Category: book signing

New Events for 2026 include Alchemy, Faeries, Steampunk, and Halloween!

Leave a comment

With Spring comes festivals, and I’m not talking Cherry Blossoms here! I’m talking books, and Steampunk, and fantasy, and yes, I’m already thinking about Halloween! But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves… We’ve got a lot to cover between now and then, so I want to give you the rundown of where you can find me over the next few months!

Drop into Wonderland at the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, taking on the theme of the wonderfully mad Lewis Carroll, April 17-19, at the Wyndam Garden York in York, PA. The 4th annual Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, where clockwork alchemy meets magical curiosity in a world inspired by Alice in Wonderland, provides a sensational weekend of fantastical frippery and marvelous mayhem! Along the way, you’ll find plenty of steampunk and fantasy books from this indie author! Visit telltalesteampunk.com for information on tickets, hotels, and other exclusive content.

Step beyond the ordinary and wander into a world where moss-covered paths, flickering wings, and ancient songs awaken the forest… Fae in the Forest: A Fairy Festival on Saturday, May 2, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm at Collective Spaces Farm in Nathalie, VA. I will be part of the Magical Marketplace until 5:00 pm with all my fantasy and steampunk books for readers alike. Fae in the Forest is a magical, all-ages Fairy Festival celebrating folklore, fantasy, and the living magic of nature itself. Nestled among the woods and fields of Collective Spaces Farm, this one-day immersive experience invites guests of all ages to don their finest fairy finery and join the revelry.

Prepare for a unique, fun atmosphere promoting steampunk and fantasy! The Steampunk Alchemy Fest on Saturday, June 6, at Vasa Park in Hackettstown, NJ, values creative fun, unique musical exploration, and live demonstrations. Pick up some award-winning indie books, from high-flying sky pirates to magic-powered machines in an unknown dystopia. Visit www.steampunkalchemyfest.com for information and tickets.

The countdown is on for my first visit to the Key City Steampunk Convention, taking place August 7-9, in Gettysburg, PA, at the Wyndham Gettysburg. I am thrilled to be a part of such an esteemed #steampunk convention for the very first time. Key City Steampunk has evolved into one of the most prominent steampunk festivals on the East Coast. Visit KeyCitySteampunk.com to enter the portal. 

Even though #Halloween is months away, make plans to visit a spooky #steampunkfestival! I’ll be traveling to the Catskills in New York to take part in the Catskills Halloween Market & The Steampunk World’s Fair, October 23-25, at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, NY. It’s filled with a great haunted marketplace, plus steampunk oddities, and, best of all, it’s FREE! From daring steampunk sky pirates to magic-powered machines, you can find a great read in one of my award-winning fantasy novels. Take to the skies as CORSAIR AND THE SKY PIRATES fight corporate greed to stop a world war. Follow the journey of THE LAST MAGUS to see if A CLOCKWORK HEART means the difference between life and death. Get your signed copy of these fantastic books for your TBR pile! Visit catskillshalloween.com for information on attending this annual haunted market!

And this doesn’t include book signings, because I will have those at Barnes & Noble stores in the DMV, as well as at the Moravian Book Shop this July. So, stay tuned for more announcements!

Two weeks to my first 2026 book festivals

Leave a comment
Two upcoming book festivals in March: the Williamsburg Book Festival on March 7 and the Suffolk Authors Festival on March 14.

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold.” — Charles Dickens

March is roaring in for Indie Authors in the state of Virginia with two book festivals to kick off springtime. I’ll be heading down to Hampton Roads for these two events with all my award-winning fantasy and steampunk books in tow, available for new readers. From the shores of Forever Avalon to the halls of Camelot Cove with Gwen Iver, into the magical dystopia of The Last Magus, and flying through the skies with Corsair and the Sky Pirates, you’ll find your next adventure within the pages of my books.

