With National Novel Writing Month over, I’m emerging from my writing cave for two really fun events in December—besides the Christmas holidays, of course.

First up, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m., I am the featured reader at the Poe House and Museum‘s monthly Authors Series. I will be reading from Mr. Poe’s “MS. Found in a Bottle.” I chose this story because he wrote this in the house on Amity Street and it the winner of the Baltimore Saturday Visiter [sic] writing competition in 1833. He won $50 and his career was launched. The committee choosing his story said, “It will be found highly graphic in its style of composition.

I blanch to think I will follow that up with writing of my own but I will bravely open my own ghost story, inspired by my volunteer hours spent in the front bedroom of this humble home. I’ll introduce readers to Jacky and Tyrone, two lovable ghosts who once abided on this street—in different centuries. I’ll bring copies of this story and my books, too.

Then, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. I’ll share secrets of my writing and research during Donuts and Discussions at the Linthicum Branch of the Anne Arundel County Library. I’m looking forward to talking about my two published books as well as all the works still looking for a publisher.

Both meetings are open to the public. The Poe House charges an admission fee so it can keep those memorable chamber doors open. The library event, although billed as a senior event, is free. And if you want to come, I’m sure there will be room. Tell ’em I invited you.