Floating Lady Publishing

05/31/2025

https://thegreatboomsky.com/f/a-cherished-award-and-a-wonderful-article

I was so honored to receive a Heritage Award from the Colchester Historical Society in Truro, Nova Scotia! It was especially meaningful to have in attendance three granddaughters of Isaac Wills, The Great Boomsky, as wel...

05/12/2025

I was so very honored to be presented with a Heritage Award by the Colchester Historical Society in Truro, Nova Scotia, in recognition for my book, "The Great Boomsky," featuring Truro magician, Isaac Willis.
It was so special to accept the award in front of The Great Boomsky's hometown crowd! Three granddaughters of Isaac and Blanche Willis attended the ceremony - Agnes Lattie, Wanda Wooten, and Donna Willis.
Dr. Lynn Jones was there, and also Marianne Ward, editor of "The Great Boomsky." Having the ceremony at the lovely Colchester Historeum, whose research staff uncovered several key details of The Great Boomsky's story, added one more layer of meaning to the evening.

CHS secretary Pam Grace, left, and award recipient Margaret B. Steele

02/23/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AYwtFpMAC/

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Glenn Willis, a grandson of Isaac Willis, The Great Boomsky. Glenn had just returned from skiing in the Austrian Alps when he met us for lunch on an icy February day in Dartmou...

11/02/2024

Listen to author Margaret B Steele's interview on magic history on BBC Radio's The History Hour. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct5n2l

THE GREAT BOOMSKY is now available worldwide through multiple e-book retailers, including Kobo Plus and Hoopla, with more stores being added every day!

The Siegfried and Roy show in Las Vegas which ended in a tiger attack and tragedy in 2003

10/08/2024

This Saturday, October 12, I will be presenting a book talk (with magic!) at Barnes and Noble in Mohegan Lake, NY. I'll be there from 1-3pm reading excerpts and signing copies of THE GREAT BOOMSKY. Hope to see you there!

Join us for an in-store event, Local Author Margaret Steele Book Signing with Magic Demonstration , on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

10/06/2024

Amidst the chaos and discombobulation of moving, I'm a week late in posting photos from the awesome Milbourne Christopher Awards ceremony in New London CT. I was incredibly honored to receive the 2024 Literary Award. Congrats to all the awardees, and thanks to the Milbourne Christopher Foundation for this incredible award. I was in very distinguished magical company!

08/26/2024

Isaac Willis, The Great Boomsky, graces the cover of the September issue of Genii, the world's premier magic magazine. During the lifetime of Isaac Willis (1878-1933), he entertained millions, yet until now, neither his name nor his image was printed in any magic world publication. Finally, ninety-one years after his death, Isaac Willis receives the recognition he always deserved.

The September Genii contains two excerpts from my book, THE GREAT BOOMSKY, as well as a terrific book review by Francis Menotti. BOOMSKY has been receiving excellent reviews, but this one is my favorite! It is BOOMSKY's first magic world review and Francis Menotti, an acclaimed working magician, really "got" the book, for which I am so pleased and grateful.

Thank you Genii Magazine!

THE GREAT BOOMSKY is available at all online book retailers, but if you purchase it through www.thegreatboomsky.com, I receive a much higher royalty. Ordering the paperback via the website guarantees the same 70lb paper that was used for the hardcover. (The largest online retailer has its own printing plants and uses lighter weight paper. But if you do purchase through Amazon, please leave a review!)

Thank you everyone for your support!

08/21/2024

Isaac William Willis (1878-1933) performed as The Great Boomsky. A highly successful and accomplished magician, Willis performed a solo act for audiences of thousands in theaters and opera houses across North America.
Every month, Isaac Willis sent his touring dates to the magician's monthly, "The Sphinx," which dutifully printed The Great Boomsky's route - and nothing else. In his own time (the era of Segregation), and for ninety-one years after his death, neither Isaac Willis's name nor his image ever appeared in any magic publication or book. Until now!
FINALLY, Isaac William Willis, The Great Boomsky, graces the cover of the September issue world's premier magic publication, Genii Magazine. I am proud of my part (and that of Boomsky's devoted fans) in restoring the legacy of this important and deserving magician. Thank you, Genii, for shining the spotlight on Isaac Willis, The Great Boomsky!

GENII was founded in 1936 by William Larsen, Sr., and is now published by Genii Enterprises, LLC. It is the longest-running magazine devoted to magic. Jim Steinmeyer is Executive Editor, taking over from Richard Kaufman, who retired in 2025.

08/15/2024

Last month I made a very quick dash to Nantucket! I gave a talk on THE GREAT BOOMSKY at the Nantucket Atheneum and also appeared at a private event, both on the same day. I didn't take many photos on this whirlwind trip, but Nantucket is another world. I must return. https://nantucket.librarycalendar.com/event/author-talk-margaret-steele-great-boomsky-4864

07/24/2024

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards requested a photo with my medal and book for their website. Their deadline is today, and this selfie was the best I could manage! I'm so overwhelmed and honored. Still pinching myself!

07/20/2024

FINALLY! I am back from my book launch tour and am processing orders for autographed copies of THE GREAT BOOMSKY. I'm working my way through numerous emails, PMs, and texts asking about signed copies. Meanwhile, you can now order signed copies at www.thegreatboomsky.com. You can also order hardcover or paperback copies directly on the site. (You save $5, and I get a higher royalty!)

07/06/2024

I am thrilled to announce that THE GREAT BOOMSKY is a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. This is a prestigious literary contest with thousands of entries. I am so very honored and proud.