Inkberry hosts book launch

In 2018, Keith Walters and Gene Hayworth founded Inkberry Books, and it quickly became a local institution in Niwot. Not only does the store have a variety of books, including new and used titles across a number of genres, it also hosts a variety of events.

Two years ago, Inkberry friend and author Kelly Daniels came to Niwot for a book reading of his novel. This year, Daniels is back and excited about promoting his newest work.

"I think it's a great way to spend a Saturday evening," said Connie Garrett, who attended the most recent event. "It's a wonderful little bookshop. It's such an eclectic array of books, which is fantastic, it's a wonderful cultural center."

These author readings are a particular favorite of the Inkberry crowd, even if it has to be adapted due to COVID. This Saturday, Daniels came to launch his debut novel. "I'm happy to be here. I see people I know, which is really great. My publisher is throwing this party and I'm just really happy to be out here in this COVID time at all," he said.

A Candle for San Simón, published this year through OwlCanyon Press, is a thriller set in Guatemala. It also brings in other literary themes such as the relationship between father and son. "I was in Guatemala after college," said Daniels. "I fell in love with the country [and] just kept in my mind and eventually started writing the novel several years later."

The night started with a jazz trio jamming while people arrived and visited with each other. Soon, the real event, a book reading and interview with the author, began.

After a brief reading by Daniels, local author Jim Ringel moderated a question and answer segment. Some questions were directly about the book, but also ventured into somewhat personal territory as the approximately 30-person socially-distanced audience learned about some of the ways in which Daniels' own life inspired various aspects of the book.

The overall atmosphere was engaged and jovial; the crowd seemed to hang on Daniels' every word as he read a riveting scene involving gang members, a struggling girl and the hero Max. Despite the vivid imagery, there are more intense scenes. One scene was particularly striking, so much so that the voice actor hired for the audio book decided to pull out, according to Daniels.

The mood then shifted to a significantly more casual atmosphere, with Ringel's interview. The two authors' chemistry was natural. It seemed as if the audience was intruding into a conversation between two good friends.

Ringel ended the official book-part of the event by reading the opening paragraph and once more congratulating Daniels on his new work. The jazz ensemble took up their instruments as people continued to converse and a few bought books.

"It was a lovely evening, it's interesting to combine the literature with the music. I'm very grateful to the support that we're getting from the community," said Hayworth.

To keep up to date with Inkberry Books and their events, information can be found at their website: http://www.inkberrybooks.com