Williamsburg is where history and literature intersect. The town’s charming colonial ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for the Festival. Experience an energizing event in a place that inspires creativity and honors tradition. At the Williamsburg Book Festival, our mission is to celebrate and support the art of literary composition while connecting authors with the reading public. Join us on March 7th for our annual family-friendly event that brings together a dynamic mix of authors, poets, speakers, illustrators, and publishers from Virginia and beyond. The 2026 festival will be held from 10 am to 4 pm at the William & Mary School of Education, offering a full day of literary discovery and connection. Visit www.williamsburgbookfestival.org for more information.

The 12th Annual Suffolk Virginia Authors Festival will take place at the Suffolk Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront (100 E Constance Road, Suffolk, Virginia) ​on ​Saturday, March 14, from 1-4pm! Whether you are an avid or casual reader, aspiring writer, or published author, you will find something entertaining and intriguing at the Suffolk Authors Festival. This one-day FREE festival showcases best-selling authors from all featured genres. Highlights of the event include author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, and sales. Visit suffolkvaauthorsfestival.com for a list of featured authors, festival headerliner, activities, and more.

This is just the start of my 2026 event season. Visit my Events page to check out all my upcoming events, including the new steampunk festivals I’ll be attending this year. It’s going to be a great year with some new books heading your way. Stay tuned!

Things are Starting to Look Up for 2026!

Leave a comment
Happy New Year! 2026 is already filling up with a slew of book festivals and steampunk conventions!

2026 is approaching, and I am slowly scheduling my book signing events for the year. You can find me and my steampunk and fantasy books from Curious Corvid Publishing, plus some new releases!

Here’s a quick calendar of events for the new year! First up is Daydrift Books & Cafe in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on January 3, 2026, from 12-3pm. Grab some great coffee and a new book for your TBR for the New Year.

In March, I have two book festivals scheduled. The Williamsburg Book Festival is moving to the College of William & Mary School of Education on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Williamsburg, VA, from 10am to 4pm. That’s followed by the 12th Annual Suffolk VA Authors Festival at the Hilton Garden Inn, March 14, 2026, in Suffolk, VA.

I have two Steampunk Conventions on the books for 2026, starting off with a trip down the rabbit hole and my return to the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival at the Wyndham Garden York in York, PA, April 17-19, 2026. The 4th annual Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, where clockwork alchemy meets magical curiosity in a world inspired by Alice in Wonderland, join us for a weekend of fantastical frippery and marvelous mayhem!

 If that’s not enough steampunk mayhem for you, come back to the Keystone State in August for the Key City Steampunk Convention at the Wyndham Gettysburg in historic Gettysburg, VA, August 7-9, 2026. Key City Steampunk has evolved into one of the most prominent steampunk conventions on the East Coast.

Click the Event link in the menu to stay up to date on all my 2026 events as I add more book-signing dates to the calendar in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays from the imagination of award-winning indie author Mark Piggott

Leave a comment

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to all my readers, fellow indie authors, and any steampunk and fantasy fans out there. I wanted to extend to you all the best this holiday season, wishing you and yours the warmest wishes for a bright and Happy New Year.

I’m going to take a break from posting here so I can focus on finishing my latest WIP. I’m working on the final book in my steampunk fantasy series, The Last Magus. I’m 81,000 words in and nearly finished, so I hope to have my first draft done by the end of the month.

In the meantime, I do have my first book signing lined up for 2026. I’ll be at the Daydrift Books and Cafe in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12-3pm. Stop by for some great coffee and award-winning books, including Forever Avalon, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, and Corsair and the Sky Pirates.

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Maybe sit back and read a good book to pass the time, or even Buy a Book and give one as a gift. Check out all my steampunk and fantasy books and give the gift of adventure this holiday! You won’t disappoint when someone opens a book under the tree this year!

Come out to my last events of 2025, and get ready for steampunk excitement in 2026

Leave a comment
Come out for my last two book signing events of 2025 to get some great gifts for the holidays!

