On September 19, 2026, I had the pleasure of taking part in the Regional Authors Event, part of the Milford Readers & Writers Festival, held under the outdoor tent in front of the Milford Theater in Milford, Pennsylvania.

This day felt especially meaningful to me.

For nearly twelve years, I’ve lived near Milford, but I discovered the Milford Readers & Writers Festival only three years ago. Since then, it has become an event I look forward to – a place filled with books, conversations, workshops, inspiring panels, and people who share a love of stories and ideas.

After publishing Karina: One Woman’s Journey from Fear to Freedom last October, I started wondering what it would be like to experience the festival from the other side – not only as someone sitting in the audience, but as one of the authors sharing her own story.

This year, that wish became reality.

Together with nineteen other regional authors, I had the opportunity to present my book, meet readers, reconnect with familiar faces, and become part of an event I had admired for the past few years.

And yet, when I think back on that Saturday, what stays with me most isn’t simply the fact that I was there as an author.

✨ Sometimes, it’s all about others! ✨
And so it was at the Regional Authors Event, part of the Milford Readers & Writers Festival.

I left with four new books, each with a thoughtful dedication for its recipient. I made new connections, saw familiar faces from other events, and met a reader who came looking for me. That last moment truly made my day. 🤎

What can I say? It’s always worth showing up, sharing what matters to me, and talking about my passion for living a meaningful life.

Perhaps that is one of the things I value most about events like this. Books may bring us together, but it is the people, conversations, unexpected encounters, and connections that make each event unique.

A few years ago, I came to the Milford Readers & Writers Festival simply because I was curious and wanted to listen and learn. This year, I stood there with my own book and my own story to share.

And somewhere among all those books and conversations was a reader who came specifically looking for me.

I don’t think I could have asked for a better reminder of why it is always worth showing up.

Thank you to the Milford Readers & Writers Festival for making this event happen! ✨