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Lifestyle
New non-profit Garden State Author Talks is giving back to the public and local indie bookstores through literary events. Garden State Author Talks (GSAT) is planning a series of high-profile author events that promote community connections, shared ideas, and a chance to participate in a pleasant and enjoyable experience, inspiring readers and writers along the way. Stay tuned as GSAT will announce the first half of the 2026 series of special author events this January. Read on for more about this new non-profit and how to attend an event.
Overview of Garden State Author Talks
GSAT is a passion project created by Paul Samuelson of Union, NJ. Paul said GSAT is “a nonprofit I started a few months ago with the goal of bringing more in-conversation author events to New Jersey, creating a sustainable (nonprofit) model that supports our local indie bookstore economy while also making these events attractive to authors and publishers.” Paul is the current Senior Director of Publicity at Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster, and he’s been working in book publicity for 20 years.
Paul continued, “Supporting local bookstores and not competing with them is central to the non-profit’s mission.” All tickets are bundled with a book, and all proceeds contribute toward future programming. All events include a special Q&A with book signings by the authors. Paul is grateful and feels lucky to have teamed up with the Montclair Art Museum. The MAM has an extremely supportive group of people who share the GSAT vision.
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Paul’s Commitment to Change: Why He Created GSAT
Paul works with authors and bookstores every day, so he is up close and personal with literary trends. “The first is the industry-wide shift toward ticketed, in-conversation events where the book is bundled into the ticket price. Publishers increasingly want these kinds of events, but most brick-and-mortar bookstores don’t have relationships with local venues, and many don’t have ticketing infrastructure,” he said. “Meanwhile, New Jersey has an abundance of incredible community spaces that are underutilized for literary programming.”
Paul reported that another major challenge independent bookstores are facing is the competition with bulk online retailers.., “All of this is happening at the very moment publishers are looking for bigger venues, reliable audiences, and efficient regional stops—and only a handful of options exist,” he said.
Garden State Author Talks was created to solve these problems. It gives publishers a low-cost, close-to-home alternative to flying authors to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Chicago for ticketed events. It supports independent bookstores by running all book sales—regardless of where the event takes place—through local registers. And it brings major authors and cultural voices to New Jersey, specifically to Montclair, for intimate, entertaining events.”
GSAT Inaugural Event with Comedian Marine Veteran Rob Riggle
The Montclair Art Museum opened its doors for GSAT’s first event on this past Veterans’ Day, honoring Comedian, Actor, and Marine Veteran Rob Riggle. The event took place in the MAM’s Leir Hall. Rob reflected on his career in two completely different lanes, the Marine Corps and Comedy. His new book is titled Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine’s Guide to Comedy and Life.
Rob has a deep sense of patriotism and values his experiences as a Marine, which guided him on his way to fame in the comedy business. He served our country for 23 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. His deployments included Liberia, Kosovo, Albania, and 2 tours in Afghanistan. e. His many legendary comedic acts include SNL, The Daily Show, Stepbrothers, 21 Jump Street, and The Hangover. This book is an excellent, insightful read, inspiring readers to follow their life’s dreams even when life’s struggles stand in their way.
MG and the audience were enraptured by his hilarious and often deeply moving stories of his unconventional journey. It was an intimate evening as Riggle reflected on his days as a selfless Marine, which ultimately gave him the inner strength to persevere and never quit his passion to become a successful comedian. MG was marveled by the evening that resulted in a lovely experience for all who attended.
Giving Back + Many Thanks from MG
The best way to participate is to attend the author talk events. Be on the lookout for ticketing information found here: Buy tickets – Garden State Author Talks. Follow GSAT on Instagram @njauthortalks. As GSAT invests in the community, please consider contributing to Garden State Author Talks by donating here, Garden State Author Talks Donation, or by using the following QR Code.
MG sends many thanks to Garden State Author Talks and Paul Samuelson for such a positive and happening Veterans Day evening with Rob Riggle, ultimately enriching the community. Special thanks to Evan Cutler as the interviewer, for asking the important questions. MG sends heartfelt gratitude to Rob Riggle for serving our country and for keeping us laughing.
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