November kicks off the holiday season, and with it, my last book signing events for 2025! This is an excellent opportunity to find some unique steampunk and fantasy holiday gifts for the book lover in your life. On Saturday, November 8, I will be at Barnes & Noble in the Shops at Stonewall in Gainesville, VA, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. I will be signing The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Stop by, say hello, and pick up a book if you’re so inclined. On Sunday, November 9, I will be attending my last 2nd Sundays Williamsburg from 11am to 4pm on the streets of historic Williamsburg, VA. You will find a variety of artisans, crafters, musicians, and food vendors filling the streets with holiday fare. I will have all my steampunk and fantasy books available for sale, so please stop by my tent, located on the corner of N Boundary and Prince George Street.

Come out for some steampunk excitement in 2026!

Now, for some good news! Looking ahead to 2026, I have already been accepted to two steampunk festivals that I am excited to attend. First up is the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, taking on the theme of the wonderfully mad Lewis Carroll, April 17-19, 2026, at the Wyndam Garden York in York, PA.

Welcome to the 4h annual Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, where clockwork alchemy meets magical curiosity in a world inspired by Alice in Wonderland! This year, we’re trading ravens for rabbits and madness for marvels as we debut our brand-new location in York, Pennsylvania. Join us for a weekend of fantastical frippery and marvelous mayhem!

Next up is my first visit to the Key City Steampunk Convention, taking place August 7-9, 2026, in Gettysburg, PA, at the Wyndham Gettysburg. I am so excited to be a part of a new convention for the very first time, and I will be debuting a new book

The Key City Steampunk Convention is the yearly gathering of Steampunk enthusiasts. Beginning in 2016 in Frederick, Maryland, the convention has continued to grow and evolve into one of the most prominent events on the East Coast, with attendees traveling from far and wide to join in the festivities. Currently hosted at the Wyndham Gettysburg, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the event continues to feature award-winning makers and panels, vetted and unique vendors, workshops, and most importantly, the opportunity for those in the community to interact and share their love of all things Steampunk.

I have a few more events I’ve applied for that I’m still waiting for confirmation on in 2026, so more dates are to come. However, these two are a significant start for me. I will have more news coming down the road, but in the meantime, I hope you can join me at my last two book signing events for 2025. I would love to see you, talk shop, or just say hello.

“Falling into Fair Oaks” brings indie authors and their books to the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA

Leave a comment
Come out to the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA, for “Falling into Fair Oaks,” sponsored by Kojam Productions and the Northern Virginia Writers Club on Sunday, September 14, from 12-5pm!

Fall into Fun at the Fair Oaks Mall’s signature Autumn celebration on Sunday, September 14, from 12-5pm! “Falling for Fair Oaks” is your perfect family-friendly afternoon filled with seasonal food, interactive games, crafters, and live music that captures the spirit of the season.

As part of the special event, the Northern Virginia Writers Club will be on hand with a variety of indie authors and their novels to pick up to add to your Fall TBR list or maybe get an early start on your holiday shopping (it’s never too early). Keep an eye out for me and my steampunk attire to find your way into one of my many otherworldly adventures. From the skies over Europe in a steampunk airship to the shores of eternal Avalon and the wild antics inside the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, you’ll find your next fantasy read among my books.

Whether you’re here to make memories with the kids or kick off the Fall season with friends, this is the ultimate way to welcome Autumn in Northern Virginia.

Come out to Sojourn Fermentory for an “Authors and Artisans” Special Event in Suffolk, VA

Leave a comment

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind special event! Sojourn Fermentory is a community-focused brewery located in Bridgeport, Suffolk, Virginia, built around intentional brewing, spontaneous connection, and wild fermentation. They also host regular events to bring the community together to showcase local artists and artisans. I am fortunate to have been invited as one of the authors for their first “Authors & Artisans – Book Fest” event on Saturday, August 23, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can see the complete list of Authors and Artisans at the Facebook Event Post Online.

