The event was a huge success, which included the awarding of a Lifetime Achievement award to the world-renowned author, Mary Higgins Clark.  I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Clark and speaking with her about an upcoming book about “Wise Irish Women” that she and I will both be featured in.  She is such an inspiration, lovely and very encouraging to her fellow authors.  It was a real treat to meet and speak with her in person.

In addition to meeting Mary Higgins Clark, I participated in a panel discussion titled “Inspiring Others through Personal Experiences.”  I had the privilege of sharing the panel with:

Lorraine Ash, author of “Life Touches Life: A Mother’s Story of
Stillbirth and Healing” www.lorraineash.com

Julie Bond Genovese, author of “Nothing Short of Joy”
www.nothingshortofjoy.com

Allison Gilbert, author of “Parentless Parents”
www.allisongilbert.com

Each of my fellow panelists shared their personal journeys and how they found a way to heal.  I encourage you to check out their websites and books.  I am sure you will find them interesting and very inspiring.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to catch up with my fellow author friends and make some new ones.  This was a great day for authors and readers alike to meet and inspire each other.  I am already looking forward to next year’s event.

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Throughout the day, Books NJ will offer attendees the opportunity to meet the many talented NJ authors and join them in panel discussions about their genre.

I will be participating in the moderated panel discussion “Inspiring Others through Personal Experiences” at 2:00.  Please be sure to stop by and hear from myself and my fellow authors about why we were encouraged to share our story in order to inspire others.

Additionally, Books NJ is honoring the work of the very well-known NJ author, Mary Higgins Clark, who will be receiving the BCCLS Lifetime Achievement Award.  You may recall from my past postings that a book about “Wise Irish Women,” currently being written by Patricia Kagerer Connorton and Laura Prendergast Gordon will honor the lives and accomplishments of women of Irish decent.  I am proud to be among the women interviewed for this book and to share that distinction with Mary Higgins Clark.  I am looking forward to meeting Ms. Clark at Books NJ and watching her receive a well-earned lifetime achievement award.

This promises to be a great event for all those that love books and support NJ talent.  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

To learn more about the event, click here.  To read the bios of the participating authors, click here.

On Saturday, May 21, I returned to my childhood library, the Sayreville Public Library, to participate in a “Meet the Author” event to discuss “Wise Words & Witty Expressions.”  This event was especially meaningful for me as I never could have imagined as a student that one day I would return to my childhood library to talk about a book I had written.  And even more unbelievable, that a book I authored would now sit on the very shelves I had visited so many times throughout my school age years.

I was very impressed to see how much the library has grown in size, programs, technology and on and on since I left school.  It is obvious that the team at the Sayreville Public Library is committed to ensuring they support the needs of the community.

I want extend a special thank you to Teri Yetsko who worked so hard to ensure a successful program.  I had a wonderful time meeting members of the “Friends of the Library,” members of the book club and members of the community.  Who says you can’t go home.

Rhonda’s coffee shop was rated the number one coffee shop in NJ in 2010.  While I was there I had the chance to taste her cappuccino, which was wonderful and  met many of her faithful customers.

To learn more about “The Fine Grind” click here.

On Friday, March 4, I was invited to do a book signing at Booktowne in Manasquan, NJ.

During the winter season each Friday evening Booktowne hosts a wine and cheese event.  I was thrilled to be part of this program where I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful and warm people of Manasquan where a good time was had by all.

If you are in the area, I highly recommend you stop by and visit Booktowne at 171 Main Street in Manasquan. You can also visit them on Facebook by clicking here.

On December 13, the Vito Mazza Salon in my hometown of Woodbridge, New Jersey invited me to be part of their holiday shopping event.  I had the opportunity to meet many of their wonderful clients and sign books that were either personal purchases or gifts for family and friends.

I would like to thank the Vito Mazza Salon for inviting me to participate in their event and a special thanks to their Salon Director Vanessa for all her efforts in helping me be part of this event and making me feel very welcome while there.

Click here to learn more about the Vito Mazza Salon.

Picture by Don Smith

I am pleased to share the article titled “Author Shares Irish Wit and Wisdom in Westwood” and pictures Patch.com took at my book signing at Irish Eyes in Westwood, NJ on December 4.

The article interviewed me, my mother and Gene Callaghan, owner of Irish Eyes.  This was my mother’s first press interview and she did a great job.

Click here to read the article.

Mom, Gene Callaghan, Renee'

I would like to share some photos from my December 4 book signing at Irish Eyes in Westwood, NJ. 

My mother joined me at this event and we had a great day meeting the many wonderful people of Westwood as well as shopping in the store.  Gene and Tara Callaghan are the shop owners and have recently moved to the Westwood location.  I would encourage you to visit them for all things Irish. 

Renee’ Gatz was invited to be a guest speaker at the Irish Business Association’s monthly member meeting on November 16 where she talked about her book Wise Words & Witty Expressions and the power of Irish wisdom. 

Renee’ was greatly warmly by her hosts who also purchased copies of her book for themselves and as gifts for others.

The Irish Business Association (IBA) is committed to promoting business relationships and personal interaction among Irish-born and Irish-Americans throughout New Jersey.  Click here to learn more about the IBA.

I am pleased to announce that the Barron Arts Center’s Dr. Stephen Kaplan Taste of the Arts Lecture Series I participated in on October 20 in Woodbridge, NJ was a great success.

Those who attended the lecture encouraged me with their engaging questions and well wishes. I enjoyed sharing details about my book and my journey to becoming published. I also had the opportunity to speak to many attendees after the lecture, some of whom are aspiring authors.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share my experiences with them and encourage them on their journey to becoming a published author.  It was a great night and one that I will always recall with great fondness.

I want to extend a special thank you to the Barron Arts Center commissioners for asking me to be a presenter at the Dr. Stephen Kaplan Taste of the Arts Lecture Series.  I would also like to extend a special thank you to Cynthia Knight, director and Alissa Rothstein, program coordinator for all their hard work and preparations to ensure a successful evening for all.

The Dr. Stephen Kaplan Taste of the Arts Lecture Series is made possible through funding by Middlesex County College and the Woodbridge Cultural Arts Commission, Chaired by Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre with support from the Woodbridge Township Arts Council.  To learn more about the Barron Arts Center please click here.