Debut historical novelist Teresa H. Janssen will discuss the inspiration behind her book The Ways of Water, which was shortlisted for the CIBA Goethe Award in Historical Fiction.

Her novel tells the tale of Josie Belle Gore – daughter of a Louisiana train engineer and Texas seamstress – who journeys with her itinerant family through the deserts of the boom-and-bust American West and revolutionary Mexico. “As Papa ran the steam locomotives across the great deserts of the West, Mama followed him,” Josie says in the opening lines of the novel. “Steam engines always follow water, and we did too.”

Janssen writes creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, exploring themes pertaining to the web of family, nature and the environment, travel and migration, education and language, and spiritual topics.

Complimentary light refreshments will be provided by HNS-AZ.

Books will be available for purchase at the event through Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange, a generous and active participant in literacy- and community-based events in the Phoenix and Tucson communities.

SEEDs for Autism provides a path from “learning to earning” for young adults with autism through education, vocational training, and social development. The organization hosts events throughout the year to foster community-building and raise autism awareness.

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The Historical Novel Society – Arizona Chapter (HNS-AZ) is partnering with SEEDs for Autism to bring bestselling Arizona author Nancy E. Turner to Phoenix. Turner will discuss aspects of historical fiction writing at a free public event.

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023

Location: SEEDs for Autism, 3420 S. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040

Schedule: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Author presentation, followed by Q&A and book signing

~ Optional break-out sessions for book club discussion and Historical Novel Society networking until 1:30 p.m.

Complimentary light refreshments will be provided by HNS-AZ. Turner’s books will be available for purchase. Admission is free, though attendance is limited and reservations are required.