Join us for an unforgettable day of community connection, literary magic, and handcrafted goodness. We’re bringing together 15+ incredible local authors and SEVERAL talented vendors offering the most bookishly delightful goods you’ve ever seen-from literary candles to handmade journals, bookmarks, prints, tumblers, and more. Authors will also have their books for sale and available to sign, 757 is full of wonderful stories!

Of course, you will find me there with my complete collection of award-winning steampunk and fantasy books for you, from the Arthurian legends in the Forever Avalon series, the steampunk fantasy series The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, the steampunk historical fiction Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and my first ya fantasy Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle.

If you live in the Hampton Roads area or are looking for something to do in Virginia before the end of Summer, this is a great chance to spend a night with good books, fine beer and food, plus an assortment of handmade artisan crafts at the first Authors & Artisans – Book Fest. Visit sojournfermentory.com to learn more about the upcoming event.

Kicking off 2025 with Book Signings, Festivals, and Steampunk Events in the near future

Leave a comment

I am kicking off my 2025 book signing tour in February with bookstores, book festivals, and of course, steampunk! With nine books under my belt (and the 10th coming this year), I have a complete collection of books and series available to add to your TBR list.

I am returning to some familiar spots while visiting some new ones. For dates/times, check my social media or Events link. I update my calendar regularly.

Let’s start with a couple of bookstore events, including Fenwick Street Used Books & Music, on Saturday, February 1, from 11am to 3pm in Leonardtown, MD. Fenwick Street Used Books & Music is under new management but continues to provide the local community with books and music. I will have all my fantasy and steampunk books on hand. Then, on Sunday, February 9, I will be back at Barnes and Noble in Fairfax, VA, from 12-3pm. I will sign my latest book, The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, from Curious Corvid Publishing. 

After the bookstores, I’m heading into the first festivals of 2025. I’ll return to the Williamsburg Book Festival on Saturday, February 22, at the Stryker Center in historic Williamsburg, VA. Celebrating its 10th year, the festival strives to bring authors, publishers, and readers together to celebrate the literary arts.

As we head into March, the Suffolk Authors Festival in Suffolk, VA, kicks off on Saturday, March 15, at the Suffolk Conference Center at the ​Hilton Garden Inn, Suffolk Riverfront. This is where writers get a chance to connect with readers on a personal level.

March closes out with the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, March 29-30, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore North—Pikesville, MD. Best described as an alternative history of the Victorian era with an emphasis on creativity, the festival features authors, workshops, and panel discussions in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Lastly, I’m returning for another year to 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art & Music Festival, beginning on Sunday, April 13, from 11am to 4pm (new schedule starting in 2025) in historic Williamsburg, VA. This annual street fair of over 180 unique artisans, musicians, street performers, food vendors, and more in six blocks of downtown Williamsburg, Virginia. You’ll know where to find me!

 Click on the links for each event for more information and purchase tickets. Keep an eye on my Events page for updates and new additional dates. Plus, keep an eye out for information on new book releases, audiobook updates, and more.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Get Ready as the Gaithersburg Book Festival Kicks Off Summer Reading with your favorite authors

Leave a comment
Checkout my Events page for all my upcoming book signing festivals and other in-person events!

Get ready for the 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 18, from 10 am to 6pm in Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD. The Gaithersburg Book Festival is “a celebration of the written word and its power to enrich the human experience. Our mission is to foster an interest in reading, writing and literary conversation.” This is my first time to exhibit at the festival and I am looking forward to meeting and interacting with new readers.

Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its beautiful park setting.

The event was conceived and introduced by Gaithersburg Mayor (then council member) Jud Ashman, with the support of the Mayor and City Council and the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. The Festival is produced by a core committee comprised of city staff and a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and talent.

Funded in part by generous sponsors and supported by the City of Gaithersburg, the Festival offers programming for all ages, is free to attend and is open to everyone.

Find me with the other authors in the EXHIBITORS section!

