Reading Series
People ask …. How did the TWIN GARDEN READING SERIES begin?
… One day while the garden was was still growing in, (my writer’s shed not yet conceived,) my play, “5 Mojo Secrets” was being produced at The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, and the theater was closed for rehearsals. Suzanne Douglass and John Douglass Thompson, the magnificent actors, asked if they could run lines in the garden.
… Meanwhile, I was working on my first book, “A MARTHA’S VINEYARD LOVE STORY,” with my co-author Skip Finley, a love story about the Island. After we published it, we did readings all over the island, libraries, bookstores, the beach and Skip asked … why not in your garden?!
… Meanwhile the garden kept growing. My little writers shed was built, where I wrote my next book, (ghost-written for DUKE FAKIR – of the FOUR TOPS,) “I’ll Be There.”
… Summers flourished on the island. I attended book readings given by publishers, newspapers, book stores and the book industry. All stimulating, great events, but something was missing.
… An idea began taking root. A reading series for authors who live and work on the island. For the community who loves listening and creating work.Islanders and visitors who enjoy the process of writing. Perhaps, the author’s work is already out in the world. Perhaps, it is not published yet, still on the page waiting for an audience. Vineyarders love reading, books, and authors. Perhaps, they might welcome a place to experience literature blooming and growing. A place that celebrates the aspiration and dedication of writers. And affirms the act of writing itself.
… Last year THE TWIN GARDEN READING SERIES bloomed—- from my mind’s eye into an amazingly rapt audience, listening to five wonderful authors and demanding invitations for more…
… This year, 2026, we reprised it twice more. The audience grew, listening to the writers reading diverse interesting work, from poetry, erotica, fiction, memoir, science fantasy, and historical fiction, with Mother Nature nurturing us all. The Twin Garden Reading Series grew beyond my expectations. The circle expanded with the audience spilling onto the side lawn and my veranda!