Local Authors Bring Arizona to Life
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
As the autumn breeze sweeps across the Sonoran Desert, it carries with it the promise of stories waiting to be told. On Oct. 19, the Desert Foothills Book Festival will transform the Holland Center in Scottsdale into a haven for bibliophiles, where the written word reigns supreme and Arizona’s rich literary tapestry unfolds.
Now in its third year, the festival has blossomed from a seedling of an idea into a full-fledged celebration of the written word.
“We’ve grown from 60 authors and 200 attendees in 2021 to more than 100 authors and an anticipated crowd of more than 500 this year,” says event chair Caren Cantrell. “It’s a testament to the vibrant literary community in Arizona.”
The festival’s evolution reflects a commitment to meeting growing demand.
“We’ve added outdoor space with tents in the parking lot to complement our indoor area,” Cantrell explains. “Even with this expansion, we still have 50 authors on the waitlist.”
Visitors can expect a diverse array of genres, from heart-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking historical fiction.
“Our goal is to provide the public with a genuine, interactive experience where they can ask questions directly to the authors,” Cantrell says. “All our participating authors are from Arizona, showcasing the rich literary community we have here.”
The event offers more than just book browsing. Attendees receive a complimentary raffle ticket for a chance to win a book from a featured author and can enter to win gift baskets valued at $100 or more. The Holland Center’s cafe will be open throughout, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments as they explore.
As the festival approaches, Images Arizona spotlights three authors whose words paint vivid portraits of our state’s multifaceted allure, offering a taste of the literary feast awaiting attendees.
Kevin D. Miller
Unearthing Family Secrets
Kevin D. Miller’s journey from Air Force veteran to award-winning author began with a shocking family revelation.
“We learned my family name isn’t actually Miller; it’s actually a very Polish name, Puchalski,” Miller says.
This discovery led to his debut novel, “Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story,” which has been optioned for film and TV. The book unravels the tale of Miller’s great-grandfather’s murder in 1920s Ohio and his grandfather’s subsequent struggles.
“My grandfather was about 12 or 13 at the time,” Miller explains. “He ran away, got a job at a steel mill in Chicago at a young age, got involved in some bootlegging, and saved enough money to come back and rescue his siblings.”
Miller’s Arizona roots run deep. Moving to Tempe at age 6, he traded Ohio’s rolling hills for the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
“As a child, I was fascinated by saguaro cacti, scorpions and black widows,” he recalls, acknowledging that his fascination with his adopted home state permeates his work. “Arizona heavily influences my writing. I often incorporate my experiences here into many of my stories.”
His current project, the “Timepiece” series, showcases this influence. The third book, set for release in fall 2024, partly unfolds in Nogales, Arizona, in 1922.
“I write about Arizona because I know it intimately,” Miller says. “Its landscapes, history and culture seep into my work, providing authentic backdrops and rich details that bring my stories to life.”
At the Desert Foothills Book Festival, Miller looks forward to connecting with readers and fellow authors.
“What I’m always looking for at these events is the chance to meet people — to talk about my books, of course, because I love discussing them, but also to meet other authors,” he says. “That’s one of the things I love most about these events: meeting fellow writers, sharing ideas, learning about the books they’re writing, and just bouncing ideas off each other to build relationships.”
For Miller, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to move readers.
“I want to affect somebody’s life,” he says. “I want to touch their emotions. I want to give people hope.”
As attendees peruse his books at the festival, they’ll find stories that blend family secrets, historical intrigue and the unique spirit of Arizona — tales that linger long after the last page is turned.
Susan Budavari
Prescribing Mystery
Susan Budavari’s journey from pharmaceutical researcher to mystery novelist is as intriguing as the plots she weaves.
“When I moved to Arizona, I decided to try my hand at writing mysteries,” Budavari says. “I planned to build on my prior experience in scientific writing from the pharmaceutical industry in New Jersey. How difficult could it be to write a mystery, especially one with elements of science or medicine? Quite difficult, I soon found out.”
Budavari’s “Merano and Bell” series, set in small-town Arizona, features ex-cop turned private investigator Matt Merano and physician Dr. Elise Bell. The series cleverly intertwines Budavari’s scientific background with the stark beauty and unique culture of her adopted state.
