I am so looking forward to this episode with author Lauren Persons about her books Deer Diary and What Happened to Chester?
I love the illustrations by Noah Hrbek and Lydia Whitehouse.
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Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon
Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, June 28 & 29, 2025
Participating authors
The Authors Alley will be on Clay Street right across from Hackly Park.
Emma Palova, Jean Davis, Vera West, Ingar Rudholm, Richard Nelson, Michael Carrier, Elizabeth Wehman, Laurie Salisbury, Sue Merrel. Janet Vormitag, Andrew Smith, Craig Matthew, Robert Muladore, Suse Wilcox, Joan Young, Lori Hudson, Rhonda Accardo, K M McIntyre, Debbie Tebbe, Stefanie Gilmore, Amy Piper, and Lisa Romence.
Stay tuned for podcast episode about LAF on @For the Love of Books Podcast this week.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs. All rights reserved.
Happy Father’s Day
We had an exceptional Father’s Day celebration yesterday at our house underneath the pergola covered with wisteria vine, which keeps the patio cool.
My parents Eliska and Vaclav Konecny, came over with my brother Vas all the way from Big Rapids and Paris. a hometown Up North.
At 90, my father professor Vaclav still loves to drive. Although he doesn’t take the freeway anymore, like me, he prefers to drive on the old 131.
I love the way the old 131 aka Northland Drive winds through charming Michigan hometowns like Cedar Springs and Howard City with its dam fed by the Muskegon River.
Even Maranda made it over and our neighbors Catherine and Katie on a scooter. The vibe was good and everyone behaved including myself, which is not always the case. Sometimes we end up fighting over little things that a minute later mean nothing.
I made our famous jello-shots with our signature @Moravian Sons Spirits https://moraviansonsdistillery.com apple brandy. We had two flavors: strawberry for adults and orange for kids without alcohol. I make the jell-o shots with sugar-free strawberry Jell-O using one cup of boiling water and one cup of apple brandy.
The spirit tastings around the holidays are tricky as we found out Friday. People had already stocked up on adult beverages during the week. We sold only four bottles of slivovitz but hopefully to returning customers, one of them a pediatric dentist.
We grilled our favorite bbq baby back ribs with potato salad.
I charged my solar gnome lamps in full sunshine. Hopefully, they will work tonight.
2025 Finalist Author of the Year badge
Author Emma Palova’s book signing events
Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, June 28 & 29
Participating authors
Emma Palova, Jean Davis, Vera West, Ingar Rudholm, Richard Nelson, Michael Carrier, Elizabeth Wehman, Laurie Salisbury, Sue Merrel. Janet Vormitag, Andrew Smith, Craig Matthew, Robert Muladore, Suse Wilcox, Joan Young, Lori Hudson, Rhonda Accardo, K M McIntyre, Debbie Tebbe, Stefanie Gilmore, Amy Piper, and Lisa Romence.
Czech and Slovak 46th Annual Festival, Sokol Cultural Center, July 19 & 20, Detroit
Saugatuck Village Square Art Fair, Saugatuck, July 26
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Butler Street
https://www.saugatuckdouglasartclub.org/villagesquare2020.html
50th Annual Art in the Park, Lake Odessa, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise, UP, Aug. 15 to Aug. 17
Rockford Art in the Park, Rockford, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saugatuck Art in the Park, Saugatuck, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Copyright (c)2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
We honor the veterans who served our country
Memorial Day at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell
Ringing the bell for the veterans lost since last year to the eerie drumroll followed by TAPS.
Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025
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Hollywood Gala Author of the Year 2025
Dear Emma,
It is with deep respect and admiration that we congratulate you — you’ve officially been selected as a Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025 at the International Impact Book Awards, in the category of Non-Fiction – Cultural & Historical Memoir.
Your work was reviewed among hundreds of exceptional entries, and your message rose to the top. This recognition is more than a ranking — it’s a reflection of the impact your voice has had on readers, on the judging panel, and on the world of thought leadership.
You’ve done something most people only dream about: you’ve written a powerful book, you’ve put your truth on paper, and you’ve created something that moved others. That is no small thing. This moment is yours.
What Happens Next
The Author of the Year winner in your category will be announced live on stage at our Hollywood Gala on October 4th, 2025 — an unforgettable evening honoring thought leaders and changemakers from around the world.
We would be truly honored to celebrate this milestone with you in person. Finalists in attendance will receive:
A finalist certificate
An achievement medal
Recognition on stage during the ceremony among peers, media, and industry leaders.
More importantly, this is your moment, a chance to stand in a room of excellence and be acknowledged for the work you’ve already done.
We understand not everyone can attend, and we respect that deeply. However, in fairness to all finalists, if the winning author in any category is not present, the award will be presented to the next finalist in attendance.
A Night to Remember — and a Platform to Grow
The International Impact Book Awards Gala isn’t just a celebration — it’s a once-a-year opportunity to grow your brand, elevate your credibility, and be seen by the media, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
Our team has poured every ounce of heart, labor, and intention into planning this event to honor you and every author selected. We would love for you to be part of it.
Explore the Gala details and reserve your ticket here:
👉 https://internationalimpactbookawards.com/hollywood-gala/
Whether you’re able to join us in person or cheering from afar, know this: you are already seen, already celebrated, and already a winner in our eyes.
With deep respect and warm congratulations,
Nim Stant
Founder, International Impact Book Awards
I would like to thank everyone for voting for me in the memoir category.
Copyright (c)2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
Vote for author Emma Palova by April 30
I’m a contender in the International Impact Book Awards for author of the year for my book Greenwich Meridian Memoir.
The memoir tracks our two-generation saga about the escape from former Czechoslovakia to the USA.
What I consider unique about the book is that each family member gives his or her POV of what happened to us.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
AI and Authors in 2025
🎙️ LIVE NOW!
Episode “AI and Authors in 2025” is out on For the Love of Books Podcast!
Join us as we dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of writing, publishing, and creativity.
Streaming on all major podcast platforms — tune in today! 📚🤖
#ForTheLoveOfBooksPodcast #AIandAuthors #AuthorLife2025
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