Maine author David Florig will discuss his new novel, The Shattered Curling Stone. The Shattered Curling Stone is a work of historical fiction, centered around young Ailsa Maclaren, who takes up curling at a time when women were neither encouraged, nor often permitted, to play the game. Set in late-1800s Scotland, it tells Ailsa’s story as she journeys from novice, to the Scottish Women’s Championship, and the World Championship. The Shattered Curling Stone is steeped in the history of women’s curling, both real and fictional. Along the way, Ailsa meets the very handsome and charming Lucas Plotcok, and therein lies the tale... 

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the 500-year-old Scottish sport of curling, or are simply a fan of historical fiction and Scotland, you won’t want to miss this event. You will learn about the very special kind of ice used for curling, and will get to see and feel the curling stone made from 60-million-year-old Scottish granite, as well as a curling broom and shoes. 

There will be readings from both the award-winning The Stones of Ailsa Craig and The Shattered Curling Stone, Q&A, and book signings. 

Although curling provides the context for both novels, the books will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mysteries. The event will include readings, a real curling stone, Q&A, and book signing. All ages are welcome.

DAVID S. FLORIG lives in Ocean Park, Maine. Florig is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. He is a member and past-president of the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland, as well as a member of the Belfast Curling Club in Maine. His debut novel, The Stones of Ailsa Craig, is an homage to Belfast, Maine; the glorious Maine coast; and the ancient Scottish sport of curling. Set in present-day Belfast, Maine and 1880s Scotland, the novel is a sometimes dark look into one man’s loss, loneliness, obsession, and quest for vengeance. Rich in curling and Maine history, The Stones of Ailsa Craig is a work of historical fiction. 

The Stones of Ailsa Craig was named Best Historical Fiction for 2023 by Indies Today, was a 2023 Finalist for the American Writing Awards, and was nominated for a Maine Literary Award and the Eric Hoffer Award. It has been called a “crowning achievement” by The Feathered Quill. 

Most recently, Florig organized and led a group of ninety Maine authors as Maine Authors for Lewiston. Between November 25th and December 16th, the group held ten book sales/signings in public libraries around the state to raise money to support victims and families of the tragic events in Lewiston on October 25th. The group raised more than $6,000.00 at the events. 

For years, David practiced law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Following his legal career, he served as the Executive Director of two nonprofits – Court Appointed Special Advocates of Burlington County (New Jersey) and the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. WePAC recruited and trained volunteers to open shuttered elementary school libraries in Philadelphia, and for his work on behalf of Philadelphia’s children, he was honored as one of the inaugural GameChangers by KYW Newsradio in celebration of Black History Month.

Copies of The Shattered Curling Stone will be for sale courtesy of Sherman’s Maine Coast Bookshop. All sales the evening of the event benefit the Jesup.