Writers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area exchanged ideas on the craft of writing and publishing during a book signing event at Geisha Steak and Sushi in Plano Tuesday night. Debbie Reece, the featured author, signed copies of her children’s book “The Christmas Pumpkin,” as she shared her experiences as a writer.
The function was organized by The Muse Literary Mingle, a happy hour event-planning outlet that focuses on the thriving and growing Dallas-Forth Worth community. Each monthly event features a local author, publisher, agent or industry professional. More than 20 people attended the event.
“The Christmas Pumpkin” tells the story of a boy who decides to show what a green pumpkin can do for Christmas. While pumpkins are historically associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, James’ insistence in thinking outside the box ultimately proves that believing in something can bear unexpected results.
Reece said she was inspired to write the book by her 8-year-old son Matthew.
“I never planned to be an author,” Reece said during an interview at the event. “The book took shape as I wrote what Matthew silenced.”
Dallas author Debbie Lewis, who attended the event, said technological advancements in the publishing industry present a double-edged sword where anyone who can write publishes, whether the work deserves merit or not.
“In order to write quality books, the writer needs to be involved in every aspect of marketing after the book is published,” Lewis said. “You have to educate yourself in order to take advantage of the new marketing