Last time I talked about a Goodreads group retreat with some writers and readers in Spokane Washington State. This time I am going to mention a couple of meetings I have been able to have with some authors both published and aspiring.
Last May when I went to America for my trip of a lifetime to meet a couple of friends for the first time and to do the Historical Highlights tour and see places like Gettysburg which were on my must see list. I also had the chance to meet with 4 Seekerville regulars, two of the seekers and 2 followers.
I had mentioned my trip and a couple said if you are in Atlanta we should meet. I had decided to stop there for a day and as it turned out I flew into Dallas then into Atlanta. I was going to Chattanooga the following day so I was able to meet 4 ladies for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. Debby Giusti and Patty Jo Moore meet me at the hotel and took me to the venue where Missy Tippens and Patty Smith Hall meet us.
Debby Giusti, Jenny Blake, Missy Tippens, Patty Smith Hall
and Patty Jo Moore.
It was a fun time talking about books and the Australian scene. I shared timtams with the ladies. I felt I knew most of these ladies before meeting due to Seekerville and with Patty Smith Hall from the Goodreads Love Inspired Historical group. Patty Jo I knew as Catmom from Seekerville and said to her I didn't know if I would recognise her without a cat. She is such a lovely warm lady who I am so happy I have met. The lunch for this reader was a wonderful time to get to know writers I had read and gotten to know on line and was now meeting.
While I was in Williamsburg I got to meet Carrie Fancett Pagels who is also a historical author. My tour had the afternoon to look round Old Williamsburg and Carrie met me there and we spent the afternoon with her showing me the area. Again this came about because of my trip and for this reader it was special.
I have had the chance to meet a couple of Australian authors this year and it has been a blessing. I am not sure if authors know how much it means to readers to meet them and how excited we can get. I met Paula Vince in my towns Christian bookshop a few years back and I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so excited, I am sure Paula can tell you how excited I got. The same reaction happened when a sales girl in Koorong found out Narelle Atkins was an author and had just found her book. I saw in her how I was when I first met Paula.
On Tuesday Debby Giusti will be visiting to talk about reader appreciation luncheons. Hopefully will give ideas on how to meet and appreciate readers.
JENNY BLAKE (aka Ausjenny) is an avid reader. When not reading she enjoys watching cricket, in fact you could call her a cricket fanatic, scrapbooking and jigsaws. She volunteers at the local Christian bookshop where she can recommend books to customers. Her book blog is where she reviews books and interview authors. Her goal is to help promote new books and encourage authors. Her blog is athttp://ausjenny.blogspot.com and is Co-Founder ofhttp://acrba.blogspot.com
