October Updates: Salem & National Indie Author Day

Happy October, readers! Is it just us, or does October seem like the very best time of year to get wrapped up in a book? Maybe it’s the sudden chill in the air (which, frankly, we haven’t really experienced yet here in NJ!), the “spooky” feeling we get as Halloween approaches, or the fact that days are getting shorter and we’re spending more time indoors. Whatever it is, we’re so glad to “live in a world where there are Octobers!” (Anyone a fan of Anne of Green Gables? Author L.M. Montgomery is credited for coming up with this quote, which you’re probably seeing all over Instagram lately!)

Speaking of authors, our very own sci-fi author Jess recently traveled to the birthplace of famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. What better place is there to spend a weekend in October than Salem, MA? There, she and her husband celebrated their first wedding anniversary by checking out The House of Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, and plenty of other destinations in the author’s birth city. It’s no surprise he found inspiration for works as dark as The Scarlet Letter here. Salem has a truly disturbing history, and while you might think you’re familiar with everything there is to know about the Witch Trials, a tour of the city (Jess recommends Spellbound Tours in particular!) will quickly change your mind.

If you ever go, be sure to check out some of the area’s best shops, including Roost & Company, Witch City Wicks, Turtle Alley Chocolates II, and of course, the local book stores: Wicked Good Books and Pyramid Books. Witch Tees has some great merch, too! As far as dining goes, don’t miss out on Rockafellas, where you can sample the seasonally-appropriate neon-green cider with hints of jalapeño aptly named Ectoplasm (brewed right at Far From The Tree, a brewery right in Salem). Brothers Taverna is also great for grabbing a drink or quick bite to eat.

Of course, you could also plan a trip to Wayne, NJ, where you’ll find your favorite sci-fi authors featured at Wayne Public Library to participate in the second annual Indie Author Day on Saturday, Oct. 14th! Libraries all around the world will partake in the event, which spotlights indie authors from the local community. For more information, visit Wayne Public Library online. We hope to see you there, and look forward to meeting local readers and fellow indie authors alike!