January 2025
January 1, 2025
Do you ever feel like time is going too fast?
I do. And that just isn't acceptable. I have too much to do! So many ideas I want to get written out, but not enough time. Working on two books at one time is enough in itself. I will tell you that the next Gangster book is progressing faster than the next historical romance. I would have liked a spring release, but that might be pushing it. We'll see what I can get accomplished during the frigid Minnesotan winter.
Stay tuned, happy reading and Happy New Year!
Author Spotlight
I met Amy Gleason just over a year ago and a show I eked into at the last minute. Turns out it was one of my better shows for that year. Like me, Amy delves into two genres: children's books and young adult. If you're an 80s/90s girl like me, and like books taking place in the great state of Minnesota, you'll want to discover the world of Woodland Hills. Currently, a three-book series, the books cover the late teenage years of Joanna Conors as she finishes her last year of high school and goes on to college, discovering life. Great coming of age books! Check out her website at https://www.amygleason.net/home.
Upcoming Happenings
I'm booking my events for this year already. All shows are in Minnesota, unless otherwise noted. Many shows won't be available for booking until later this year, but I've never had issues getting into shows I've done previously. Make sure you're checking my events tab on my website for updates!
Events:
- Becker Chamber Business Expo & Craft Fair on Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Becker Field House (parking lot behind Becker high school) Currently 100 vendors will be in attendance! The Becker High School DECA students will offer concessions and the National Honor Society will provide games for kids.
- 2025 Maple Grove Spring Craft and Gift Show at the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove on Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore nearly 60 vendor booths with a wide variety of handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, bath and body products, home decor, gourmet food/concessions, and more!
- 37th Annual Monticello Spring Craft Show at the Monticello Community Center on Saturday, March 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosting over 70 local crafters showcasing and selling their handmade items.
- Maple Lake Chamber of Commerce 2025 Spring Craft Sale at the Maple Lake Elementary Gymnasium in Maple Lake on Saturday, March 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. *
- Quad-Con at the St. Cloud Crossroads Center Mall on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025. More info to come! I'll be booth-sharing with my good indie-author buddy, Drake.
- 8th Annual Farmington Flare Craft and Gift Expo at the Farmington Arena on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. *
- Eagan Spring Fest at the Eagan Civic Center on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. *
- Spooky Brew Author Event at Spooky Brew in Maple Lake on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you haven't stopped at this charming coffee shop in Maple Lake, do it now and visit with some great MN indie authors while sipping some wonderful coffee.
- Mayer Rising Community Festival Craft & Vendor Show at the Mayer City Hall No information out yet, date and time will be released when I have it.
- Corn Capital Days in Olivia (1 ½ hours west of the Twin Cities) on Saturday, July 26. Time is to be determined. A vendor fair will be held in one of the city parks. A free corn feed, parade, and a street dance later that evening.
- Hanover Harvest Festival at Hanover City Hall on Saturday, August 2 from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. An array of vendors selling unique crafts, fresh produce and quality products.
- 30th Northwoods Art and Book Festival on Saturday, August 9 in Hackensack, MN from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Artists and authors locate in the Union Congregational Church and throughout the Festival grounds (3rd Avenue and Lake Street) with live music, interactive children's museum, poetry scavenger hunt, and author presentations. You don't want to miss this!
- Buffalo Arts and Crafts Festival in Downtown Buffalo on Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating over 40 years of hosting the Arts & Craft Festival! There will be approximately 100+ art and craft vendors. Held in the streets of beautiful downtown Buffalo, the festival takes place rain or shine.
- Little Falls Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, September 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. * Every year, the Little Falls Art & Craft Fair is held for two days in downtown Little Falls, Minnesota, following Labor Day. Established in 1973, the fair offers a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and more. It's a great opportunity to support local artists and crafters while having a fun weekend with loved ones.
- Waconia Nickle Dickle Day on Saturday, September 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Watertown Ladies' Night Out in Downtown Watertown on Thursday, October 2 from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. Date is tentative, no information yet
- Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hugo American Legion.
- Monticello Fall Craft Show at the Monticello Community Center on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Date is tentative, no information yet
- St. Michael Fall Craft Show at St. Michael - Albertville High School on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. * More than 250 vendors selling a variety of items.
* tentative
If You're Interested...
Check out my upcoming blog this month. I'll be talking about my goals for the upcoming year and listing out 100 things (or less) of something I have yet to decide. 100 things I like? 100 things I've done? 100 book I've read? Who knows . . . You won't want to miss these!
Have any idea about a topic in my next newsletter or blog? Let me know!
Jodie Leigh Murray