Una Vida and Inkberry team up for book launch

Last week’s book review, Hidden Buddha: Lama Rinzen in the Hungry Ghost Realm, was officially released Tuesday. To celebrate, author Jim Ringel, Inkberry Books and Una Vida Meditation & Movement are hosting a joint celebration at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

This is the second in the Lama Rinzen Mystery series, and the first book, 49 Buddhas, won awards for Best Visionary Fiction, Best Religious Fiction and Best Cross Genre Fiction. What sets the series apart, says Ringel, is that his mysteries often lead to more questions and the solutions aren’t always clear cut.

“A lot of mystery books focus on ‘there’s something going on’ and focus on restitution and order,” said Ringel. “I’m kind of trying to approach it from ‘chaos and questions, that is the order.’”

He explained that when he writes, he “settles into the discomfort of the writing experience.” He sees writing as a challenge and when thinking about the plot, really looks to the characters for inspiration. Ringel asks himself what the characters’ internal reactions might be and then what type of external action they might take to then move the plot forward.

“I enjoy those mysteries that are provocative and make me think,” he said.

Ringel has worked with Gene Hayworth and Inkberry Books for many years, and as a practicing Buddhist, meditation is central to both his personal and writing practice. So when Una Vida came to Niwot, it seemed like a natural partnership.

“I met Kristin Dura and was very impressed with what she put together in that space,” Ringel said. “It’s a good way to kind of expose her business. I think it fits in the theme of what I’m trying to explore.”

Admission to Saturday’s event is free and Inkberry Books will have copies of the book for sale at the event.

“I’m really looking forward to people reading it. Ideally, what I’d like is that the book generates discussion and questions.”