Writing Matters: A Dialog on the Craft & Business of Words
Some of you know about the writing series I co-host at the cutest independent bookstore in the world (or at least that I know of so far). Here’s an article about Writing Matters that recently appeared.
Last Friday’s panel was a wowing success, every seat filled, thanks to three terrific authors, the bookstore’s gorgeous array of books–by the authors, but also a quirky display of books on craft since many of our attendees are emerging writers–and OK, a little wine to go with the food.
I hope that those of you in the NY/NJ area will come out for one of our upcoming panels, or contact me with ideas if you’re an author and would like to appear. And if you’re not from around here, hey, consider joining us anyway. The three authors you see below made their journeys from North Carolina, Boston, and western NY state!
If you’re interested in listening to the absolute pearls contributed by each of the authors, there’s a podcast of the panel here. (Note: It’s 1:23:30 long, and somewhat big at 14MB.)
Randy Susan Meyers
Shelley Stout
Therese Walsh
Jenny — you are so generous and what you are doing is to be applauded. You are at the forefront of innovation of this sort. Most bookstores I walk into the management could care if you are a writer or a plumber or a candlestick maker – especially if you are wearing the “Midlist” author badge. In other words, you care a great deal about the well being of ofthers in geneeral and writers in particular. Is there food involved?
I can’t make it right now so far, but I am on SKYPE. Any thoughts of doing a SKYPE interview or discussion?
Innovation….
rob
Comment by Robert W. Walker — May 26, 2010 @ 9:29 am
I love innovation, Rob, and will think about the Skype idea, run it by some of the staff. However, I’d also really love to get to sit down with you in person someday! So many subjects you could discuss…Let’s keep it a possibility, even for way off down the road? Hey, you could do other things while in the area, see the Empire State Building, have dim sum in Chinatown…
Comment by jenny — May 26, 2010 @ 9:45 am
I am so glad to see pictures of the authors!!
Comment by Judy — May 26, 2010 @ 9:47 am
I am so glad to see pictures of the authors!!
Comment by Judy — May 26, 2010 @ 9:48 am
PS: Yes, always food involved. Last weekend it was coconut pecan chocolate chip cookies and truffle mousse canapes
The store supplied brie, strawberries, wine…
Books + food are almost as good as it gets…throw in true love/family/friends and you’re there, y’know?
Comment by jenny — May 26, 2010 @ 9:48 am
They’re a pretty trio, right, Judy??
Comment by jenny — May 26, 2010 @ 9:49 am
This is fantastic, Jenny. Even though I couldn’t make it, it’s nice to be able to hear it.
Comment by Todd — May 26, 2010 @ 11:12 am
This is such a great thing you’ve got going, Jenny! I can see something like that thriving in Ann Arbor, where I am… I just wish I didn’t have to have a day job so I could pursue it! (actually, I ought to see if Nicola’s does such a thing–that is our local independent…)
Comment by Hart — May 26, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
I’d be happy to share what we’ve learned, Hart. And happy to try to get to one of yours if you do get it going! I feel like in these changing times, the bricks and mortar stores do something no internet purveyor of books or video feed embedded in an e reader will ever be able to touch–bring authors, writers, readers, and fans together in a real time interaction.
Comment by jenny — May 26, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
I greatly enjoyed being a part of the panel. And yes, the strawberries and wine were devine!
Comment by Shelley Stout — May 26, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Thank you so much! I enjoyed listening in. Great info shared here…it is apparent that in addition to writing a fabulous book, you also have to understand marketing…because you need to be involved…to ensure success!
As a marketing professional in the packaging industry for many years now, I am all about the “package”…i.e.: the cover of the book :). Take the snarky Harlequin Romance series…Fabio on the cover skyrocketed that to its success moreso than the content :).
This was great! I enjoyed it immensely.
Comment by susan — June 11, 2010 @ 8:31 am