We are a family of readers. It is rare for us to go a day without a book in hand or close by. I like to start and end each day reading as it helps disconnect from the world of screens around us. Our daughter on the other hand, she is like Oliver Jeffers incredible book eating boy story, but the real life version in teenage girl form.

Lynn Painter is from Nebraska, but has ties to Minneapolis and has written a lot about the area in her books. When her new book being released took place in Minnesota and she was coming to town for a book signing, you can’t just pass that experience up. These are my daughter’s words. After much persisting and overcoming the fact that it was on a Tuesday night, we caved and all got in the car for the trek north to see her favorite author.

The event was held in a really cool auditorium on St. Kate’s campus in St. Paul. The whole place was very picturesque and the fall day was adding to the scene. Before the event, I walked around a bit to snap some photos in the fall air.

Lynn came on around 6pm and spoke nearly an hour doing a Q+A session with the audience. By attending, everyone got a copy of her new book that was released as well. It was cool to hear her perspective as well as the array of questions from the crowd. As a kid, she would come to Minnesota to visit family each summer and fell in love with the area. Her new book highlights this love and throwing in the state sport of hockey as well.

After the Q+A session, you had the chance to meet Lynn as well as get your books signed and personalized.

Lynn was super nice and chatted with our kids during their time and answered a ton of questions. Our daughter is an aspiring writer, so it was great for her to ask questions and hear the thrill Lynn had sharing wisdom and knowledge. Her energy and love for the craft is inspiring.

As a parent, I think it is important to help your kids follow their dreams. In this case, our daughter got to meet one of her favorite authors and I know this memory will be with her forever. I was glad we got to do that with her and document the day. It turned out being a fun evening and we still made it home on time for the kids to be in bed for school the next day. Mission accomplished.