Published: July 3, 2023 | Read Time: 5 Minutes
For the readers, writers, and ever-curious minds in your crew, Seabrook is a must-visit destination this year. Join us to experience our first annual Beachside Author Series with author meet and greets, writing workshops, readings, and book signings. Events are free to all to enjoy!
The first author’s weekend was perfect for little readers with four award-winning, beloved children’s authors coming together to share stories, answer questions, and sign books. The afternoon brought beautiful book displays, cozy rugs for kids to sit on, and a laid-back atmosphere that made the event fun and educational to attend. Book-themed food and drinks were provided by The Belfry team.
“I got to be part of the first event in the Seabrook Author series and assembled a panel of four accomplished authors for young readers—a Newbery winner, a National Book Award Finalist, a Washington State Book Award winner, and an author who makes unparalleled fart jokes (all of which are important to kids),” says Seabrook homeowner and award-winning author, Martha Brockenbrough. “Seabrook put on an extraordinary event, with custom beverages and snacks, beautiful signage, and a gorgeous location at The Belfry. This is an amazing thing for our guests and Seabrook residents … the chance to meet authors, get signed books, and learn the fascinating stories behind the books.”
The Seabrook team is honored to have had Martha participate in the kickoff event for the series and appreciates her support and insight for this vision.
“I’ve been a Seabrook homeowner for about six years now, and have hosted many retreats for aspiring writers in my home, the Lookout,” says Martha. “I’d often thought that Seabrook would be a perfect place for a book festival—there’s nothing better than books and beaches. That was too big of a project for me to take on myself, and I was thrilled that Seabrook has embraced this opportunity.”
Seabrook has long been a special place for writers and creators. Over the years several authors have spent days to weeks on property finding inspiration, writing essays, screenplays, and working on novels. Martha even based her newly released middle grade book on a discombobulated version of Seabrook. As far as getaways go, there is no better place to read than the beach. Whether that means lying on a towel in the sand soaking up the sun, or cozied up inside by the fire on a rainy day.
Early this year the idea of hosting one author in town over summer quickly expanded into launching a full series of celebrated best-selling and award-winning authors of all genres. The Seabrook team wanted to offer something for everyone, and there were many amazing writers interested in being part of it. Thus, the Seabrook Beachside Author Series was born.
In June, Seabrook hosted New York Times bestselling pop culture author and journalist, Chuck Klosterman. The crowd was captivated by his stories and journey as a writer, and laughed for well over an hour.
If you missed the first two events, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 15th for a reading, Q&A session, and book signing by the award-winning author, Kobi Yamada.
“How wonderful that Seabrook has created the Beachside Author Series this summer!” Kobi says. “I can’t think of a better place I’d rather be. I look forward to connecting with readers at this idyllic Washington gem nestled by the ocean.”
The Beachside Author Series comes to Seabrook as a way to enrich the literary experience and bring people together who share a love for the written word. Readers get the unique opportunity to connect with writers of their favorite books and get firsthand insights as to the writing process, themes, inspiration, and so much more. Seabrook has also partnered with Joie Des Livres, the local bookstore, to bring the joy of books right into each event with a variety of copies available to preorder or purchase at each event.
A quick tip from Martha: For those who are new to attending author events, you don’t have to buy anything. You can just be there and enjoy time with other readers. Having a signed book (and maybe a custom cocktail) makes it even more fun, but there is no pressure ever to buy.
Check out the details below for information on the series events.
The Beachside Author Series Lineup
Don’t miss out on the upcoming author series! Admission is always free with the option to purchase food, beverages, and books at each event.
Saturday, July 15th | 1:00 PM | Growler’s Alley
Join bestselling children’s and adult author for reading, Q&A, and book signing. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Kobi Yamada – Multiple New York Times best selling author of the award-winning: What Do You Do With An Idea?, What Do You Do With A Problem?, Maybe, Feeling Grateful, Because I Had a Teacher, and more.
Friday, July 28th | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Vista Bakeshop
Join three best selling and award-winning authors for an intimate Writers Workshop in Vista Bakeshop’s expanded space.
From Idea Spark to Writing Ready
Three best selling, multi-published authors, Rachel Linden, Katherine Reay, and Marie Bostwick explain the three essential elements that will help you put flesh on the bones of an idea for a novel, memoir, or nonfiction book and set you up for writing success.
Saturday, July 29th | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Growler’s Alley
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Speed Date With Your Next Great Read
Meet best selling authors Marie Bostwick, Rachel Linden, and Katherine Reay for an hour of rapid fire recommendations of some really terrific books they’re sure you’ll love. Meet and greet and book signing to follow.
2:00 – 2:30 PM Book Signing
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Under the Covers: Three Bestselling Authors Share the Stories Behind Their Stories (plus stuff you never knew about the world of publishing)
Katherine Reay, Marie Bostwick, and Rachel Linden will share their personal stories of the road from writing wannabees to best-selling authors, plus the inspiration and backstories of their latest books, and give you a backstage peek at the publishing world.
Marie Bostwick – A New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of nineteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe. Her new book Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly released May 30th.
Rachel Linden – Best-selling author of The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks.
Katherine Reay – National best selling and award-winning author of twelve novels. Her new book, A Shadow in Moscow, released June 13.
Saturday, August 26th | 1:00 PM | Growler’s Alley
Join in for a reading, Q&A session, and book signing. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Tae Keller – Newbery award winning and New York Times best-selling author of Jennifer Chan is Not Alone, When You Trap a Tiger, and The Science of Breakable Things.
Saturday, September 16th | 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM | The Belfry At Seabrook
Kayla Miller – Beloved children’s/young adult graphic novel author and illustrator of the New York Times best selling Click graphic novel series and co-author of its spin-off series, Besties.
10:00 AM Sign up for a special hands-on comic drawing workshop with award-winning author Kayla Miller, visiting us from her home in New York City
2:00 PM – Join author for a Q&A, and book signing at 2:00 PM. Refreshments provided.
Saturday, October 14th | 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM; 7:30 PM | The Belfry At Seabrook
Elise Hooper – Acclaimed author of Angels of the Pacific, Fast Girls, and The Other Alcott.
Stop by The Belfry at 7:30 PM for trivia night!
2:30 PM – Join historical fiction author for a Q&A, and book signing. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
7:30 PM – Trivia night with Elise Hooper at The Belfry
There’s Still Time To Book A Summer Getaway
Unwind and take in outdoor adventures in Seabrook this summer! Check out the new shops, restaurants, updated sports courts, and more with a vacation in a wide variety of rental homes.