Summer 2024

NEXT AUTHOR EVENT: Sheldon, VT Library, Thursday, July 18th, 7pm, Book discussion and signing.

My latest novel, YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE, either in print or on ebook is available through any bookstore or online retailer. If you can, please support your local bookstore. They are so important to our communities!

While I continue to work on the 2nd draft of a new novel, I am enjoying visiting reading groups and libraries for discussion of my other books. I thoroughly enjoy these events which allows me to meet and talk with many readers. If your book group or library is interested in a visit–either in person or on Zoom–please contact me at srpaynemdvt@gmail.com, or text me at: 802-752-5863.

In addition to my own work, I continue to help my dear friend, legendary folksinger, Jonathan Edwards, as he works toward completing his fascinating memoir.

The many launch events for You Were Always There, were terrific, with enthusiastic crowds and excellent reviews. Thank you all for coming out and being a part of it. I hope you had as good a time as I did. And thank you to the readers who have posted ratings or reviews of my books on Amazon, Goodreads. and other sites. They are much appreciated.

Upcoming 2024 Events:

Sheldon, Vermont Library, Thursday, July 18th, 7pm, Book discussion and signing

St. Albans Library, “The Writer’s Life”/discussion of You Were Always There. Thursday, May 16 6:30pm

Enosburg, Vermont Library book discussion Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6 pm

Venice Beach, Florida Library Wed, March 13, 2024 3pm

Past 2023 Events:

St. Albans, Vermont Book Group Thursday January 19 6:45

Interview on NEK-TV, and WJJZ Radio, Newport/Derby, Vermont Tuesday April 11

St. Albans, Vermont Book Fair at City Hall Main St. Saturday May 7 10-4pm

Interview: Vermont ArtistsAuthors on Storycomic June 8th 7pm

Bristol Book Group @ Starksboro, Vermont Library Tuesday, June 13 2pm

Island Arts Book Talk and Sale @ The Barn RT 2 North Hero, VT Sat June 17 11am-3pm

Eloquent Page Sidewalk Sale Event St. Albans, Vermont July 8 10-1pm

Live on Vermont Viewpoint Show WDEV discussing upcoming LVW Retreat July 10 10am

Speaking on “Writing Discipline-Why Our Stories Matter” at the Vermont League of Writers’ Retreat “Into the Words” Saturday, July 15th Jerry Johnson’s schoolhouse home, Creek Road Albany, Vermont

Signing and Meet & Greet @ Sherman’s Books, Boothbay Harbor, Maine Sat July 29th 1:30-4:30pm

Other Previous Events:

Book Launch at Phoenix Books Burlington, VT    Thursday  Sept 29 7pm 

Recovery Summit at C V Expo-Essex, VT            Friday  Sept 30 10- 2:30pm

Swanton, Vermont Book Group Wednesday Oct 5th 6:30 pm

Greensboro, VT Library-Talk & Signing Thursday  Oct 6th 6:30 pm  

The Eloquent Page-Signing -St. Albans, VT      Saturday  Oct 8th 10:30-2:30 pm  

Barton, Vermont Library-Talk & Signing               Friday Nov 4th 4pm

Live on WDEV FM 96.1 “Music To Go To The Dump By” Sat Nov 12 9am

The Eloquent Page – St. Albans, Vermont Saturday Dec3rd 10-12:30pm

Bear Pond Books – Signing Stowe, Vermont   Saturday   Dec 10th 11-2pm

Live on Travels with Charlie Show WDEV Radio – Discussion Monday

Many other events will follow. Hope to see you!

The early reviews from critical readers have been terrific, and I can’t wait to share this new story with you! Many thanks to readers everywhere for your interest, support, and patience. In the meantime, please patronize your local independent bookstores so they can continue to recover from the pandemic. All

Cover of Life On A Cliff, A Novel by Stephen Russell Payne

Reviews

Award winning New England novelist, Howard Frank Mosher, says:

“Stephen Russell Payne has emerged as a new voice in Vermont’s impressive pantheon of creative writers, and a powerful one. Now, with his first novel, he has written a dramatic story of suspense, love, and redemption. Cliff Walking is written with clarity, passion, and great sympathy for, and understanding of, all aspects of human nature.”

Renowned American writer, X. J. Kennedy, says: 

Cliff Walking is an absorbing story, skillfully told. Not every writer can interest us in characters who are generous, kind, and good, like Francis, Kate, and Stringer. All three have known horrific events, and have survived. We believe in these characters and care about them. What Payne has given us isn’t a plotless ‘literary’ novel, but a warm and touching love story full of suspense and conflict, likely to have wide popular appeal. I like this story a lot. Payne is in top form.”

Jennifer Finney Boylan, best selling, award winning author of She’s Not There says:

“No one writes with as much passion and insight about northern Vermont as Stephen Russell Payne. With the meticulousness of a surgeon, and the lyricism of a poet, Payne captures the tenacity and honesty of the denizens of the Green Mountain State’s small towns and villages. Reading Payne is like a visit from a good old friend. His tales are always infused with equal measures of humor, wisdom, and love.”

In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, I will be meeting readers and signing books at the wonderful Eloquent Page on Main St. in St. Albans, Vermont from 10am to noon. Please stop by and support this great local bookstore.