Time for some shameless self-promotion. I have all kinds of events lined up for the Fall. I hope I see you at one or more of these.

First up — the Bidwell Mansion Association Victorian Picnic at the Chico Cemetery.

You read that right. The Victorians enjoyed getting together with friends and relations alive and deceased in a park-like setting. The BMA is hosting a picnic in the historic section of Chico Cemetery on Saturday, September 20th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a ticketed event, and will include a delicious boxed lunch and a guided tour of the oldest section of the cemetery. Pay your respects to John and Annie Bidwell and learn about some of the folks they would have known. Tickets available at https://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com/event-tickets.html

I’ll be there in costume and full of information about some of the permanent residents of the cemetery.

Next: Shut Up & Write: a Creative Writing Workshop. Sunday, September 21, 5-8 p.m.

“Shut Up & Write” aligns with my slogan of “Keep Calm and Butt in Chair.”

I’ll be speaking about my writing journey and giving tips for narrative non-fiction writing. And then I’ll “shut up and write” and let someone else do the talking.

Next up: Tehama County Museum History Keepers & Seekers Rendezvous

If you love history, especially Northern California history, then this is the place for you. A gathering of local museums and historical societies, plus fun music, good food, vintage trucks, and prizes! I always enjoy this gathering on the grounds of the Tehama County Museum, where you can also take a peek inside the old jail. Saturday, September 27th — I hope to see you there!

Followed by:

The Manton Apple Festival on Saturday, October 4th, 9-4.

I’m looking forward to this one, because I have never been to the Manton Festival and I hear it is a great Artisan Fair. I’ll be there with folks from the Association for Northern California Historical Research (ANCHR). We have lots of excellent books on local history — you can check out our publications on the ANCHR website. It’s a good opportunity to pick up some Christmas presents for your history-loving friends.

And finally — last but not least —

I’ll be selling and signing books at Barnes & Noble in Chico on Saturday, October 11th, 11-3. Come and say “HI!” even if you already have my book on John Bidwell.

It has been 15 years since I published this biography, but it is still going strong. I just reprinted more copies because it was all sold out.