Authors at a paid book fair are a special breed of optimists. They pay for a table, pay for the travel, pay for coffee to stay awake, and then spend the day convincing strangers to buy a book they already spent years writing. If they break even, it's called success. If they sell out, it's called a miracle. Three times a year, I attend book fairs that don't charge authors for a stand. On June 7, I had a book stand at the Fismes festival “L’amour fait livre” -- this theme was based on a paronomasia/pun “L’amour fait vivre” (Love keeps us alive). Two fellow authors visited my stand and exchanged their autographed books for mine; we agreed to stay in touch, which was one of the highlights of the day. I did not sell a single book in the afternoon (for the first time 🙃). Another author joked, “How could you? You were surrounded by teenagers trying to practise their English!” He was right. Six teenagers stayed at my stand for several hours (my legs felt exhausted afterwards). Four of them left only when their mothers came to pick them up, while one politely excused herself after receiving a phone call. A 19-year-old male student was the last to leave at around five o’clock; his father, who had come to tell him it was time to go home, was grateful and thanked me generously for spending time with him. These six teenagers talked and listened without checking their phones (except when I requested one of them to show me his Australian friend in Queensland, where I came from) or fidgeting; they were polite and interacted with interest. It was worth it. I collected smiles, conversations, and enough human connection to almost pay for my petrol. Fismes “City of Coronations” is a small town in the Marne department, France, about 30 km west of Reims, which is famous for its cathedral, Champagne houses, and its role in French royal history.

It is time to rally around Kathy Big Book Love Authors! She is doing well but she needs everyone to continue to support her in this contest. ----- Here is a word from The People's Artist Team: We’re trying something a little different today… All votes count as double until 9PM PDT tonight. This could be just what you need to secure your place in the Top 15 before voting closes tomorrow (5/21). Share your profile link for doubled votes: https://peoplesartist.org/2026/kathy-l-murphy-dJnx The artists who stand out from the crowd are the ones who aren’t afraid to try something new. Art is shaped by experience, experimentation, and new discoveries—and the evolution of your style is part of what makes your art uniquely YOURS. Join Colette Miller in the latest dashboard video as we celebrate artistic growth, and leave a comment sharing how your art has changed over time. Join the Conversation Never stop creating, The People’s Artist Team

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My book made it to Melbourne Australia. Im going to participate in a discussion about it with a book club there on the 21st. Im so excited!!