A Magical Afternoon at Elmont Memorial Library
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- By Lisa Dolan
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What began as an author presentation became an afternoon filled with laughter, storytelling, Brooklyn memories, enthusiastic raffle winners, and a little unexpected Magic. Lisa and Jim Dolan look back at their wonderful visit to the Elmont Memorial Library.
Author Event Recap
A Magical Afternoon at The Elmont Memorial Library
An afternoon of books, Brooklyn memories, laughter, and a little bit of Magic!
Jim and I sharing the stories, memories, and inspiration behind The Brooklyn Witch.
From the moment Jim and I arrived at the Elmont Memorial Library, we knew it was going to be a special afternoon. The room had been arranged so beautifully and professionally, with everything ready to welcome guests for our conversation about The Brooklyn Witch: The Battle for Brooklyn.
Of course, I could not resist adding one final touch of my own. I placed witch hats along the top shelf of the coat racks and immediately cracked myself up. Sometimes a room just needs a little extra Magic.
“Every library visit reminds me why I wrote this story.”
Lisa Dolan
Stories Behind the Story
Jim and I presented together, much as we do on our podcast, sharing the real memories, family traditions, Brooklyn locations, and bits of folklore that helped shape the world of The Brooklyn Witch. I also read from the novel, and we opened the conversation to questions from the audience.
One person asked whether I use experiences from my own life in the book. Another wanted to know how I choose a real person who might inspire a fictional character, such as the woman who owned the coffee shop. Those questions gave us the opportunity to talk about the way memory and imagination work together. A person, a place, or a small moment from real life may provide the first spark, but the character eventually grows into someone entirely their own.
My Favorite Moment
My favorite moment came when the conversation turned to Downtown Brooklyn. Audience members began calling out the places they remembered and loved. Even the library custodian joined in to share a favorite pastry shop.
Suddenly, it was no longer simply Jim and me talking about Brooklyn. The entire room was sharing its own Brooklyn stories. That sense of recognition and connection is one of the reasons I wrote this book. The neighborhoods may change, but the memories people carry with them remain very much alive.
A Raffle Winner Who Really Wanted That Book Bag
The energy in the room became even more exciting when it was time to draw the raffle tickets. Signed copies of The Brooklyn Witch were waiting for their new owners, along with “Take the Cannoli and Leave the Magic” stickers and several handmade fabric book bags I had created especially for the event.
When I called one winning number, an audience member jumped from her seat and screamed with excitement. She wanted one of those handmade book bags that badly. Her reaction made the entire room laugh and turned the drawing into one of the most joyful moments of the afternoon.
With Gratitude to Elmont
Jim and I are deeply grateful to the Elmont Memorial Library for welcoming us so warmly. Thank you to Director Jean Simpson, Sonya Jones, Steve Harsch (many, many thanks to Steve) and the entire library staff for the thoughtful planning, beautiful setup, and genuine enthusiasm that made the day feel so special.
Thank you as well to everyone who attended, asked questions, shared memories, laughed with us, and joined us in celebrating books, Brooklyn, family, and imagination.
Click any photograph to open a larger version.
Until Our Next Magical Afternoon
Every author event has its own personality. This one was filled with warmth, curiosity, laughter, and the kind of shared storytelling that makes a room full of people feel like old friends.
I hope this was our first of many visits to The Elmont Memorial Library.
Enter the World of The Brooklyn Witch✨ Take the Cannoli and Leave the Magic. ✨
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