Posts by David Kelly

Libarary Visits Feedback

Posted on by David Kelly

Back in July, had a chance to visit the Duxbury Free Library in Duxbury, MA as part of an author visit that Westwinds Bookshop put together. Even though it was a beautiful summer day, I had a great turnout for the event (I think there were 30 people or more). In addition to doing a reading, I took the audience through the process of writing a mystery and told them how I got started with the Ballpark Mysteries. I had a lot of fun, and it was nice to meet some of the readers afterwards for a book signing.

But what was really nice was the email that I received from the head of children’s services:

Hi David,

Just wanted to thank you again for the outstanding visit to our library last week. You are a terrific presenter! You gave the audience a simple yet complete understanding of the writing process and I know at least one of the attendees has been inspired to try creating a story.

I hope we can have you back another time. Maybe with a new book?

Nancy
Head of Children’s Services
Duxbury Free Library
Duxbury, Ma 02332

Fan mail – Mystery Ideas

Posted on by David Kelly

One of the great things about being a writer is hearing from readers and fans. It never fails to make my day when I receive an email or letter from kids or parents who have read one of my books (usually it’s a Ballpark Mysteries book or Miracle Mud, but sometimes I hear from fans of my non-fiction chapter book, Babe Ruth and Baseball Curse).

Here’s one of the latest letters that I received, from an eight-year-old boy here in Newton. Hopefully he found the Ballpark Mysteries at our great local bookstore, Newtonville Books.

Ballpark Mysteries fan mail from Joey
Ballpark Mysteries fan mail from Joey

If it’s too hard to read, Joey is suggesting that I create a new mystery called “The Freezing Tiger” where someone (his emphasis) is freezing the players in the clubhouse and then they unfreeze in the night and don’t swing the bat very well in the next game. (Perhaps Joey has been watching some Red Sox games?).

Miracle Mud Wins Blue Crab Award!

Posted on by David Kelly

Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseball has just won a Maryland However, it’s nice to know that Lady Luck can visit you as many times she wants to during your gaming experience. Blue Crab Young Readers Award for the Transitional Non-fiction Category.

MiracleMud_Jacket-Small

Here”s their brochure with all the winners and honorable mentions: Blue Crab brochure 2014.

Barnes and Noble Author Event

Posted on by David Kelly

I stopped by the Framingham, Massachusetts Barnes and Noble a few days ago to sign some books and see if they’re ready for my author visit/event next Saturday. If you’re in the Boston area and want to get a signed copy of the Ballpark Mysteries (including #8 – The Missing Marlin), stop by at 2pm on Saturday, March 15th. From the looks of it, they’re all set for the visit!

IMG_7256

Recent Events

Posted on by David Kelly

This week I”ve had the privilege of doing a couple of great author visits. The first was with the Massachusetts School Library Association – 2012 Conference as part of their Author Fest, where I got to sign the BALLPARK MYSTERIES, including the new ASTRO OUTLAW, and talk to school librarians about reading and my BALLPARK MYSTERIES Author Visits.

Signing Books at MSLA 2012

I had a great time, and it”s amazing the dedication and interest that our school librarians have for helping kids learn to read!

The second event I did this week was an author visit at West Elementary School in Andover, Mass.

Reading the Ballpark Mysteries to the first and second graders at West Elementary in Andover, Mass.

I showed their first and second grade classes how I create the BALLPARK MYSTERIES, including how I handled all that initial rejection of the first manuscripts as well as the lengthy revision process they have to go through before they become published books.

David Ortiz is a Fan!

Posted on by David Kelly
David Ortiz Signed Baseball

Looks like Red Sox star slugger David Ortiz is a fan! We sent along some copies of The Fenway Foul-Up to the Red Sox, and apparently David”s son enjoyed the book (along with a copy of Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse, in which Mr. Ortiz plays a big part!). So David sent back this signed baseball (note the BP after his name, for Big Papi). We”re SO CLOSE to the major leagues now….