Amanda is off dealing with computer stuff, so I am filling in today!
Let me tell you what I did last night. Nope, it wasn’t stay at home and cajole the middle-grader to get his homework done; that’s every other night!
I went to Lady Jane’s Salon, a monthly event in New York City that has since spread to other metropolises. Lady Jane’s is a social gathering where romance authors come to read from their upcoming or current works, usually about three authors in total, and always a vast mix of genres.
Cara Elliot, whose Too Tempting to Resist is out April 24, was one of the three reading authors last night, and her scene, where the heroine inadvertently gets herself stuck into some velvet-padded handcuffs, was delicious! The hero attempts to get her out of them–you know, as heroes do–only he is entirely unclothed, they are in his bedroom, and they’ve already shared one passionate kiss.
Ahem. Let’s just say, it was one frisky scene.
We’ve talked about it before, but let me reiterate that there is something profoundly special about spending real time with people who read and love the same things you do. Having authors share their passion to a room full of devoted romance readers is an incredible experience, and I am preordering Cara’s book today.
Have you gotten to see any authors read before? Who was it, and did it give you a deeper understanding of the book?
Amanda and I had the honor of reading at Lady Jane’s a couple of years ago. It was a very special moment for me.
I totally agree. There is nothing like being among people who love what you do.
I have attended a few author events, but some were for children’s books. No matter, getting to talk with them or hear them read an excerpt does give you insight into their work.
I got to hear Sharyn McCrumb speak about writing and doing research. She also read from The Devil Amongst the Lawyers: A Ballad Novel which had just come out. It was an event at a college and other than when she signed my book, there was no time to talk. More of a commercial experience than anything else although it did give insight into the why of the book.
I did attend a book talk at an Indie book store with author Kelly O’Connor McNees on her first book THE LOST SUMMER OF LOUISA MAY ALCOTT. Since it was a small group, there was an opportunity to ask questions and talk. She talked of her research and thoughts and read some passages. She was very nice and it was enjoyable and informative.
I have met a few local authors and talked with them about their research and writing.
It does give you a better feel for the story when you know some of the background of writing it.
A really, really belated thanks, Megan! Getting the opportunity to read for an audience of fellow romance readers is such a wonderful experience, and Lady Jane’s is such a special venue.
I love hearing authors read their own works. The nuances of voice and emphasis is fascinating and shows how they feel about the scene and the characters.
A recent treat was hearing Eloisa James read from Paris In Love.