“Arizona, and particularly the Valley of the Sun, is a place of striking contrasts,” Budavari explains. “Relentless heat in summer vs. temperate, snowless winters; blinding sunshine vs. magnificent sunrises and sunsets; friendly people, relaxed pace of life vs. road rage and guns… These contrasts provide great material for my stories.”
Her latest book, “The Past Remains,” the fifth in the “Merano and Bell” series, shifts the action to Flagstaff. Set in a house reminiscent of Budavari’s former vacation home, the story unravels family secrets against the backdrop of Northern Arizona’s pine-covered landscape.
“The house was built in the ‘70s and had a few structural peculiarities — the kind that provided fodder for one’s imagination,” she says.
Budavari’s transition from scientific writing to fiction wasn’t without challenges.
“When I started to write fiction, I was adept at creating interesting plots and less adept at fleshing out complex characters,” she admits.
She developed a meticulous approach to character development, creating detailed profiles for each character to ensure they were multidimensional and distinct. Her scientific background continues to influence her work, particularly in her approach to research and accuracy.
“In my former position, accuracy was always paramount,” Budavari says. “In storytelling, ‘precise’ accuracy can slow up the plot and be disruptive. For example, you may have to take liberties in speeding up the time it takes to get test results in order to keep the action flowing.”
At the Desert Foothills Book Festival, Budavari looks forward to engaging directly with readers.
“I love to participate in book fairs where I get an opportunity to speak to many readers, answer their questions and ask them some of my own,” she says. “I learn a lot from the one-on-one interaction with readers, and it’s fun to present my books directly to people based on what they express captures their interest.”
For Budavari, the festival represents more than just a chance to draw attention to her books — it’s an opportunity to connect with the community that has inspired her work. As attendees explore her novels, they’ll discover stories that blend the precision of science with the unpredictability of human nature, all set against the captivating backdrop of Arizona’s diverse landscapes.
Barbara Renner
Desert Tales for Little Tails
Barbara Renner’s journey from jane-of-all-trades to celebrated children’s author is as colorful as the Arizona wildlife she brings to life in her books. With a background in bookkeeping, banking and teaching, Renner found her true calling in crafting informational fiction for young readers, blending engaging narratives with educational content about the desert’s unique fauna.
“I often watched these funny little birds scurrying in single file around our neighborhood,” Renner recalls, speaking of the inspiration for her popular “Quincy the Quail” series. “After doing some research, I discovered they were called Gambel’s quail. This inspired me to write informational fiction picture books so children could learn about these fascinating quail and observe them in the desert.”
Renner’s more than 40 years in Arizona have deeply influenced her writing.
“The desert critters here are fascinating and so adaptable to our intense summers,” she says.
Her books, which include series featuring Lonnie the Loon and trumpeter swans, showcase the diversity of wildlife across Arizona and beyond, reflecting her own travels and observations.
Innovation is a hallmark of Renner’s work. She incorporates QR codes into her books, allowing young readers to listen to actual animal sounds.
“Children absolutely love these sounds,” Renner says. “When I’m at book fairs or signings, grandparents and parents often comment on what a great idea it is.”
Renner’s creative process is deeply rooted in her surroundings.
“I love being out in nature. I do a lot of walking and gardening,” she explains. “I enjoy observing the animals, flora and fauna — all the beautiful flowers and everything.”
This keen observation translates into stories that not only entertain but also educate, drawing parallels between animal behavior and human experiences. Themes of kindness, friendship and family permeate her work.
“I believe strongly in the family unit,” Renner says. “My hope is that my books will help reinforce themes of kindness and respect within families.”
Her stories often depict different species becoming friends, encouraging children to look beyond differences and find ways to connect with others.
Serving on the Desert Foothills Book Festival’s planning committee, Renner is excited about the event’s growth.
“This is the third year of our book festival, and it keeps growing and growing,” she says.
Her role overseeing volunteers ensures that attendees have a rewarding experience, reflecting her commitment to both the literary community and young readers.
For festival-goers, Renner’s books offer a unique opportunity to explore Arizona’s natural wonders through the eyes of its smallest inhabitants. As children and adults alike flip through her vibrant pages, they’ll discover not just the beauty of the desert but also valuable lessons about friendship, curiosity and the interconnectedness of all living things.
desertfoothillsbookfestival.com
Desert Foothills Book Festival
Saturday, Oct. 19 // 10 a.m.–3 p.m. // The Holland Center // 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale // Free // desertfoothillsbookfestival.com
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