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.

FMI: www.amazon.com-Meettherobins