Award-winning children’s, teen and young adult authors will take center stage at the Gaithersburg Book Festival celebrates 15 years of inspiring a love of reading and writing. The Festival’s Children’s Village will be the place where youngsters can meet their favorite authors – and discover new ones – during interactive presentations, readings and book signings. They also can take part in story times, activities and games, and expert-led workshops that encourage creativity.

Activities will include author appearances, discussions and book signings; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and food, drink, ice cream and more. Admission is FREE, and free accessible shuttle service will be available from Shady Grove Metro and Lakeforest Mall. Visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org for more information.

Check out my Events page for a complete listing of all my book signing events, including the Moravian Book Shop and 2nd Sundays Williamsburg in June, where I will be debuting my new YA fantasy, Gwen Iver & Pendragon’s Puzzle.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel from Curious Corvid Publishing. His first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series are coming soon from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Last days of summer for an indie author, plus a new short story contest from Ravens and Roses

Leave a comment
Check out my Events page for updates on festivals and conventions I’ll be attending!

As the last days of Summer ebb into the blustery Autumn, the Corsair and the Sky Pirates book tour will be coming to an end. It has been a great year for my first steampunk historical fiction adventure! Corsair has won with multiple awards from BookFest and Speak-Up Talk Radio, and recognized by my peers from BBYNA and Publishers Weekly BookLife for my novel. This marks a great end to 2023 with a few more Events lined up before the release of my next novel from Curious Corvid Publishing, The Last Magus: Dragonfire & Steel, coming this December.

First and foremost, you can find me in historic Williamsburg, VA, at 2nd Sundays – Arts and Music Festival through the end of 2023. These dates include August 13, September 10, and October 8. 2nd Sundays is a street fair of over 150 unique artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendors in six blocks of downtown Williamsburg along N Boundary Street from Richmond Rd to Lafayette Street, along Scotland from Armistead to N. Henry and in the 400 block of Prince George Street in Williamsburg, VA, on the 2nd Sunday of each Month (March- December)! Visit www.2ndsundayswilliamsburg.com for information about this monthly festival.

I also will be attending three comic-cons in the next two months, locally here in NORVA but also back in my hometown. The Fairfax Comic-Con is a two-day extravaganza, August 26-27, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly VA. Besides exhibitors like yours truly, there will be an assortment of special guests including John Wesley Shipp (The Flash TV series), Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman in Justice League Animated Series) and more. Visit www.fairfaxcomiccon.com for tickets and information. The Phillipsburg Comic-Con is not a huge convention, but it is on my hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ, on Saturday, September 23. It supports my alma mater (Phillipsburg High School) arts programs through their Comic Club, Anime & Manga Club, and Club Unify. I am proud to be a part of this convention. Visit www.phillipsburgcomiccon.com for more information. Lastly, we round out September with the Southern Maryland Comic-Con on Saturday, September 30, at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, MD. Southern Maryland Comic-Con is a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy, which includes yours truly. Visit www.mdcomiccons.com for tickets and information.

Finally, I wanted to make my fellow independent authors aware of a short story contest from Ravens and Roses Publishing. Last year, I entered their contest and my story, The Emissary, was selected for their anthology Tales Untold: Mythos Around the World. This year, their anthology theme this year is Underdogs of Society. They are accepting submissions for the anthology from July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023. Unleash your creativity and do your best, but be original and creative in the story you deliver!

The maximum allowed word count per story is 8,000 words with a sweet spot between 5000-6,000 words. The short story must have a minimum word count of 3000 words. Visit the Anthology Guidelines page to learn more about submission criteria.

So, quick recap, plenty of chances to get a signed copy of my steampunk and fantasy books at conventions and festivals over the next few months. Check out my Events page for details. Plus, for indie authors and aspiring writers, check out the submission call for Ravens and Roses Publishing new anthology. Not much time left, so get writing!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other worlds as he weaves flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, are coming soon from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.