Join Daniel F. Harrington and me for "The Larchmont Remembered: The Suffering, Depravity and Wonder of RI’s Most Horrific Sea Disaster," in which Dan tells the tale of the night the Larchmont, a wooden, side-wheel steamship, collided with the Harry Knowlton, a three-masted schooner, just off Block Island in zero-degree weather. His presentation covers the story of the ship, its crew, the passengers and the unbelievable stories of survival, panic, murder and, yes, miracles, using digitally restored photos and eyewitness accounts. I then discuss the creation of Frozen Voices, my historical novel based on the Larchmont tragedy. 

The Westerly Library is located at 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI. For more information about this event, please call the library at 401-596-2877 or visit their website at www.westerlylibrary.org

Please join me for another session of my memoir class for URI’s OLLI Program. This is the blurb from OLLI’s catalogue that describes the class:

Classes are held on the URI Campus in the OLLI Building at 210 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881. To register for class, visit their website at https://web.uri.edu/olli or call them at (401) 874-4197.

Woonsocket Harris Library

Thursday, July 18, 2024

6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

On the evening of February 11, 1907, in the frigid waters west of Block Island, the steamship Larchmont, carrying passengers and freight from Providence to New York, collided with the schooner Harry P. Knowlton and sank in less than 15 minutes. It wasn't until the following day that the scale of the disaster and loss of life was discovered. What caused Rhode Island's greatest maritime disaster? What actions, both cowardly and heroic, resulted from the event?

Relive this harrowing tale in vivid detail with Daniel Harrington, former East Providence City Council Member and Providence Journal Columnist. Then join me for an exclusive "Afterward," in which I will discuss Frozen Voices, my historical novel that details the real-life exploits of four people who were aboard the Larchmont the night she sank.

The event is open to the public and free of charge, but registration is required: (401) 769-9044 x1. Don't miss this exciting version of "The Larchmont Remembered!"

If you happen to be looking for something to do in Southern Rhode Island this Thursday, June 27, please consider coming to the Exeter Public Library (773 Ten Rod Rd, Exeter, RI) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a fascinating presentation by historian/journalist Daniel Harrington and me!

Here’s the library’s write-up for the event:

The Sinking of the Larchmont, Rhode Island's Worst Maritime Disaster

On the evening of February 11, 1907, in the frigid waters west of Block Island, the steamship Larchmont, carrying passengers and freight to New York, collided with the schooner Harry P. Knowlton. It wasn't until the following day that the scale of the disaster and loss of life was discovered. What caused Rhode Island's greatest maritime disaster? What actions, both cowardly and heroic, resulted from the event? Relive this harrowing tale with Daniel Harrington, former East Providence City Council Member and Providence Journal Columnist.

Thursday's lecture will feature an exclusive "Afterward" with Lynne Heinzmann, author of Frozen Voices, a historical novel and Fairfield Book Prize winner that details the real-life exploits of four people who were aboard the Larchmont the night it sank. Don't miss this exciting addition to "The Sinking of the Larchmont"!

The event is free of charge, but registration is required: (401) 294-4109

I hope to see you there!

I am super-excited to be part of the Barrington Arts Festival and Community Fair on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., held on the grounds of their historic Town Hall (283 County Road, Barrington, RI). In addition to artists and vendors—like me!, there will be live music and performances by Ocean State Ballet and Arts Alive! Plenty of food trucks will be on hand to supply a wide range of menu options. Kids activities will run 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include face painting, balloon art, bubbles, and painting. The good folks of Barrington are even offering a free shuttle service from the Barrington High School to the Arts Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please stop by for some fun!

On Tuesday, May 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., ten authors—including me!—will be sipping beer and signing books at the Narragansett Brewery, located at 271 Tockwotton Street in Providence, RI. Please stop by to say “Hi!”, buy a book (or two), and have a pint of Narragansett beer with us. Because what else is there to do on a Tuesday night? Hope to see you there!

Scituate Rotary Farmers Market

ARIA AUTHOR EVENT

Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 a.m. to Noon

If you are looking for something to do any Saturday morning from now through September, drive on up to the Scituate Rotary Farmers Market at 46 Institute Lane in North Scituate to buy some fresh produce/meat/bread, participate in fun children’s activities, hear live music, and meet local authors. I’ll be there selling my books from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 11. Stop by and say, “Hi!”

SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A MEMOIR?

ARIA Academy Class

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Via Zoom

If you would like to know more about writing memoir, please consider joining me for this 90-minute online class I am teaching via Zoom.

Class Description: A memoir, unlike an autobiography, is an up-close look at your life that focuses on a particular topic or time period. It might be about why you love playing bluegrass fiddle music so much or what happened during your first year of marriage. A good memoir will reveal what you learned from your experiences as well as provide something meaningful for the reader to think about. In this interactive workshop, we will take a look at some well-written memoirs, examine different ways to organize them, and then try writing an excerpt or two. Join the class with your computer or pen/paper on hand and be prepared to begin your personal memoir journey.

Class fee: $30

Registration: The class is sponsored by ARIA (the Association of Rhode Island Authors) but anyone can attend. To register and pay for the class, visit the ARIA website by clicking HERE.

I hope to see you in class!

To help out one of my favorite little libraries, I’ll be running the 2024 Ukrainian Egg Fundraiser to benefit Davisville Free Library on Saturday, March 23, from Noon to 3 p.m. If you’d like to support the library, please join us that day to make eggs (call the library in advance to register), or purchase one of the already completed eggs displayed at the library (481 Davisville Road, North Kingstown, RI), made by me or my family ($25 donation). If you live too far away to visit in person, call the library to buy an egg and we’ll be happy to mail it to you ($25 donation plus $10 shipping).

Please help support the wonderful Davisville Free Library!

If you are looking for something to do in Rhode Island on any Saturday from now to the end of July, drive on up to the Glocester Heritage Society Building—a.k.a. the Job Armstrong Store—at 1181 Putnam Pike in Chepachet to meet some local authors and buy signed copies of their books at the ARIA Chepachet Local Author Event. Every weekend, several authors will be in the building, talking about their books. I’ll be there from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, and I’m bringing chocolate chip cookies!

If you happen to be out and about on Saturday, February 10, please stop by to see me at Wakefield Books in the Wakefield Mall at 160 Old Tower Hill Road in Wakefield, RI. I will be there from 10 a.m. to noon, signing copies of my books. They’d make great Valentine’s Day presents—just saying!

For those of you who live in the Rhode Island area, make sure to put the ARIA 11th Annual Rhode Island Author Expo on your calendar. On Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 130 local authors will be selling their books in the beautiful ballroom of Warwick’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event is free and open to everyone. I’ll be there all day and will even be part of a panel at 12:15 p.m., discussing how to encourage young authors.

Click here to visit the Expo Facebook page or click here to visit the Expo website. Click here if you’d like to see an alphabetical listing of authors and their table locations.

Hope to see you there!

Please join me and two dozen other published authors from around the Ocean State at Providence’s historic Rochambeau Library for their Local Author Fair. Meet the authors, buy some books, and have them autographed for fabulous Christmas presents. There will be authors of fiction, poetry, local history, other nonfiction, and even children's books. Stop by and say, “Hi!”

Rochambeau Library’s Local Author Fair

Thursday, November 16, 2023

4:00 to 7:30 p.m.

708 Hope Street

Providence, RI 02906

Information: Lee Teverow, Adult Services Librarian - lteverow@clpvd.org / (401) 272-3780

So apparently I am not as hardy as I thought I was... After considering the 3" of rain and the 20 mph wind gusts predicted for today, I've decided not to participate in the Exeter Fall Festival. Please catch me at another event soon. Like the book launch at Davisville Free Library in North Kingstown, RI, on Saturday, September 30 @ 2 p.m. Hope to see you there!

If you are a writer or a reader who has wondered what goes into writing a work of historical fiction, this is your opportunity to find out. On Saturday, October 9, from 4 to 6 p.m., I will be leading a seminar in which we examine successful historical fiction novels, discuss the pros and cons of the genre, and do writing exercises that illustrate the process of incorporating historical people and/or events into a storyline. The class will be held at Books on the Pond, an innovative new book store housed in three beautifully renovated barns located at 289 Narrow Lane, Charlestown, RI. The fee for the class is $20 and light refreshments—including my award-winning chocolate chip cookies—will be served.

