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| The shirt says: I write books, what's your superpower? Glendale, February 14-15 2026 - Chocolate Affaire find BWL Books here amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
I forgot how much fun it is to do an impromptu book signing.
Glendale AZ is always sponsoring special events. One of the most popular is the CHOCOLATE AFFAIRE, a long tradition which started with the local Cerretta Candy Factory, and taking place around Valentine’s Day.
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| 2013 - old covers tell the story. Chocolate on the table, of course. amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
Before the pandemic, this event was held in Murphy Park, on the lawn around the old library, with vendors, food trucks, climbing towers, chocolate of course, live music, dancing, late night activities with glittering lights, and local romance writers signing their books for the duration.
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| 2014 Chocolate Affaire Glendale, AZ amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
As a member of a local authors group, I had been signing at this event since my first book was published, and I did it for many years. Then the pandemic changed everything. It became a small indoors event, geared for children, with none of the hoopla that attracted so many people, no night activities… and no authors signing their books.
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| 2018 Chocolate Affaire, Glendale AZ amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
This year, although it was still indoors and small, a well-known Antiques store (2 Share a unique boutique) decided to take advantage of the special event’s traffic and organize an author signing during these two days, in front of its entrance. The owner happened to be with us when we met with Jude in Arizona in late January, and she asked Dani Petrone and me to be the signing authors. We enthusiastically accepted.
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| 2017 Chocolate Affaire - Glendale AZ amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
After rushing to order the new titles, and Jude being wonderful as usual, making sure they would arrive on time, Dani and I filled our long table with our books. Only my latest books, to be sure (I have too many to display them all – It would take more than one table).
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| January 2026 Meeting with Jude (BWL), Dani Petrone, and John Hovey and his wife |
On Saturday, we had a big draw and a little competition, as the window behind us was filled with lovely doggies for adoption (part of the 2 Share rescue program for working K9). Five were adopted that day. Yay!
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| Saturday, February 14, 2026, ready to go, with chocolate on the table. The puppies have not arrived yet. amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
We stood there, outside, from 10-11am to 5pm both days, talking to people about our books, selling a few, handing out postcards, bookmarks, and answering questions about where the Chocolate Affaire was happening, which was a few blocks away.
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| My latest book, CHI WARRIOR, was available there. amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
Some friends came to visit and chat and buy my latest book. Dani and I were so excited, we totally forgot about lunch and survived the whole day on a single can of Coke. These two days were exhausting, but we were happy with the experience.
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| amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo |
The good news is, it looks like next year the Chocolate Affaire will be back in Murphy Park in all its splendor. Looking forward to the outdoors fun.
Happy Reading
Vijaya Schartz, award-winning author
Kick-butt Sci-fi Heroines, cats, romantic elements
