The idea for my third book, Death by Pumpkin, came from the pumpkin drop at the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest, so this year – instead of visiting Maine in the summer – we decided to come up for the Pumpkin Fest. Tomorrow I will be selling books outside the Sherman’s in that town. Sherman’s stores in Maine carry my series and are happy to have authors hawk their wares.
There are lots of activities in this small town, just up the Damariscotta River from the ocean, during the fest. In addition to the pumpkin drop, where they lift their heaviest pumpkin by crane and drop it on a car, there are pumpkin pie eating contests;pumpkin slinging from catapults and sling shots; live music; a pumpkin float where contestants race down the river in giant, carved out pumpkins; food, food, food, a Pumpkinfest parade; and a derby with pumpkins on wheels.
Today we drove to Damariscotta from Boothbay Harbor, where we are staying, to check in at Sherman’s. People are already crowding the downtown area, to watch artists carve and decorate HUGE pumpkins, sponsored by various town businesses.
Here are some of the works in progress or already done:
This first one is my favorite, because it really is death by pumpkin!
We’ll take more pictures tomorrow when all the pumpkins are carved and painted. My table will be right next to a huge blue and green painted pumpkin the artist is making into a peacock!
Awesome, Noelle! Have a great time and sell lots of books. 🙂 xo
Thanks, Bette, Maybe if I am up again for the Festival next summer we can meet somewhere in between for luncn!
Best of luck Noelle, have a great day.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thank you, Sir David. I had a great two days but it’s hard work hawking books. Good thing I like talking to people!
Now I understand the reasoning behind your book cover and book idea.
Always good to have something to tie you to the locale! There were people coming into the book store yesterday saying they’s heard about a ‘death by pumpkin’ book (great word of mouth) and wanted to buy it!
Great stuff. You’ll be a legend in your own vegetable
I’m just a huge pumpkin head!
Such a great idea! Did you have to contact the bookstore to sell books, or is it part of the fest/part of Sherman’s promo? (always wanting to pick up ideas from you clever Americans 🙂 )
I contacted Sherman;s several years ago. They are an independent bookstore with five locations in Maine. Since my books are based in Maine and they are always looking for local and locale authors, they were willing to carry my books. Plus I go up every summer and sell outside several of their stores. Next year I will expand to Portland, where I was rejected by an indie but Sherman’s opened a branch there.
Absolutely stunning!
So creative, and if you visit on Friday when the artists are all at work, they’ll talk to you!
These people are so clever 💜