As I dive deeper into research for my next novel, which I’ve recently retitled Chasing Fortune, I’m also stepping into a season of conversations, presentations, and community events centered on my published book, Chasing Freedom. It feels like both worlds — the past I’ve already written and the past I’m still uncovering — are in sync, steady and unhurried, like drifting slowly down the canal.

I’m hoping to participate in the Lansdowne Woods Literary Festival on June 27 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, a wonderful gathering of local writers and readers. It would be a joy to share Chasing Freedom there and meet others who love stories rooted in our region’s history.

In August, I’ll be speaking at the Great Falls Library Senior Center, sharing the story behind the novel — the research, the real history of Matildaville and the Potomac Canal, and the unexpected threads that wove themselves into the book.

Then in September, I’ll be heading to Lutherville for a book club hosted by my longtime friend Blaine Hawley. I’m thrilled that the group chose Chasing Freedom for their next read. And if you’ve been following my research for Chasing Fortune, you may recognize Blaine’s name — she’s become something of an influencer in the new book’s world.

And in October, I’ve been invited to speak at the directors’ meeting at the Virginia Room at the Fairfax Library — a place that played a major role in my research for both novels. Returning there to talk about the finished book feels like closing a circle.

It’s a full, exciting stretch ahead, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to bring these stories into the community that helped shape them.