This past Friday night, I had the pleasure of joining an area book club to discuss Friday Mornings at Nine, and what a fabulous group it was! My friend and Chicago-North RWA chaptermate, Clara Kensie (pictured with me), gets the credit for pulling together this gathering, and I'm thrilled she did.
Our wonderful host, Karen (right), made me feel welcome at once, and the drinks/treats everybody shared were delicious! As for the actual details of our conversation...well, I've been sworn to secrecy. You know there's that unwritten rule that what gets talked about in book club stays in book club ;). I will say that the four hours I was there sped by in a blink and, by the end of the evening, I knew I wanted to find a way to get together with these ladies again. I'm totally gonna crash one of their morning coffee dates. They happened to let it slip when and where they meet...so they'll have no choice but to see me again.
Here's half of the wild crew (from left to right): Toby, Jeni, Karen, Kathy and Sandra. And, if you check out the table, you can also see the tasty cream-cheese dip we devoured. SO good! As well as those chocolate-peanut-butter truffles that Liz brought us (she's a Dove chocolatier!) -- YUM.
On the other side of the room, we have: Clara, Tina, Diane, Liz and Cheryl (who's Karen's mom!) and more great posing with the books. I just loved the way everyone in the club spontaneously held up my novels and postcards the very second I pulled out my camera -- you ladies rock!
Since I caught Tina with her eyes closed in that last shot, here's another one. And, oh, did I mention we also had some wine? Mmmm, yes...
This final shot of Diane and Liz searching for a passage in the book was actually the first picture I took during the evening. Although, after I learned that Diane is a terrific photographer, I turned my camera over to her and got her to take a few additional photos for me.To all the ladies, thanks so much for making the night such fun. And to the Awesome Mystery Woman out there -- wherever she may be -- who is the originator of today's modern book club, I raise my glass to you. You created something good ;).
14 comments:
That sounds like such an amazing time (even before the treats!) But I'm not surprised--your books are the type we *love* to talk about!!
Pamela, thank you ;). It was really fun... I generally get pretty nervous before public speaking events, but book clubs are so different from that -- they're warm and relaxing and I love the women who choose to meet to talk about stories (it doesn't even have to be one of mine :). I think that's the coolest part -- that desire to meet and really discuss an idea deeply, particularly if it involves relationships, friendships and things we all share. Wish I could drag you up to IL and take you to one!
Sounds like fun! I don't know why you get nervous. You are such an engaging speaker.
Have a great day~
Ooh, that does sound like fun! It seems like such a warm, relaxed group. No wonder you want to crash their next gathering. :-)
Marilyn, that night was a blast! Everyone was so honored to have you there. As an aspiring author, I loved learning more about the industry and your path to publication. Discussing FriMo@9 (that's my abbreviation for your title) gave us all insights into our own lives, too. I loved when we went around the room and compared ourselves to Jennifer, Bridget, and Tamara. I also loved learning a little "insider" trivia about the book, such as which coffee shop is *really* the Indigo Moon Cafe (I used to go there!) and that Tamara's name is pronounced Ta-MAR-a, not TAM-a-ra. ;-D
I don't often join my friends on their weekly coffee date--I'm too busy writing--but tell me when you decide to crash, and I'll come too. We know when they meet: Friday mornings at nine!
Nancy, thanks for saying that -- I really appreciate hearing it ;). Stage fright is a life-long thing for me, though. Something I've learned to manage, but I don't think I'll ever conquer it...
Caryn, you'd have a blast! I'd love to take you to one of their gatherings, too :).
Clara, you and your friends are simply wonderful! (And I'll definitely email/FB you so we can choose a good Friday in March to crash. ;) LOL about the "insider trivia"!! You're collecting your own for your YA series right now (i.e., what you told me about your street name...), so I'll feel privileged at having gotten some of the inside scoop when you sell your first book!
That looks like so much fun! Your book really lends itself to groups like this. I wish I could've been there. And only a tiny bit because of the chocolate-peanut butter-truffles. Chatting with you and other women who love books would be even better than truffles.
Edie, I agree! While I'd *never* turn down any kind of truffle, it was the chatting that made the night so enjoyable and memorable. Wish you could have been there, too!!
Well, Marilyn, we all had a blast and we will definitely be begging you to join us again -- especially when we discuss your next book in November. And, Caryn, you are certainly welcome to join in the fun! The more the merrier! And we always have extra truffles and wine for anyone else that would like to come on by and discuss some wonderful writing! Thanks again, Marilyn.
Karen, no arm twisting is necessary at all! You should know by now that I'd join you all again in a heartbeat ;). You already have me looking forward to our discussion in the fall!!
This is sooo cool. I was just asked by a local woman to come and join them at their book club after they read my book in June! I was so excited. I love meeting readers and it reminds me of why I do it:)
Sounds like a fun evening, Marilyn! I thought of you today as I watched the start of a FAB new series (UK, BBC, I think) called Lost in Austen. About a woman, Amanda Price, who loves Pride and Prejudice so much, she ends up in the book, trying to make things end up happening like Jane wrote it, but everything keeps going wrong and events and characters refuse to co-operate. Loved it.
Marilyn, I can't imagine a book club not having an awesome time with you! Thanks for sharing pictures - it sounds like so much fun. I've never been part of a book club and every time you share your experiences, I wish I was. :)
Have a great weekend! (Hope you're feeling good.)
Tonya, I know you'll have a wonderful time in June! Hope you'll blog about the event and post some photos as well ;).
Michelle, I *love* "Lost in Austen"!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the show as well. I'd heard good things about the production but had missed the airing of the show in the States, so I got the DVD. Very funny!
Robin, thank you! With the possible exception of dancing in the front row of a Bon Jovi concert and singing along with Jon, I don't think I could dream up a more fun way to spend an evening with friends *g*. Wishing you a great weekend, too!
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