Past Events

Sam A. Miller Author Talk at Huxley & Hiro Bookstore

Constance Hays Matsumoto Book Launch Party

Overview Book Launch Party for Constance Hays Matsumoto's new release Fact & Fiction: How To Write A Novel Inspired by Family and History Join us at Huxley & Hiro in celebration of award -winning Delaware author Constance Hays Matsumoto's latest book Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History. Meet Constance and gain insight into her process of historical fiction writing. Attendees are invited to bring a brief family memory, a photo or document, the name of a historical figure, or a fiction related creative intention they’re carrying. Free event. Registration required. About the Book This simple and encouraging guide offers a relatable story map for writers who are sitting on a historical fiction story but don’t know where to start. Constance Hays Matsumoto was that person — until she wasn’t. With no MFA, no background in creative writing, not even a journal to her name, she wrote Of White Ashes, an award-winning novel inspired by her family’s remarkable World War II stories. With delightful candor, Connie shares how she embraced novel writing by learning the craft, creating helpful techniques, and asking repeatedly, “Wait, how do you do that?” Offering personal story, practical writing advice, visuals, and a healthy dose of humility, Connie shows how she turned confusion into confidence and how you can, too. Your story and voice matter. Let’s dive in, get messy, and bring the novel only you can write to life! Author Bio Former corporate executive, Connie Matsumoto, embraced creative writing to create her award-winning, debut historical novel, Of White Ashes (Loyola University MD, 2023). Connie earned her B.A. from Notre Dame of MD University and M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. She is an engaged literary citizen, serving as the President of the Women’s National Book Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter and is a member of the Authors Guild, Eastern Shore Writers' Association, and Historical Novel Society. Previously, she served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Writers' Association and as President of the Baltimore Chapter. Her new non-fiction book, Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History (How2Conquer Press), will be released in September 2026.

Jennifer Herrera SIREN SAYS Book Launch and Author Talk at Huxley & Hiro

Join us in celebrating the release of Jennifer's new novel Siren Says. Plus discussion with moderator Xio Axelrod. Huxley & Hiro is pleased to host Philadelphia-based author Jennifer Herrera to celebrate the release of her new romantasy novel Siren Says text set in rural Pennsylvania. Join us for the book launch party and meet the author! Books will be available for purchase at the event. Free Entry, Registration Required QUICK TAKE: After twenty-five-year-old Raven Wynn moves from NYC to rural Pennsylvania, she discovers a dangerous botanical magic. Raven quickly learns that the ancient plant magic running through her veins brings nothing but destruction. It doomed her Welsh ancestors. It killed her mother. It’s the reason she’s now bound by a painful curse - one that will destroy her if she can’t find a way to break its hold. When her estranged Aunt Delilah bursts into her life promising a cure, Raven seizes the chance. However, her freedom comes at a steep price: Once her magic is fully unleashed, she is more powerful (and more dangerous) than anyone thought possible. Desperate to tame powers she never wanted, Raven makes a pact with Delilah: In exchange for learning to control her magic, Raven will capture one of the spirits that roam Delilah’s hometown on May’s Eve. With the help of an enigmatic new friend, Cherry, as well as an infuriatingly handsome stoneworker, Idris, Raven learns that her task is even more perilous than she imagined - one false move and the spirits could trap her soul - forever. EARLY GLOWING REVIEWS: “Siren Says is–literally–gripping from the first page. It reaches out and grabs you by the throat, and you realize it isn’t going to let go. It’s mysterious, beautiful, and enchanting in the true and sinister sense of the word. You have been warned!” —Diana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Outlander "With Siren Says, Jennifer Michelle Herrera has created a lush, atmospheric universe that drew me in and left me wanting more. Raven's journey was full of mystery, magic, and a touch of romance. A truly unique tale!" —Xio Axelrod, USA Today bestselling author of Love on the Byline AUTHOR BIO: Jennifer Herrera is the author of The Hunter. She studied philosophy in graduate school before moving to New York City, where she became a literary agent. She has gone on to represent New York Times Bestsellers, IndieBound bestsellers, and winners of multiple awards. She now lives in Philadelphia with her husband, children, and cats. MODERATOR BIO: USA Today bestselling author Xio Axelrod writes different flavors of contemporary romance and what she likes to call “strange, twisted tales.” She grew up in the recording industry and began performing at a very young age. When she isn’t working on the next story, Xio can be found behind a microphone in a studio, writing songs in her office-slash-recording-booth, or performing as her fictional band, the Lillys. She lives in Philadelphia--in complete denial about the last five minutes of Buffy--with one very patient, full-time, indoor husband and two part-time, supremely pampered, outdoor cats.