4th of July Event in Florida Keys!

While traveling to southern Florida, I'll be signing my books at Hooked on Books located on the Overseas Highway in Islamorada Florida, about halfway down the Florida Keys. I'll be there from 11 am until noon on Saturday, July 4th.

For directions, visit: http://www.hookedonbooksfloridakeys.com/ or call the store at 305-517-2602.

All seven of my books will be available, including the three in the Beloved Horses series. Also, I'll be offering free face/hand painting (horses my specialty!) and coloring pages from my books.

A local young rider and her equine friend are featured in my Beloved Sport Horses. Alexa Dixon and Cashmere have been a unique pair since 2003, competing in Wellington among other show grounds. As she says, the greatest memories are not always in the show ring.

If you would like me to be a guest at your shop (Book, Gift or Tack Shop) or speak at your writing event, e-mail me at sharonminer@yahoo.com.

Florida Writing Conference

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a wonderful organization for children's writers. They have chapters in each state and the regional events are wonderful ways to improve your craft of writing, network with others in the industry and market your books.

I'll be attending the SCBWI FLORIDA ILLUSTRATOR'S INTENSIVES 2-DAY NOVEL REVISION INTENSIVE AND MID-YEAR WORKSHOP on June 19 and 20, 2009 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Walt Disney World.

I'll be there for the Saturday's workshop, so don't hesitate to say hello if you go!

Visit: http://www.scbwiflorida.com/jun09.html

Fun at the Equine Affaire in Ohio!

What a great time I had with Carole Fletcher and her friend Sue at the Columbus Equine Affaire last week. I assisted Carole at the demo rings where she had her two trick horses performed for the large audiences.

Magnifico is a Peruvian Paso stallion and besides tricks demonstrated in-hand, Carole also gave a mounted performance with the bow, laying down and Spanish walk among other tricks. In the small ring, he pivoted on his forehand both on the ground and on the pedestal with one front leg extended out. Another trick was the pivot with his front legs crossed. He certainly loved the applause!

Carole's Miniature Horse, Hercules, is also a stallion and he delighted the crowds with his tiny sneakers and ball cap. He smiled, answered yes and no and sat on a beanbag. Carole had him bow and lay down, and he also made slam dunks with his basketball! Several kids were invited one at a time in the ring by Carole to cue Hercules for his tricks, and the delighted children were thrilled to be "trick horse trainers" for a few moments!

Her booth was very busy as people came by to ask Carole questions and buy her Trickonometry books and DVDs. Visit: http://www.trickhorse.com/ Carole and her husband, Gary, reside at Singing Saddles Ranch in Reddick, Florida, near Ocala.

I met many wonderful people who shared stories about their special horses; I hope they e-mail me so I can include them in my next book, BELOVED HORSES IN SECOND CAREERS!

HORSE exhibit at Carnegie Mueum of Natural History

I had a fantastic time in Pittsburgh and the HORSE exhibit was outstanding! I signed copies of my horse books, did face and hand paintings of horses and dogs from my books and Girl Scouts earned a Horse Fan badge by hearing stories from my books.

I was also able to reconnect with friends from the Pennsylvania Equine Council who had an Education Booth there. Local stable owner, Beverly Patrick from Upsom Downs Stable, provided three horses for the booth and for a blacksmithing demo. That's me with her horse, Sir Portly, who is featured in my second Beloved Horses book. It was exciting to finally meet him!

The first photo is Roger explaining how to drive a horse, the second photo is girls from a Pony Club visiting my booth, the third is the PEC booth with Rosie enjoying all the pettings while Mike Kraft answers questions, and several Girl Scout troops earned their badge while listening to my stories.

Many thanks to Kerry from the museum for inviting me, to Bev and her husband for their gracious hospitality and to the helpful volunteers Iris, Collen and Mastov (sorry if spelled wrong!) at my booth.