetizers and Long Island teas, we finally made our way to the corner store.

Kelly read a few excerpts, one from Nevermore and one from the sequel Enshadowed. She told of her adventures exploring the strange world of Poe, and had some pictures scrolling on her laptop. I loved her stories of the Poe toaster and that she actually spent the night in front of a cemetery trying to get a picture of him leaving roses on Poe's grave.

While the others lined up to get their books signed, Izzie and I sat and talked with Kelly's mom. I now know where Kelly gets her likability. The three of us laughed and shared stories like we were old friends. Pretty soon the line dwindled, only a few people remained, the chairs were being folded and put away, and yet we kept talking. I found myself wanting to invite her out for a bite of pie, but we still had to drive home. That, and I didn't want her to think I'm a stalker. :-)

If Kelly is ever in your neck of the woods, I'd definitely stop by and say hi. And who knows, if you're lucky you may meet her mom too.

Music from a Place Called Half Moon

I'll admit it. I picked this book up simply because of the title. When I got it home I was ecstatic to find that the author, Jerrie Oughton, lives right here in Lexington, proving once again that Kentucky is one creative state!

Music from a Place Called Half Moon is a great historical YA read. The story takes place in the summer of 1956 and centers around the small town of Half Moon, North Carolina.

While the point of view is first person, it reads like a narrative. Normally I find this style of writing frustrating. I love sensory. I literally want to be the protagonist, but this book is different. I was perfectly content to stand next to Edie Jo, listening to her sweet voice tell her tale. The story is powerful, and it reminds the reader that prejudice extends past the boundaries of black and white.

Here's the back cover:

That night I dreamed Cherokee Fish kissed me, on the mouth, tender. He leaned over top of me where I lay on the pine straw at the sawmill and kissed me, letting his body down slow till it weighed heavy on mine. The kiss lasted a long time. When I waked up, I knew I hadn't been born missing. That feeling wasn't meant for David King so it hadn't come. I began to understand it was meant for Cherokee Fish.

And, even though there was a whole part of me knowing that to be in love with an Indian boy would be beyond disaster, that not only my family, but every single person in Half Moon would hate me and feed their hate every morning of their lives, the feeling was still here. I just shut all those doors in my mind and lived in the rooms full of sunshine, full of Cherokee Fish.

The book was published in 1995, and when I looked on Amazon it didn't seem as if it was still in publication, but if you love YA historical fiction, it definitely is one worth seeing if the library has a copy!