Upcoming Events, Lectures, and Books!

Wow. August was definitely a month I have no desire to repeat. I'm not one for giving credit to Mercury in retrograde, but there was no question that tragedy seemed to come out of the woodwork. Now that some of those fires are dying down, I'm ready to get back on track - starting with catching you all up on recent developments!

A quick update on what's new:

If you haven't checked out the free mini-issue of Haunted Times, you need to get moving! (No need to download anything - you can read this beauty on the web.) Our first FULL ISSUE will be released in just a few weeks. It's already stuffed with Halloween goodness, fall conference and event information, real life paranormal encounters, investigation tips, exclusive interviews, and more. Check back soon for subscription information and other news.

And then there's what's coming: 

My first published work of fiction is set for release on October 1, 2011 in a book titled Richmond Macabre: Nightmares From the River City. Something else cool about this - 100% of the publisher's profits are being returned to the community as charitable donations to area non-profits who support historic preservation and the arts.

The book is currently available for pre-order at a super price, but if you're a local and can wait a couple of weeks, join me at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum on Sunday, October 2, 2011 (2-4 PM) for the most rockin' book launch party EVER! Catch readings from contributing authors, live interactive music, museum exhibits, and refreshments. Pick up a signed, limited edition printing of Richmond Macabre or a handmade art print of the book's cover (designed by Skull-a-Day creator Noah Scalin) for only $20. Look for me all around Richmond during the month of October promoting this new title! Events details can be found at www.RichmondMacabre.com

You won't want to miss these lectures:

Because of the October 1st book release, I'm sticking close to home for a while. Come out and enjoy one of these free lectures and chat with me in person!

1. Poe Museum, Richmond, VA - Remembrance of Poe's Death - October 6 @ 6:00 PM "Richmond Macabre"
2. Henrico Library, Henrico, VA - Fairfield Branch - October 20 @ 7:00 PM "Haunted Henrico"
3. Henrico Library, Henrico, VA - Glen Allen Branch - October 22 @ 1:00 PM "Haunted Henrico"
4. Appomattox Regional Library, Dinwiddie, VA - Dinwiddie Branch - October 28 @ 5:00 PM "Civil War Haunts"
5. Shirley Plantation, Charles City, VA - October 29 @ 1:00 PM "Ghosts of Shirley Plantation"

And then: 

Holy cow! Beth Brown in Wisconsin??

Yep, I'll be joining the folks at BY/OG (Bring Your Own Ghost) again this year for a fun and educational weekend of lectures, gallery readings, and awesome investigations from November 4th through 6th. Check out all of the event details here.

A Minimalist State of Mind for 2011

Image by Joe Lanman via Flickr
With so many new endeavors in my life lately, it's been very easy to get overwhelmed. This year, I've decided to pare down on all the things that have been eating up my time, my space, and my peace of mind. I came across this quote the other day and I think it sums up my state of mind for the coming months perfectly:  

“The happiness of too many days is often destroyed by trying to accomplish too much in one day. We would do well to follow a common rule for our daily lives – do less, but do it better.” - Dale E. Turner

A Great Day to be in Fredericksburg!

I don't even know where to begin with all of the fun I had visiting the Griffin Bookshop in Old Town Fredericksburg, Virginia. I was a bit shocked to find out when I arrived that Oktoberfest had taken over Caroline Street - but the festival really added to the excitement of the day. The sidewalks were filled with jubilant travelers, some from as far as England and Holland, and everyone wore a smile!

The folks who turned out for my reading were fantastic and had lots of really great questions. I found out afterward that one participant, Emma, even had the nearby museum she works for (Weems-Botts) close early just so she could attend. Talk about a compliment!



The book store was one of the coziest I've ever visited and had the BEST coffee! They must have gotten word of my love for Halloween because they had me set up for the signing in front of this gorgeous display:



For the last hour of the event, we took the fun outdoors and wrapped up the signing on the sidewalk to enjoy the best kind of Fall weather Virginia has to offer. Festival goers were stopping and chatting and sharing fantastic ghost stories from the Fredericksburg area. How often do I get the chance to sign books for folks in lederhosen? Not often enough!



Many thanks to the Griffin Bookshop for their warm hospitality. This was the perfect way to kick off an October FULL of ghostly events in my home state.