Put down the screens and engage in meaningful conversation with authors of compelling new books. At author events and signings this summer in Northern Virginia, there’s something for all readers to enjoy, no matter your chosen genre.
Kate Cunningham
July 19, 5–8 p.m.
Visit Tales and Tails for a book signing event with local author Kate Cunningham, featuring her popular fantasy series The Blood Kingdom and The Blood Crown. These vampire fantasy books combine the glamour of court life with treacherous adventure and magic, as the protagonist Aurelia must navigate a dangerous new world to learn about her past and save her future. Tales & Tails: 1010 Charles St., Fredericksburg
Michelle McBeth
July 19, noon
In collaboration with the Northern Virginia Writers Club, Barnes & Noble is hosting an author signing with Michelle McBeth, a member of the club’s board of directors. McBeth will sign copies of her science fiction novel, The Sphere: A Journey In Time, which tells the story of a girl who travels back in time to save her friend and the fates of everyone she knows. Barnes & Noble Shops at Stonewall: 8139 Stonewall Shop Sq. Ste. 405-B, Gainesville
Polly Stewart in Conversation with Johanna Copeland: The Felons’ Ball
July 25, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Polly Stewart at Bards Alley for a discussion about her upcoming southern thriller, The Felons’ Ball. Set in Virginia, this new release follows a puzzling murder and one family’s complicated history that leads to a quest to uncover the painful truth. Stewart will be in conversation with author Johanna Copeland, who will also be signing copies of her psychological mystery novel, Our Kind of Game. Bards Alley Bookshop: 110 Church St. NW, Vienna
Victory in Shanghai Book Signing with Robert S. Kim
July 26, noon
This informal meet-and-greet and book signing at Barnes & Noble will feature Robert S. Kim’s newest book, Victory in Shanghai: A Korean American Family’s Journey to the CIA and the Army Special Forces. Recounting two intertwined American origin stories, Victory in Shanghai explores a Korean family’s three-decade long struggle to become Americans during the World War II era. The four Kim brothers (unrelated to the author) also contributed to the creation of modern U.S. intelligence and special operations through their service in the U.S. Army and in the underground U.S. intelligence network in Shanghai. Barnes & Noble Seven Corners: 6260 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church
Brendan Slocumb
August 6, 6–8 p.m.
A bestselling author and classically trained violinist, Brendan Slocumb discusses his novels The Violin Conspiracy, Symphony of Secrets, and The Dark Maestro as part of the ongoing Salamander Author Series. Slocumb conveys the transformative power of art and performance in his writing as he explores themes of identity and resilience. Expect a live reading, a conversation about the author’s creative process, and a moderated Q&A. A welcome reception at 6 p.m. includes light bites and wine. The evening concludes at 8 p.m. with a book signing and one-on-one chats with Slocumb. Salamander Middleburg: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, $195
Tell Your Story with Omar Abed
August 16, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Experience a morning of interactive storytelling at Herndon Fortnightly Library as children’s author and poet Omar Abed teaches people how to tell their own story. While studying computer engineering in college, Abed found a passion for spoken-word poetry to express creativity. He then began writing picture books with rhyme and rhythm, including his self-published first book, You, Me, and a Tree, and his traditional debut, The Book That Almost Rhymed. A book signing will follow the event. Herndon Fortnightly Library: 768 Center St., Herndon
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
