Wandering Jellyfish hosts first holiday author fair

Jane Austen, by way of the character Caroline Bingley said, "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading." This is a sentiment shared by many bookworms and writers alike, and it's also a sentiment expressed by a few of the authors at the Wandering Jellyfish's holiday author fair last Saturday.

Instead of the formal book readings the shop has previously hosted, Saturday was an opportunity for authors to connect with their readers, chat with customers and sign books. There, local author Julie Hedlund said, "I really do believe books saved my life. I lived inside of them and I always loved writing...it's so essential to give [children] chances to look at all these words contained in these stories and find something that they can connect with."

The shop, which is located in the historic Niwot Tribune building in old town Niwot, was bustling with customers. Some of them could be found chatting away with authors while others browsed the shelves, looking for their next read. Outside, the holiday parade drew to a close and stragglers wandered into the Wandering Jellyfish and other 2nd Avenue establishments.

"I know that there were people who came in specifically for this but I also know it's because of the parade," said co-owner Jerilyn Patterson. "What I've noticed about Niwot in general is when there's events, people love to come into shops. It's amazing."

This was a sentiment shared by featured author Jeannie Mobley. "Community events like this bring everybody out," she said. "Keeping local businesses alive and thriving is important to maintaining a community." Mobley, a self-proclaimed daydreamer, started writing to put her dreams on paper, but also to inspire people to read.

Mobley was central to the event given that she was part of the inspiration for it. Patterson and Carissa Mina, the other co-owner of the shop, said Mobley approached them about her latest book, "The Diamond Keeper," which was released mid-November. Wanting to celebrate her book alongside other authors, the Wandering Jellyfish was sold on the idea of bringing writers together for a holiday-timed event.

"We hope that anyone who comes into our store will enjoy meeting the many talented authors and illustrators that live in our beautiful state," they said. "And perhaps even discover a new favorite book in the process."

In total, four authors were featured, and they rotated through the shop over the course of the two-hour event. Beth Andersonn explained that she was invited to participate and thought it was a great opportunity. When asked about the event, she said it was "lovely, fun. [There are] lots of people interested in books." For her, it's satisfying to see how children react to her stories; previously, she worked as a teacher, but turned to writing in 2013, always having loved the craft.

Todd Mitchell, another featured author, expressed a similar sentiment. "I always loved stories and making up stories. It wasn't until late in college that I thought about becoming a writer." He said that his favorite part of both being an author and attending events like this was the opportunity to interact with young readers and writers. "I think creativity is something that's intrinsically beneficial and the more we create, the more we become aware of the world around us."

This laid-back, interpersonal atmosphere was the goal for Patterson and Mina. They said that while they recognize the holidays are busy, they still wanted to provide opportunities for readers to interact with authors. "Folks can pop in, say hi, browse the store, and get books signed on their own timetable," they said.

Ultimately, they hope that these types of events inspire both kids and adults by meeting the authors, while also showcasing the local talent in the literary community.

There will be another author fair on Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for more information, please visit the shop's website at: https://www.twjbookshop.com/events