A Wonderful Evening at Cruisin’ Grand with IYANWA

This past Friday was absolutely brilliant. I had the joy of joining the community at Helen’s Bookmark during the beloved Cruisin’ Grand event on Grand Avenue in Escondido. The energy was buzzing, classic cars lined the street, and I was honored to share my book IYANWA with so many wonderful readers.

Both hardcover and softcover editions of IYANWA found their way into new hands, and it was such a gift to connect with readers of all ages who were curious about Izzy’s journey and the magical world she steps into. Meeting families, young readers, and fellow book lovers reminded me of why I write: stories bring us together, spark imagination, and create conversations that linger long after the night ends.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Helen’s Bookmark for welcoming me into your beautiful shop and

giving me the chance to be part of the fun. Independent bookstores like Helen’s are the heart of local communities, and it was inspiring to see so many people stopping in, discovering books, and supporting local authors.

Events like Cruisin’ Grand show just how vibrant Escondido’s creative community is, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. If you missed this event, don’t worry, I'll be back one friday in September (TBD).

Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re in the area, be sure to swing by Helen’s Bookmark on your next visit—you never know what stories you’ll discover!