The creativity is pulsing through our veins lately

My wife and I are in the midst of a spell of creativity, not just producing our own, but also interacting with multiple creative communities, too.

In addition to the two nonfiction books I have out – “Murder in Wauwatosa” and “Wicked

Columbus, Indiana,” I’m also in the beginning stages of helping a nearby theater put together a book commemorating its 100th anniversary and writing a novel tentatively titled “Three Months in Dublin.” My wife and I visited Scotland and Ireland this summer, which ignited the idea.

Kimberly S. Hoffman, my talented wife, has just finished writing her second children’s book, and that is with the publisher waiting to be illustrated. She is also working on a novel with fantasy elements.

Both of us attended Imaginarium in Louisville last weekend, where we sat in on numerous panels and workshops, served as guest panelists, met up with old friends and made new ones. We learned a lot. Whether it was how authors and other creatives might employ YouTube, what makes a great first line to a story or book, or how creatives can take good care of their mental health, the three-day event provided great fuel.

We are also both involved in a fledgling organization in Franklin, Indiana, whose goal is to encourage creatives, educate the public on the importance of having a strong arts presence in their community, and connecting the creatives and their work to the public and supporters of the arts. The group is called Creative Collective of Franklin and we are proud to be a part of it.

We also have several appearances coming up. Below is the updated list for events through Thanksgiving. More may be added later. These are all in Indiana, except for my trip to the Brookfield, Wisconsin, library at the end of October.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Greenwood Public Library Local Authors Fair. 1-3 p.m. My wife, Kimberly S. Hoffman, and I are sharing a table. She will have her children’s book, “Emma’s Dancing Day,” available and I’ll have both of my books. 310 S Meridian St, Community Room A & B, Greenwood, IN 46143.

Saturday, Oct. 21: Half Price Books, Greenwood. Book signing, Noon to 2 p.m. My wife and I will both be there with our books.

Saturday, Oct. 28: Friends of the Brookfield Public Library Meet the Author event, 1900 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield, WI 53005. 10-2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18: Half Price Books, Bloomington. Book signing, 1 to 3 p.m. My wife and I will both be there with our books.

Kimberly will also be at a craft sale at Edinburgh’s East Side Elementary School Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to her first book, she’ll have hand-embroidered selections and knitted hats and other stuff.

For more information on what we’re doing, check out my website here or Kimberly’s website here.

Kimberly’s book, “Emma’s Dancing Day,” is available at Viewpoint Books in Columbus, from her publisher, Pen It! Publications or online.

My books, available in both print and e-book formats, can be found just about anywhere you can buy books. If your local bookstore doesn’t have it, just ask.