write-brained scribbler – robin maderich – write-brained scribbler and crafter-on-the-loose

News for 2026

The Anniversary Edition of Faith and Honor (written as Robin Maderich) is coming in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th! Originally released in 1989, my debut novel as a published author with Warner Books has been updated for re-release. The story is set in Boston during the early days of the Revolution. She’s a patriot, he’s a Tory spy, and love, my dear readers, is their perilous destiny.

Check back for more about this exciting event. (Also, funny thing, but the photo above this post reminds me of when I first started writing Faith and Honor–on a typewriter! Eventually, a good friend borrowed a “computer” from work for me to finish the book on. You should have seen that thing. One component with a tiny square screen to the right side on the front, greenish background, amber type. Whewee. Oh, and the floppy disk was…ahem, seriously floppy.)

Books, readers, life, joy

I can’t say enough about readers. I had another book signing yesterday (with Autumn Jordon) at the Barnes and Noble at the Lehigh Valley Mall. The people who came up to our table were entertaining, gracious, funny, interesting, respectful, just absolutely wonderful.

It has been the same everywhere we (or she or I–depending on whether we’ve been solo or together on a book signing) go. Book lovers, and even those who professed to not having read in a while, gave us their valuable time, not only conversing about our books on the table, but about so much of their lives. I am honored by their enthusiasm and trust.

Sometimes I just wonder…

There are scammers everywhere. I was contacted right here on this blogsite for this one. So, posting a warning to other writers out there, or just anyone in general, since there’s likely a scamming plot afoot for every walk of life. (This one appears to be coming out of Nigeria, if my view stats are any indication. They certainly coincided with the contact.)

My arm has been twisted…

It has been suggested I do a post about my book signings, just in case any of you out there might live in NE Pennsylvania or nearby and have the time to check out an upcoming signing. So, here is a list of all my events scheduled to date Some of these are at places with other attractions, such as crafts, and, um, booze, lol. Hope to see you there!

September 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Craft Fair at Yenser’s Family Farm (1910 Mahoning Drive East, Lehighton, PA)

October 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the HA Craft Fair (1600 Sans Souci Parkway Hanover Township 18706)

Easton Book Fest – October 19, 2025, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sigal Museum (342 Northampton Street, Easton PA)

Madness Distillery, November 1, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., (6565 Interchange Road, Lehighton PA).

Author Fair – Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown PA, November 8, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble Center Valley, PA -November 9, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lehigh Valley Barnes & Noble, November 16, 2025, time TBD

Schnecksville Craft Fair – December 13, 2025, from 11:00 – 3:00, at the Schnecksville Fire Company, 4550 Old Packhouse Rd, Schnecksville, PA.

Barnes & Noble Center Valley, PA – December 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Conundrum, anyone?

First off, I stand by my use of the word conundrum. Merriam Webster lists the meaning for this word as: (noun) an intricate and difficult problem. And, for me only perhaps, the following is just that.

As an author, it’s sometimes hard to gain credibility. To become known, seen, heard, even. Often, I see authors about which I know little, but who will identify themselves as best-selling author so and so. Or award-winning author. Or internationally published author. And I think, great for them! Really. Those are excellent and brag-worthy achievements.

And then I think–

I am all those things, too.

Sharing my excitement

[Apologies, all. I apparently tossed away a year, by putting 2026 instead of 2025 in all the book signing dates listed below. I have adjusted them now. One wonders where one’s head has wandered off to, for sure!]

I know I post about upcoming events on my News and Events page, but I figured I’d mention the below in a blog post, in case you never get as far as my News and Event page, lol.

This Fall is going to be a busy time for me (I’m hoping). There will be book signing events at multiple places, and not only at bookstores, so please check the News and Events page in the upcoming days. Meeting my readers, or just readers in general–whether they’re mine or not–is always an exciting time for me.

