Juneau Black at People’s Book for Twilight Falls

by Jessica Jones

On a serene Saturday afternoon, I found myself immersed in the enchanting world of Shady Hollow at People's Book in Takoma Park, MD. The event was centered around "Twilight Falls," the latest installment in the beloved series penned under the pseudonym Juneau Black by Jocelyn Cole and Sharon Nagel.

Hosted by the adept Mylo from People's Book, their first-ever author talk set the stage for an insightful and intimate session. The air was filled with the collective excitement of fellow readers, eager to delve deeper into the universe of Shady Hollow.

Jocelyn Cole, representing the dynamic writing duo, brought the series to life with her vibrant storytelling and deep connection to the characters. Lefty, the beloved raccoon affectionately known as a 'trash panda' during the chat, emerged as a clear favorite for Jocelyn, though goth girl Lenore, with her sarcasm, dark humor, and nod to Poe, held a special place in her heart.

The future of Shady Hollow was a hot topic, with revelations about the fifth book, "Summer’s End," set for release in July 2024, and a sixth book planned for 2025. Jocelyn's enthusiasm for potentially publishing additional short stories like "Evergreen Chase" and "Phantom Pond" added to the fervor.

The collaboration between Jocelyn and Sharon, birthed in the aisles of Boswell Book Company, sparked curiosity. Their story, beginning with woodland creature finger puppets and evolving into the rich tapestry of Shady Hollow, showcased the imaginative foundation of their work.

Jocelyn's explanation of the Juneau Black pen name was particularly of interest. It was not only a tribute to the owner of the bookstore where their journey began but also an homage to the city of Milwaukee and Solomon Juneau, a significant figure in the city's history and, ironically, a fur trapper. This nod to local history added a layer of depth to their pen name.

As the Q&A session unfolded, the sense of community among the attendees was palpable. Each question unraveled more about the Shady Hollow universe, from the inspiration behind Nevermore Books, the cozy and warm indie bookstore that we all wish we could visit, to the intricacies of crafting a murder mystery during NaNoWriMo. — I should note though, that I was able to confirm during the Q&A that Bradley Marvel is not based off of any author living or dead, but instead a culmination of negative traits - a ‘what not to do’ - if you will.

The cherry on top of a wonderful afternoon was receiving a UK edition of "Twilight Falls” and having my entire Shady Hollow collection signed. It was a tangible reminder of this enriching experience.

The event was more than a celebration of a book series; it was a tribute to storytelling's power and the unique bond it creates among its admirers. Leaving People's Book that afternoon, I carried with me not only signed treasures but also a deeper appreciation for the art of writing and the community it nurtures.

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