Please join us for what promises to be an interesting, literary afternoon. Pre-registration is required: in-store, call/text: (914) 450-9598, or online: https://www.booksonthepond.com/event/fact-vs-fiction-writing-historical-fiction-with-lynne-heinzmann

Please join me for this free online/virtual event via Zoom when I will discuss my historical fiction novel, Frozen Voices, with Providence Public Library staff and guests. I am very excited to be the first author of the season to participate in this series of lunchtime talks. Virtual seating is limited to 19 participants, so make sure to register: https://provlib.libcal.com/event/8325475. I look forward to seeing you there!

Join Marilyn Harris, our fabulous researcher, and me as we discuss the publication of the second book of the Rose Island Lighthouse Series. Hear all about what inspired this book series, how historical fiction must be true to its era, and what goes into writing a book with a careful balance of both historical accuracy and creativity. Afterward, copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Please check out the flyer below for more details. Hope to see you there!

Please join our fabulous Book Team for the newly rescheduled book launch of our latest creation: The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman. This entertaining and informative book gives life to the true memories of Paul Stedman, a boy who lived in the Rose Island Lighthouse in the 1930s with his grandfather, Lighthouse Keeper Jesse Orton. In this second book of The Rose Island Lighthouse Series, charming short stories about Paul’s adventures are intermixed with factual chapters, whimsical paintings, and historical photographs. Written to be enjoyed by readers of all ages or shared with young children, The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman provides a fascinating peek into life in a lighthouse.

On Saturday, July 17 at 2:00 p.m. we will be gathering at the Davisville Free Library (481 Davisville Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852) to discuss our book-making process, share some excerpts from the book, sign/sell copies, and celebrate the book’s launch with family and friends like you. The event is free but pre-registration is required. Please email the library at: staff@davisvillefreelibrary.org

We hope to see you there!

On Tuesday, June 22 at 6:00 p.m., I will participate in a presentation at Smith’s Castle (55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, RI) about the Rose Island Lighthouse and hope you can join us. Brian Tefft, the Executive Director of the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust will lead off the event with a discussion of Rose Island, past and present, and then I will talk about The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman, the latest book in the Rose Island Lighthouse Series, written by me and my fabulous Book Team: Marilyn Harris (researcher), Michaela Fournier (graphic designer), and Robin Roraback (illustrator). This book shows the lighthouse from the point of view of a young boy who lived there with his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper, in the 1930s. During my presentation, I’ll discuss the making of the book and even read an excerpt or two. Copies will be available for purchase and autographs—and I do love to sign books! Please stop by for an enjoyable, educational event.

Please join me on Friday, June 18 at 4 p.m. for an Author Talk at the adorable Willett Free Library in Saunderstown, Rhode Island. I will be speaking about our latest book in the Rose Island Lighthouse Series, The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman. This free event, hosted by the super-friendly Library Director Jennifer Shaker and her wonderful library staff, will feature stories about Paul Stedman, the grandson of LIghthouse Keeper Jesse Orton, who lived on Rose Island in the 1930s. While there, Paul had many interesting adventures, including encounters with a swimming cow, a naked steamboat castaway, and a uniformed lighthouse inspector. The Author Talk will include a discussion of the book, a reading, and a Q & A session. Books will be available for purchase, too. As an added enticement, I’ll even bring along a batch of my famous chocolate chip cookies for everyone to munch on, so please plan on stopping by!

NOTE: DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TICKET SALES, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. STAY TUNED FOR A RESCHEDULED BOOK LAUNCH SOON!

On Saturday, June 5, from 1 to 4 p.m., My fabulous Book Team and I are participating in a Season Opening & Book Launch Event at the Lighthouse on Rose Island (see the flyer below). We have created The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman, another wonderful book full of stories and pictures that document life on Rose Island, this time through the eyes of the grandson of Lighthouse Keeper Jessie Orton during the 1930s. In appreciation of your $75 donation ($30 for children 16 & under), you will receive a signed copy of the book and have the opportunity to meet the Book Team at our book launch presentation. Your donation will also include the ferry ride to and from the island from the pier at Fort Adams State Park (free parking!), a guided tour of the Lighthouse and grounds, and light refreshments.

