Making History: My Experience at the Inaugural Scottsdale Book Festival
There’s something magical about being part of a “first.” This past weekend, I had the honor of being a speaker at the inaugural Scottsdale Book Festival at the beautiful Scottsdale Civic Center. The sun was shining, the grass was green, and the air was filled with that unmistakable buzz of a community discovering a new favorite tradition.
The Powerhouse Panel
I was thrilled to share the stage with two other powerhouse women authors: Mimi Francis (author of Taken by the Mobster) and Michaela Jean Taylor (author of Sunshine: Saddlebrook Falls). The conversation was masterfully guided by our moderator, Jen Johans. As a three-time national award-winning writer and host of the popular cinema podcast Watch With Jen, Jen brought her incredible depth as a film critic and historian to our session. Her appreciation for character-driven literature made for a fascinating discussion!
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A “Small World” at the Booth
One of the most rewarding parts of the day happened right at my booth. Because of my medical background, I had some wonderful, unexpected reunions. I was honored to meet local ENT scrub techs and retired Nurse Practitioners visiting from out of state. It served as a powerful reminder: the world of ENT can be so small, yet the world of books has this incredible way of bringing us all together across different professions and states.
Creativity for All Ages
My booth wasn’t just about the words; it was about the experience! We featured coloring pages that kept the atmosphere fun and interactive. It was especially heartwarming to see the kids’ reactions—so many of them ran straight up to the children’s book, absolutely enamored with the vibrant illustrations by Tim Crecelius. Seeing their faces light up as they flipped through the pages made the whole day worth it.
Why Every Story Matters
This event encouraged me to keep pushing forward. It reminded me that even a unique and personal memoir can shed light on stories that impact so many of us. Sometimes we worry our stories are “too niche,” but this weekend proved that no matter how small our story might feel, it truly matters. [INSERT PHOTO: Photo 4] Thank you to the organizers and everyone who stopped by to color, chat, or share a story with me. I’m already looking forward to next year!
As always, TOO MUCH is available to purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.