The signings are going to be taking place in Bucks County, Lehigh County, Carbon County, Berks County, and anywhere in that vicinity. So, if you have a hankering to meet little ol’ me, or to purchase a signed copy of any of my books, please feel free to stop by and of these events.

And if you need any further inspiration to do so, books signed by the author make great holiday gifts for the readers in your life!

Book Signing – Local Author Event at Quakertown Alive! October 18, 2025, from 10:oo a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Broad Street, Quakertown PA. I will be selling and signing copies of all four books in the Connor Falls Christmas series, Hurry Home for Christmas, I Knew in a Moment, and When the Heart Brings You Home. The fourth book, The Garland Ball, does not officially release until November 4th, but you will be able to buy copies at the event, as well! My fellow author, Autumn Jordon, will be sharing the table with me, selling and signing her books (romance and romantic suspense–and yes, they’re good!).

This is an outside event. In case of rain, the event will take place on October 25, 2025, same place, same time.

Celebration!

July 14th is the third anniversary of the first book’s release in the Shadow Journey series. The Shadows We Make made its debut on that day. I can’t believe it’s been three years since this journey (no pun intended) began!

Since then, The Thrice-Gifted Child, The Sleeping Myth, and the fourth and final book, In Darkness We Break have been released. This YA series–although not only for the teen audience, which many can attest to–has been a source of excitement and joy for me. I LOVE these characters in ways I’ve never fallen for any of my characters in the past.

Many people have asked if there will be more books in the series. I’ve talked about doing a collection of back stories, but I’ve delayed, because honestly, I think they need a whole new quest in their lives.

Not right now, though. I have several other books I am working on. But I am, indeed, teetering on the edge of a return to the strange, alien world with ties to our own in which the Shadow Journey series is set. It’s calling me more strongly than I would ever have expected.

However, I’ve gotten off topic. I was talking about an anniversary celebration. There is, of course, another anniversary in the near future. The anniversary of the last book’s release. But that’s a discussion for another day. As far as this one, the covers for all the e-books in the series have been remade with illustrations by a talented young illustrator named Hampton Lamoureux. So, I am sharing them here with you all. The more I look at them, the more I think they are FABULOUS! 🙂

And if this post has inspired you to read the series, please let me know what you think of it! You can also find out more at my Jo Allen Ash website (joallenash.com).

Christmas thoughts in May

Anyone who’s read less than half my blogs will still recognize how much I love the Christmas holidays. It’s May now. May 22nd, to be exact, and the temperature at 12:06 is still 49 degrees. I’m debating with myself as my fingers grow chill and I put tights on under my sweats, whether I should turn the heat back on. It is in the low 60s here in the house and the temperatures aren’t going to get any better outside over the next several days. And it’s raining. Did I mention that?

I’m thinking I wouldn’t be too off-base saying it’s darned chilly. In the meantime, my darling cousin Pattie is lounging outside in shorts and a tee shirt expecting a high of 91 (in Georgia, before you get too excited).

Fun news

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, 5:30 to 7:00, I will proudly be one of the many authors attending the Local Author Reception at The End: a bookstore at The End: a Bookstore (3055 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown PA). This is a unique opportunity to meet with local authors, not behind a table, but mingling with the readers who come seeking new books to read. It should be loads of fun, as there are quite a few authors who write on a variety of topics attending.

My Christmas-themed book, I Knew in a Moment, (light romance, heavier on family dynamics, friendship, Christmas) will also be for sale at the store that evening for me to sign for you or as a gift for someone. Since the book is part of the Connor Falls Christmas series, you can save it to savor during the holidays or give it to a friend as a special gift. Better still, enjoy the book yourself in the heat of summer! As you all know, I love Christmas-y things any time of the year!

Some additional news: I’ve started a Connor Falls Christmas website (which is more active as books comes out and, of course, closer to the holiday season). You can check it out at Connor Falls Christmas.com

Thought for the Day

Oh, yes! (Thanks for the affirmation, whoever posted this on FB.)