Won’t you join us for a wonderful day at Rose Island? The Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust is a 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. For event tickets/reservations and additional information, visit www.roseisland.org or call (401) 847-4242. Thank you, in advance, for your support!

I am excited to announce I will be appearing via Zoom at Norwalk Public Library's (virtual) Indie Author Day. Together with two other authors and the fine folks from Woodhall Press, we will read from our latest books (I've got a new one coming out in May 2021) and participate in a panel discussion that provides valuable tips on book editing, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Please see below for information on how to join the Zoom Room. Hope to see you there!

This weekend, FUMFA Poets and Writers Live (https://www.facebook.com/FUMFAlive) has invited authors Nick Knittel and me to appear live on their Facebook show, Sunday, July 26, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. I’d be thrilled and honored if you’d tune in to hear us! Both Nick and I graduated from FUMFA (Fairfield University’s Master of Fine Arts Program) and both of us were fortunate enough to win the Fairfield Book Prize (Nick: Good Things, 2011; Me: Frozen Voices, 2015). On Sunday evening, we’ll each present a reading from our work and then do our best to answer whatever questions are asked. Please come join the fun!

On Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m., I will do a book presentation of The Curious Childhood of Wanton Chase (CCWC), at the Willett Free Library (45 Ferry Road, Saunderstown, RI). Published by Woodhall Press in June 2019, this innovative book is the first in the Rose Island Lighthouse Series and chronicles the boyhood of Wanton Chase, who lived at the lighthouse with his grandparents in the early 1900s.

Brian L. Wallin, a noted Rhode Island author and historian wrote, “The Curious Childhood of Wanton Chase is the work of a talented quartet of Rhode Island women who have created a charming and historically rich account revolving around prominent Narragansett Bay landmark, the Rose Island Lighthouse. Although this book is aimed at a middle school audience, adults will take equal pleasure bouncing between the charming adventures of a young boy surrounded by a rapidly changing world.”

For the library presentation, I will discuss some of the history contained within CCWC, do a brief reading, and then will happily answer any questions you might have. Copies of the book—both hardcover and paperback—will be available for purchase and signing.

So please come to this wonderful library in beautiful Saunderstown and hear entertaining and educational stories about the Rose Island Lighthouse!

Please join me at School One in Providence (220 University Avenue, Providence, RI 02906) for a seminar class I’m teaching for GrubStreet: Providence on Monday, November 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The class description:

Becoming Your Own Best Editor

Every writer would benefit from a great editor, someone to read and evaluate her work and suggest ways to craft it into the best piece of writing it can possibly become. But professional editors are busy and look for projects that already have a high level of polish, so before submitting to them, you need to become a skilled editor of your own work yourself.

In this hands-on seminar, we will experiment with several different levels of editing. We’ll look at editing some of the “big picture” items, such as a piece’s overall message/story, structure, voice, or tone. We’ll check out how to evaluate secondary elements, such as sub-plots, characters, and point-of-view. And we’ll even examine some common mistakes made with sentence structure, grammar, and spelling—all those little things that are important to get right if we want our work to be taken seriously.

This class will show writers of both fiction and nonfiction how to become their own best editors, making their work marketable in the professional world.

This is a cross-genre seminar, applicable to any kind of writing.

Scholarships are available.

For more information, please visit this site: https://grubstreet.org/programs/providence-class/

Hope to see some familiar faces there!

Please join the fine folks from Woodhall Press and me at Fairfield Public Library’s From Pages to Publication: A Writer’s Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019. The Library is located at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT.

Since November 1 marks the start of this year’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), the Library has set aside space on Saturday for those wishing to begin work on their new novel. For those who want to attend the free conference, the morning’s agenda features a keynote address by author Ellen LaCorte, book signings, sales, and networking. In the afternoon, the Library has planned a wonderful slate of events featuring a host of speakers talking about writing and publishing plays, poems, novels, short stories, and more. From 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., I will be participating in An Overview of Publishing with Woodhall Press, during which we will discuss a wide variety of topics including writing, illustrating, editing, and publishing.

Please come join us for what promises to be a fun and informative day!