Did you ever get to meet your idol or someone you really admire? I did in August. Only I didn’t know I admired her yet.
What Does One Do at a Book Launch & Signing?
We entered Boswell Books through the Starbucks entrance on Downer Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at about 6 p.m. We handed over tickets in exchange for our brand new copies of the just released book How the Light Gets In and our signing letter. The letter we got corresponded to our spot in the book signing line. …we were letter, U…ahem. VIPs we are not. We found seats at the back of the mostly filled room and then headed for refreshments. Each of the tiny treats relating to Québec or the book: Poutine (a regional dish) amuse bouches, then bloody red velvet, banana maple pancake, caramel apple and ginger pear cupcakes. We awkwardly tried to balance, plates, napkins, books and iced tea in our folding chairs. As I watched people chatting or already reading the brand new book, I realized I hadn’t thought much about the person Louise Penny before. I knew I loved her books. I knew she wrote deliciously addictive and complex mysteries set in a fictional small town in Québec, but I didn’t know much more. Maybe it was because I felt I knew the characters personally that I never thought to think about her as an author before that night, as if because I knew her books so well, I already knew her.
Louise Begins to Inspire
Louise came out and right away we knew she was one of us. Dressed in a bright summer dress, she was relaxed, personable and hilarious. I guess I didn’t expect hilarious. And timing, man, she nailed timing! It was no surprise when she told us before writing she worked as a radio broadcaster for the CBC in Canada. It was clear she was comfortable talking to a crowd. After she took a picture of the crowd with her camera, we settled in to enjoy her talk. Did she talk about her books? Yes. More importantly she talked about writing and that’s when the inspiration started to get in.
Before attending this book launch I was feeling burnt out. I’d been putting so much into my writing and blog and not making much headway as far as “success” goes. I felt like I was writing good content, but I started to question myself. Did I really want to write? Was it worth it? And then the words she spoke seemed to hover in the air like literary stars, glimmering with promise and encouragement. The biggest star shook me in my seat. She spoke of realizing she was “writing for approval”. She changed her mindset to “write a book that I. Would. Love. To. Read.” Whoa. What was I doing? Writing to get more blog readers. Writing for approval.
More Louise Penny Stars
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She spoke of writing her characters and said, “It’s okay if you don’t love them, I do.”
- On writer’s block: “It was the not trying to write that was killing me”
- On writing, “This is a choice. This is a joy. A Dream.” She reminds herself often while writing, this is a blessing.
- She loves Québec and wants to bring it alive for others so they can love it like she does. She reminded me that’s one of the things I aim for in my writing. It’s one of my goals to write so people come to know and love my favorite places and experiences.
- Don’t write a book. Break down your book (or big goal) into manageable pieces. Just run to the next corner.
She was so enjoyable to listen to and laugh with, we didn’t want the night to end. I went to see Louise Penny because I loved her books. I left loving her books and Louise Penny. So here I am. Writing a blog I would love to read, writing to the next corner, and reminding myself that this opportunity is a blessing.
Watch a video clip of Louise Penny speaking about her childhood imaginings that her real mother was the Queen of England.
Oh how neat! So wonderful when you get to see someone whose work you enjoy in person. Authors are usually rather surprising people, I think, LOL. They usually see the world in a very different way. Her books sound fun! I’ll have to check them out.
I really recommend her books. I’d love to hear what you think after you read a few 🙂
There seems to be a real impulse to meet Louise after you’ve fallen in love with her characters. I traveled to Lansing, Michigan to see her in person last year. She was kind, generous, and charming as well as funny. And her writing is amazing. Thank you for sharing your experience!
You’re right, Ann! When I saw her official book launch was only a two-hour drive from home I was ready to go. And it was definitely worth the drive. Listening to her talk was like listening to an an old friend. And it was over too soon! Louise is clearly very talented on a number of levels, not least of which is her writing!
I always enjoy reading what you write ~ and I have an idea how much thought goes into it! Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you, Karla!
I’ve honestly never heard of Louise before. I will definitely be looking up her books now.
She used to be my little secret, but her latest book already hit #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. She’s becoming more and more well known. If you like mysteries and falling in love (or hate in some cases) with characters you’ll enjoy her books.
How fun to go to a book launch and meet the author! I haven’t been to one, myself, but I was on a book launch team a couple of months ago for Paul Angone, which was very exciting, too!
That’s awesome! How was it working with the author?
Oh how fun! I would love to attend a book launch/signing of one of my favorite authors. It’s always interesting to me to find out their inspiration, and how they work/write.
I know! And it seems like every writer has a different approach to writing and getting it done.
How very amazing! I’ve never met any of my favorite authors. I would love to meet Stephen King some day, but I am pretty sure if that were to happen I would have that star-struck issue where nothing would come out of my mouth. The rest of my favorite authors I would very well be able to carry on a conversation with just as I have when I meet musicians.
I’ve never heard of Louise Penny so I am going to have to check her out.
I was a bit start struck. I couldn’t manage to get much out other than “Thank you!” Not very original…
This looks so fun! I love the pictures! and I totally want to take a big bite out of that choc cupcake! Yum! Thanks for sharing!!
I don’t even remember what the cupcake tasted like. I think I was too excited to see Louise Penny 🙂
Wow, meeting one of my favorite authors would be a dream! I’m with you, I don’t often think of them as who they are, I see them through who I want them to be using their books as a filter. I think it’s great you got to experience her as a person as well 🙂 I’m loving her tips and ideas and how you are implementing them into your own work. It’s easy to start writing for others, but the advice to write something YOU would want to read is genius!
