Meet Windsor’s Three Newest Youth Fiction Writers
September 15, 2023
[WINDSOR - CA] Bring the family to meet and hear from three of Windsor’s newest authors of books for children and teens – and adults who like to read them too. The Community Shops in Windsor will host children’s picture book author and illustrator Keli Colombini, middle grade fiction writer T.J. Hendrix, and young adult fiction writer Barbara Cottrell at its fall Local Author Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. The Community Shops is located at 8852 Lakewood Drive, inside Raley’s. The nonprofit shop features and sells the works of local artists, artisans, writers, and makers.
“We’re really excited to shine the spotlight on these three authors. Windsor is home to so many talented writers and creative people,” said David Hamelburg, director of The Community Shops. “Part of our mission is to promote our local writers, artists, artisans and makers to the community at large.”
Each writer will read from their books, answer questions from the children and adults in the audience, and sign copies of their books. They’ll also be giving away fun freebies along with book purchases.
Colombini, the author of the picture book “Norris the Nostrileer” will start the event with a reading at noon.
Hendrix, author of the “The Pack, the Dare and The Draugar” will follow with a chapter reading at 12:30.
Cottrell, author of “Darkness Below,” will take the mic at 1 p.m. for a chapter reading.
Colombini is a mom and graphic designer at Gumview Creative, a video and design company she owns with her husband. Her picture book, “Norris the Nostrileer,” is the hilarious story of a girl who doesn’t like her ‘wonky’ nose. She goes on an adventure to find a better one, and along the way makes an unexpected discovery. “It's a sweet and quirky story that carries messages of self-love and acceptance of others,” Colombini explained.
“Norris the Nostrileer” was awarded “Best Overall Design” at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Positive reviews include: "This is a wonderful book about loving your body just the way it is." Find out more about “Norris” at www.norristhenostrileer.com.
Hendrix is a retired journalist and current grandmother who is trying to find time to finish the second book in her “Pack” series: “The Crow and the Curse.” The first, “The Pack, The Dare and the Draugar” won praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly BookLife, and the Gold Seal of Excellence from the Mom’s Choice Awards. The story follows five soon-to-be-seventh-graders from Windsor who meet at a summer camp in the middle of the Mendocino County redwoods. A late-night rule-breaking escapade sets a series of supernatural creatures on their trail. The spooky mystery-and-magic book has found fans among fourth- to seventh-graders, and their moms and grandmothers. Find out more about the “The Pack” books at www.tjhendrix.com.
Cottrell’s first book kicked off her “Shadows of Miskatonic” series for young adult readers (high school and above) when it came out this spring. That book, “Darkness Below,” follows new student Ellen Logan to Miskatonic University. When her roommate plunges to her death, Ellen resolves to find out why. She gains the help of a professor, Andrew Carter. Their investigation leads to a terrifying creature, a ghost, and a murderous cult. The book was a Publishers Weekly BookLife editor’s pick and won a silver medal from Reader’s Favorites.
Cottrell’s second book, “Thin Places,” finds Ellen in her second quarter at Miskatonic U. She’s being stalked by a celebrity who claims to be a demon. When her friend is kidnapped, Ellen teams up with Professor Carter again to find her. This time, the trail leads to the site of a mysterious plane crash – and then into another world. Find out about the books and the series at www.barbaracottrell.com.
Cottrell is a former college professor. She’s currently working on the rest of the series. When she’s not writing, she and husband Lance grow Pinot Noir on their vineyard just outside Windsor’s town limits and sell them to local wineries.
For more details on the authors, visit their websites.
For more details on The Community Shops, visit its website: www.thecommunityshops.org.
