Authors Showing Up for One Another

What a wonderful evening at Vino Bistro in Sarasota for the inaugural gathering of THE READING CELLAR.

Congratulations to Jess Traw on bringing such a special event to life. It was easy to see how much thought, heart, and hard work she poured into every detail. The room was filled with books, conversation, and a genuine sense of community, and I was so happy to be there to celebrate the beginning of what I hope becomes a wonderful Sarasota tradition.

With Jess Traw at the inaugural gathering of THE READING CELLAR.

Jess is also the author of Existence, a thought-provoking story that explores destiny, timing, and choice through reflections on love, loss, missed opportunities, and the everyday decisions that quietly shape our lives.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was meeting the featured authors and hearing a little about what inspired their books. Their stories could not have been more different, which made getting to know them even more interesting.

I met Rhonda Bellows Summerford, whose love of ancient history and talent for humorous fiction come together in Cath Keith: Historian Derailed, part of her Cath Keith Misadventure series.

With Rhonda Bellows Summerford and her novel, Cath Keith: Historian Derailed.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Dena M. Hodges and Wendy W. Richards, co-authors of In the Shadow of the Family Dog. Their memoir tells Dena’s deeply personal story as the first grandchild of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz while exploring trauma, betrayal, and transformation.

With co-authors Dena M. Hodges and Wendy W. Richards, authors of In the Shadow of the Family Dog.

With about fifteen books to her name, Lynda Haviland writes urban fantasy and romance filled with snappy banter, unforgettable found families, and just the right touch of magical mystery.

Lynda Haviland speaking at THE READING CELLAR.

Brian Rudolph, a debut novelist from Venice, wrote Angel in the Breeze, a poignant and deeply personal story inspired by the loss of his mother.

Brian Rudolph speaking at THE READING CELLAR.

Joy Larkin’s writing spans mental health, emotional recovery, personal growth, and personal finance. Her books include Reclaim Your Life Back: My Journey into Understanding Narcissism, Your Pain Will Make You Successful, and 5 Magic Methods for Easily Increasing Your Finances.

Joy Larkin speaking at THE READING CELLAR.

What stayed with me most, though, was the spirit of support among the writers in the room. I loved reconnecting with fellow authors Adrienne Baerny and Lisa F. Crites. Moments like these are a reminder that the writing life is not only about the books we create, but also about the friendships, encouragement, and connections we build along the way.

With fellow authors Adrienne Baerny and Lisa F. Crites at THE READING CELLAR.

Adrienne shared a bookmark from The Inheritance: A Cozumel Island Adventure, while Lisa’s Beautifully Unbroken bookmark carried its own message of hope, courage, and resilience. I brought both home with me as small keepsakes from an evening filled with stories, laughter, and genuine connection.

Keepsakes from fellow authors Adrienne Baerny and Lisa F. Crites.

As the evening came to a close, I found myself thinking about how much it matters for authors to show up for one another. Writing can be such a solitary experience, which makes evenings like this especially meaningful. We came together because of books, but I left thinking just as much about the conversations, the laughter, and how good it felt to simply celebrate one another.

Congratulations again to Jess Traw on bringing THE READING CELLAR to life. I’m so glad I was there for its very first gathering, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this new Sarasota literary tradition goes from here.