Latest Book + Upcoming Events
Telling lyrical stories that celebrate joy, expand understanding, and foster compassion . . .
ripening time
illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera
Coming April 2025 with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group
“Delectable prose and jewel-toned illustrations come together as a young narrator counts down until a bunch of plantains are ripe enough for eating. . . . The suspense yields a satisfying ending (“One week behind me./ One plate before me.”), as Aguilera uses rich, saturated colors to create a domestic world filled with flowers and produce, amplifying the sensory-rich storytelling.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Upcoming Book Events
A Celebration of Author Patrice Gopo
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Traverse City, MI
This free event is a partnership between Interlochen and National Writers Series. As the recently announced winner of the inaugural Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award, given out by Interlochen Center for the Arts, I will be in conversation with bestselling author and National Writers Series co-founder Doug Stanton.
Ripening Time Storytime @ Grow Cafe
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 2pm
5342 Docia Crossing Road, Charlotte, NC 28269 Suite B
Bring the little ones for a fun-filled Ripening Time storytime event! Open to the public.
Ripening Time Launch Event with Main Street Books in Davidson
@ The Davidson Farmers Market
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10am (Indie Bookstore Day!)
120 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
Everyone is welcome to come help me launch this delicious and joyful book with Main Street Books in Davidson! The actual event will take place near the bookstore at the Davidson Farmers Market. And for added yummy fun, the Davidson Farmers Market Kids Club will be hosting a tasting of fried plantains!! Open to the public.
Ripening Time Storytime @ The Writer's Block Bookstore & Cafe
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 3pm
3956 Spenard Rd., Anchorage, AK 99517
Bring the little ones for a fun-filled Ripening Time storytime event! Open to the public.
Ripening Time Book Signing @ Park Road Books
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:30am
4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Stop by to discover the difference between plantains & bananas, pick up a cute sticker, and get a signed copy of Ripening Time! A perfect book for a Mother’s Day weekend. Open to the public.
Greensboro Bound Literary Festival
Saturday, May 17, 2025
downtown Greensboro, NC
As a featured children’s book author, I will be sharing Ripening Time. More details coming soon!
Ripening Time Storytime @ Grow Cafe
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 2pm
5342 Docia Crossing Road, Charlotte, NC 28269 Suite B
Bring the little ones for a fun-filled Ripening Time storytime event! Open to the public.
Ripening Time Storytime @ Fred & June's Books
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10:15am
248 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Bring the little ones for a fun-filled Ripening Time storytime event! Open to the public.
Ripening Time Storytime @ Mint Hill Library
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 11:15am
6840 Matthews - Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill NC 28227
Bring the little ones for a fun-filled Ripening Time storytime event! (Please note: this event is open to the public and part of the Mint Hill Library Weekly Preschool Storytime)
Ripening Time Author Event @ Barnes & Noble Carolina Place Mall
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 11am -2pm
11025 Carolina Place, Pineville, NC 28134
Stop by to discover the difference between plantains & bananas, pick up a cute sticker, and get a signed copy of Ripening Time! Open to the public.
Upcoming Classes & workshops
Wildacres Writers Workshop
July 5-12, 2025
Little Switzerland, NC
I will be teaching Crafting Compelling Personal Essays. Through daily craft discussions about topics such as the parts of the essay and the importance of structure, participants will learn tools to help them write effective and satisfying essays. These daily craft discussions will often include a generative writing activity. Our final day will leave time for conversation about the business of writing and publishing essays.
