Welcome to Book Bits, the Buckeye Book Fair’s newsletter celebrating the transformative power of literature. Each issue delves into how one book can change your life forever. Join us as we spotlight local authors, promote literacy, and share stories that inspire and ignite the imagination. Don’t miss out on the magic!
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Dear Book Lovers,
As we embark on another exciting month filled with literary adventures, I am thrilled to share with you some captivating stories from Buckeye authors. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ll be heading into the imaginative worlds crafted by Mindee Arnett, a talented young adult fantasy writer whose tales are sure to enchant readers of all ages. Additionally, we’ll hear from Ashley Ferguson, a fearless individual who defies arachnophobia and shares her fascinating encounters with spiders. And, we’ll have the pleasure of learning from Louise Borden, a trailblazer in the realm of STEAM education, as she shares her insights and experiences in moving ahead with innovation and creativity.
Before we head to the newsletter, we have three announcements:
- 🌟 Attention, young writers and artists! 🌟 We will be launching a summer Buckeye Book Camp! This summer, we’re offering one-week boot camp styled writing intensive for students in 3rd-8th grade, where young writers and illustrators can dive into the exciting world of books. But here’s the best part – they’ll get to meet with a real literary agent! Imagine the possibilities! Join us and unleash your creativity at Buckeye Book Camp. Don’t miss out – watch for the sign up in our April Newsletter! 📚✨
- 🎉Attention exciting news ahead! Starting next month, our beloved Book Bits: Newsletter is getting a makeover! 🌟 We’re switching things up and moving to a blog format right on our website. 💻 This means easy access to all your favorite bookish content, including years of archives! 📰 Get ready to find Buckeye Authors right at your fingertips.
- 📢 Calling all Ohio Authors and Illustrators! 📚 Don’t forget to submit your 2024 New Book Releases to the Buckeye Book Fair’s Selection Committee at 304 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691. 📬 Make sure to review the terms of participation! 📝 Let’s showcase Ohio’s literary talent together on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024!
Join us this month as we “March into Reading: One Book at a Time“. Let me express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm for literacy and storytelling fuels our passion and drives our mission to foster a love for reading among people of all ages. Together, we empower minds one book at a time.
Mindee Arnett
Crafting Worlds of Magic and Adventure
We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mindee Arnett this month. She is the talented author behind the acclaimed sci-fi thriller “Avalon,” the enchanting “Arkwell Academy” series, and the eagerly anticipated “Riven.” Nestled on a farm near Dayton, Ohio, Mindee weaves captivating tales of magic, the supernatural, and outer space when she’s not atop a horse, seeking out the next jump.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Mindee and here’s a glimpse into the conversation:
What is your Inspiration Behind the Ink?
Mindee explained she draws inspiration from Iceland, both its geography and culture, for her latest work, “Riven.” The island’s uninhabitable regions are due to a corrupted magic mirror in Iceland’s icy expanses. Additionally, Mindee incorporates the unique Icelandic naming traditions, adding depth and authenticity to her story. It draws readers toward the icy mystery.
How do you enjoy Connecting with Readers?
With so much diversity in literary tastes, Mindee aims for universality in her themes. She hunts into timeless struggles of good versus evil, as well as distinctive explorations of political landscapes, mirroring our own societal challenges. Through her fantasy worlds, Mindee sparks conversations on race, gender, and class, fostering connections with her readers from all walks of life.
Tell us about your Buckeye Book Fair Experience!
Participating in the Buckeye Book Fair was a highlight for Mindee this year. One particularly heartwarming encounter was with a Boy Scout volunteer who explained he devoured her book in just two days and eagerly shared his enthusiasm with her. For Mindee, connecting with young readers face-to-face in such a meaningful way is a testament to the fair’s impact and accessibility.
Do you agree that Books Save Lives?
Books have been Mindee’s constant companions through life’s highs and lows. From childhood favorites like “George and His Marvelous Medicine” to paradigm-shifting reads like “Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari, each book has left a permanent impression, guiding her through challenges and reaffirming her passion for storytelling.
Mindee offers school and library visits, both in-person and online, as well as writing workshops for audiences of all ages. For more information on her presentations, reach out to Buckeye Book Fair or visit Mindee’s website.
