Local authors to highlight Berkshire’s ‘Blueberry and Book Festival’

Continuing with the Berkshire Blueberry and Book Festival’s list of “local authors”, whose works will be featured at the festival planned for July 22, are third time participant Michaele Stoughton and first timers Sheri McCall and Linda Shields.

Shari McCall is an avid reader and loves all types of books, well, all but scary books. She has been writing children’s stories for many years and finally summoned the courage to put one into print.  

With illustrator Ramir Quintana, she has written a colorfully depicted story of a young boy who overcomes his fears in A Boy, A Bear, and a Bump in the Night. This book should be on the “favorites list” of all young families.

Memories of Bill Lawrence by Linda Shields tells both her father’s life story, as well as that of Owego’s long time fixture on Lake Street, Bandler, Stiles and Keyes. Shields was inspired to write the memoire by her sons’ reminisces of their grandfather and the business.   

Many will remember purchasing their Boy Scout uniforms or their first suit and tie at the store known for its quality menswear. Everyone interested in Owego history will enjoy the book and its many photos. 

M.L. Stoughton has been an ice-cream scooper, a wedding DJ, a balloon-toting clown, a travel agent and a dental assistant. Now she adds author to that list. Michaele is married, with two beautiful daughters and a menagerie of pets. She lives in upstate New York and loves all things paranormal – especially when there’s kissing.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America with a two-book paranormal romance series. Pleasantwick is the story of a 16-year-old girl who meets a boy from a hidden magical society. But then finds herself in the middle of a war with a target on her back, and in love with a boy she may never see again. The story concludes in the exciting sequel, Pleasantwick Falling. The war may be over, but the magical balance has yet to be restored and if it doesn’t happen soon, this could be the end of Pleasantwick as they know it.

The 3rd Annual Berkshire Blueberry and Book Festival will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Free Library, Fire Station, and Community Hall on Route 38 at the corner of Jewett Hill Road. Blueberry pancakes will be served from 7 to 10 a.m. and a chicken BBQ starting at noon in the Fire Station with live music, an art show, craft and food vendors, children’s activities and more.