Mom and I got some exciting news this week, and we’d like your help with the planning.
We are launching book three, Violet Fate and re-launching books one and two, Twist of Fate and 
, at a special open house May 14 hosted by our local Applebee’s.
Why Applebee’s? Mom and I have been meeting there from almost the beginning of our collaboration. We needed a nearby restaurant that was comfortable, had good food (since we go there so much), and was reasonably priced. Applebee’s changes their menu enough that we are still going there almost four years later. But the real reason is because we acknowledge the wait staff in our first book. They’ve listened to mom and I discuss how to poison someone and get away with it, how to murder a person in the middle of a blizzard, how to steal valuables from an entirely locked up house and many other juicy tidbits. They’ve also listened to us lament about how hard it is to market a book, how rewarding it is to talk about what we’re doing and how in the heck we became authors in the first place.
It seemed logical that we would hold a special event in our neighborhood grill and bar, and when I contacted corporate Applebee’s, I was met with much enthusiasm. The local franchise owner, Potomac Family Dining Group, also jumped on board, and we’re now all planning this event together.
What we need from our blog readers is suggestions for what to do at the event, how to attract attendees and what giveaways might be appropriate for an author. We want to make this occasion fun for our readers.
We also want to attract the attention of local media so let us know what newspapers you read, radio stations you listen to and television stations you watch.
And please come anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. and join the fun:
May 14, Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 3330 Pine Bluff Drive (on Jefferson Davis Highway), Dumfries, VA 22026
Genilee Swope Parente
swopeparente 
Allyn Stotz
April 9, 2015 at 10:33 am
That is so darn exciting!! I’m going to think about this some more and I’ll send you my ideas if I can come up with any that we haven’t already discussed. One thing I think would be good is to giveaway those pens/stylus you sent me. Those are cool. How about one of those lights that you can attach to your book or even a kindle to help you see better to read in the dark? Anyway, I’m thrilled for you guys and will keep my fingers crossed for a wonderful event. Wish I could be there!
swopeparente
April 13, 2015 at 7:38 am
You’re the best, Allyn. Sound slike you had an exciting book weekend.
Kelly Kobayashi
April 9, 2015 at 11:35 am
That is so exciting! I wish I wasn’t several states away! 😦
But I will definitely be ordering copies of all three FATE mysteries – Sam (and especially Casey) grew to be favorites of mine under the SPMG banner!
Congratulations on everything that you’ve achieved together! 😀
swopeparente
April 13, 2015 at 7:37 am
thanks for your support, Kelly. Let me know what I can do to support you in exchange!
Verna Wortkoetter
April 17, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Happy for you with your up coming Book Party. I have a copy of your book and Enjoyed it very much. Think a nice bookmark with your names and pictures Would be a nice freebie. Praying God’s blessings for you, Verna
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swopeparente
April 18, 2015 at 5:55 pm
I wish we could whisk you away to Dumfries, VA for the party.
Memorial service for dad June 20. We must come visit you in your new home.