Ashley Aya Ferguson
Unveiling the Storyteller
Ashley Aya Ferguson not only crafts stories but also inspires others to share their own. She is full of creativity, weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages while championing the power of telling your story.
With an armload of talents, Ashley wears many hats – writer, editor, author, and coach. By day, she serves as a content developer and strategist, channeling her passion for words into crafting compelling narratives. To date, Ashley has graced the literary scene with three enchanting children’s picture books: “Girl, You Are Magic!”, “Boy, You Are Brilliant!”, and “I Am Not Afraid of Spiders.”
Ashley’s journey into the realm of writing is as inspiring as her stories. A graduate of Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism, she embarked on internships in New York, immersing herself in the vibrant world of magazines. However, the call of home beckoned, leading her back to Ohio to raise her daughter with the support of her community.
In 2008, faced with the dilemma of balancing creativity with financial stability, Ashley found solace in a marketing position. Yet, her passion for writing never waned. Determined to pursue her dreams, she established Copy & Content Boutique, LLC, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. Through this venture, Ashley honed her skills, crafting proposals, website copy, and blogs, all while nurturing budding authors on their self-publishing journey.
In 2015, Ashley’s perseverance bore fruit as she returned to professional writing, this time as a content marketing manager for a textile company. Today, she lends her talents to a technology company, where she shapes value propositions with her words, all the while indulging in her love for storytelling during her spare moments.
But Ashley’s impact extends beyond the boardroom and into the hearts of readers everywhere. As a featured author at schools, libraries, and bookstores, she shares her passion for storytelling, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and share their stories with the world.
In a recent interview, Ashley revealed the inspiration behind her latest book, “I Am Not Afraid of Spiders,” rooted in a childhood memory of compassion towards these misunderstood creatures. Through her stories, she aims to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding.
Her experience at the Buckeye Book Fair further highlights Ashley’s dedication to her craft, as she relished the opportunity to engage with fellow authors and readers alike, sparking meaningful conversations about words and books.
As we explore the theme of how books save lives, Ashley reflects on the profound impact of “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, a guiding force through the trials of the pandemic, igniting creativity and transformation.
In Ashley Aya Ferguson, we find not just a writer, but a storyteller whose words have the power to inspire, educate, and uplift. As she continues on her literary journey, we eagerly await the tales she has yet to share, knowing that each one carries the potential to touch hearts and change lives.
Louise Borden
Nurturing Young Minds through Stories
In the bustling world of literature, where history comes alive and sparks magic in the minds of children, we’d like to share what Louise Borden has been up to. With a heart dedicated to fostering a love for reading and writing, Louise has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Ohio and beyond.
In a heartfelt letter to Kimberly Jarvis, the Executive Director of the Buckeye Book Fair, Louise expressed her gratitude for the festivities in 2023 and shared what she’s been working on, including a captivating podcast episode detailing Curious George’s remarkable journey.
Louise’s impact extends beyond her books and into the classroom. A recent encounter with fifth graders engaging in an author study showcased her spirited influence. Students translated her stories into inventive STEM projects, complete with presentations akin to a school’s own Shark Tank. The photos alone illustrate the connection between literature and creativity. She shared how collaborating with exceptional educators, like Mrs. Storm, not only enriches young minds but also inspires future generations of readers and innovators.
As we cheer for the power of books, let’s cheer for Louise Borden. She’s a cherished member of the Buckeye Book Fair community. Her dedication to storytelling ignites imaginations across the Buckeye State and beyond. Let us know if you’d like to book an educational workshop with Louise.
During the month of “March into Reading: Empowering Minds“, we invite you to join us in making a difference by supporting the Buckeye Book Fair. Your generous donation will enable us to continue promoting literacy, supporting local authors, and fostering a love for reading among people of all ages. With your help, we can provide access to engaging literary events, connect authors with readers, and inspire countless individuals to embark on enriching journeys through the pages of books. Together, let’s empower minds and ignite imaginations through the power of reading. Donate to Buckeye Book Fair today and be a part of our mission to make a lasting impact in our community.
MARCH
Into
Reading
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Let’s go for it!
“‘Why did you do all this for me?’ he asked. ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.’ ‘You have been my friend,’ replied Charlotte. ‘That in itself is a tremendous thing.’”
— E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
304 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 | 330-249-1455 News@BuckeyeBookFair.org
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