Author's Corner at AirVenture
By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey
AirVenture offers an opportunity to highlight anything
aero-related, including aviation books and those who write
them.
Author's Corner, located in the EAA Wearhouse, welcomes famous
and first-time authors alike. All of them appreciate the
opportunity to promote their books. Book fans love the opportunity
to have them signed by the author.
Sheila Bishop-Irwin wrote one about her father's experiences as
a World War II pilot with the American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying
Tigers. Escape from Hell, An AVG Flying Tiger's Journey,
is her first book. It's been on the market for just over a year.
She was surprised at being invited to participate.
"I consider it an honor to come to a show like this," said
Bishop-Irwin. "I didn't have an expectation that I could be here;
there are so many big name authors, and I'm a self publisher."
Visiting the Author's Corner gives AirVenture attendees the
chance to talk to authors and learn about the subject of their
books. You learn the inspiration for their writing, and what it
took to complete a book.
Bishop-Irwin began with a manuscript that her father, Lewis
Sherman Bishop wrote on his experiences as a Flying Tiger and
prisoner of war. She said she didn't know what to expect when she
wrote her dad's story.
"He wrote some of his story, and I just took it from there," she
said. "I told my dad's story, and history of the AVG Flying
Tigers."
George Irwin, husband of author Sheila, said they have attended
several air shows since his wife's book came out fourteen months
ago. He said World War II veterans and AVG fans are especially
interested in the book. AirVenture gives them the opportunity to
expose a diverse group of people to the book. "It's the premier
show," he said.
Bishop-Irwin, of Bloomington, IL said she intends to write a
children's story of her father's experiences. She said sharing his
story is very heartwarming.
"People come up to me because of their admiration and respect
for the AVG Flying Tigers. Everyone is so willing to help, to share
stories. One story leads to another."
Alice Klaybor, a first-time author from Wisconsin, said that her
experiences at the Author's Corner are very positive. She wrote a
children's book entitled, "Meet the Robins." The Robins' are a bird
family, named after famous aviators, including Amelia Earhart and
General Billy Mitchell.
"It's wonderful to be here," she said. "It's my first venture,
my first book."
Her inspiration came from her days as a youth watching airplanes
takeoff and land at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport
(MKE). It was "big entertainment" for Klaybor and her siblings. She
was fascinated by the life of Billy Mitchell, who grew up in the
Milwaukee area. She named one of robins (Wisconsin's state bird) in
her book after him.
Klaybor has been attending EAA Conventions since they took place
in Hales Corners. Her brother and son are both pilots.
Author's Corner Coordinator Kristin Schaick encourages authors
to contact her if they have a book they want to promote. She said
she's always looking for new authors, but returning authors are
always welcome. About 27 authors are participating this year.
Bolen Gives Congress a Rare Thumbs-Up
See All