Thanks for sharing, I definitely needed to hear those words of advice myself 🙂
I’m glad to hear that even though I was writing for myself, I wasn’t only writing for myself, if you know what I mean 🙂
I love talking to authors. We’ve interviewed several for our radio show. People tell me I should write a book, but I doubt I ever will. I love her comment about not caring if we love her characters, because she does.
Oooh! I think it’d be super interesting to work on a radio show. After reading 10 Things You Should Know on your site I think you’d be the perfect candidate for writing a book. I enjoyed your style of writing!
I have always wanted to attend a book signing. It looks like it was a great experience for you!
– April
It was really fun! I hope you can go to one soon!
How fun for you to be able to go to a book signing! It’s so fun to see the people behind the stories. And she had great advice. Breaking down writing a book into just different steps makes it seem less daunting!
I agree and I think it’s great advice for working on any project.
I’ve never heard of her before. Is there any books that you recommend that’s written by her? I still have yet to meet any authors or go to any signing/book reading. I guess I’m more into cars than book but those are some great advice that she gave you!
I’d recommend starting with her first book, Still Life. It starts her series and you have to read them in order, in my opinion!
I love that. Write what you love, don’t write for approval. That is actually something I needed to hear today. Thank you for this!
I’m glad the post came at a good time! Thanks for reading 🙂
How wonderful that you got to meet such an inspirational author! I met Jean Craighead George when I was a freshman in college — what an amazing person — she actually camped out in the arctic to research “Julie of the Wolves” — which is why it rings so true. Unfortunately, I came away thinking that there was no way I could do anything even close to that… and I stopped thinking about writing books.
Louise Penny’s advice is much more useful, practical, and applicable. I haven’t read any of her books, but I think I’m going to head down to the library to check a few out!
Thanks!
I would have loved to see Jean Craighead George speak. I read her books til I wore them out! I hope you enjoy Louise Penny’s books!
This is so great, Terra! I love the advice to write something that YOU would love to read. I have had quite a few “off” days recently, where the writers block was paralyzing, and I couldn’t stop comparing my little blog to all the other big successful blogs. When I was finally able to let that go, I wrote because I love to do it, and because I seek to please God with my writing. If others enjoy it, that’s great! If not, at least I’ve had a great time doing it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
It’s hard not to compare, isn’t it?! I still find myself doing it here and there, but I’m able to quickly remind myself that’s not what it’s all about…most of the time!
Sounds like a really neat experience. I have never been to a book signing event before. And now since your words spoke to me I must check out her books. Which is your favorite or the best one to start with?
This is a series you should read in order so I’d start with #1, Still Life. Enjoy!
I’ve never been to a book signing I am sure it’s fun. It looks like you had a great time and that cupcake looks yummy. Thanks for sharing about the author as well. I’ll have to check her out.
I hope you enjoy her books. I sure did!
So cool you got to do this – and those treats look so yummy!
They were delish!
I have a co-worker. We are both bloggers and both aspiring writers. We have had successes on very small scales. We always say that measure our successes by the success of others…and that we have to stop.
Last year I finished a novel. It was a dream book that I had played out in my mind for too long. When I finally put pen to paper – I couldn’t stop writing. I talked about it a lot with my co-worker. When the story was complete…I missed the characters. I didn’t care if anyone else love them, because I loved them. And I didn’t care if anyone ever read the book, I was just glad that the book had finally come alive for me.
So everything about Louise’s writing, personality and views sound right up my alley. I’d love to go to one of her signings. I am glad you enjoyed such an awesome opportunity and that you shared it with us.
Wow! Finishing writing a book is a huge achievement in itself! Congratulations! I also have a co-worker (she doesn’t blog), but she’s sometimes my best vlog sounding board. I’ve told her to keep me focused on my writing not on who cares about my writing.
This sounds like it’s going to quite the memory! I can’t say that I’ve ever met an idol of mine…but wow, it would be pretty amazing. It looks and sounds like you had a really valuable experience. I really would enjoy something like this!
Check your local bookstores for upcoming author signings. It turns out the bookstore we saw Louise Penny at has big names come in frequently. We live 2 hours away, but it’s hopefully I’ll get to see a few more authors.
Thanks for sharing your experience about the author. I don’t think that I have read her books, but will definitely be looking into that. I love a good read. You made some great points; if we love to write then we should do it. Keep it up 😉
Thank you, I will!
As another blogger I love this advice.
I have not heard of Louise Peters but will have to look for her writing as well. Enjoyed this post.
Thank you. Her newest book recently his #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list so I don’t think you’ll have to look far 😉
I hope you enjoy her books as much as I do!
What an amazing experience that must have been to meet one of your favorite writers. It’s amazing how these people we build up in our heads are just like us you know. I recently read On Writing by Stephen King (one of my all time favorites) and put it down feeling as inspired as you sound.
Good luck to you and writing , I think you have an amazing time ahead of you.
It was pretty amazing and eye opening. I may have to read On Writing now. I pass it often in the library and have wanted to check it out.
How cool that you were able to do that. Good luck to your adventure!
Thank you! I’ll have to keep taking her advice and reminding myself to write for myself.
I have heard of Louise Penny, yet I haven’t read any of her books. Needless to say after reading your post, I’m adding her to my list! Thanks for sharing your experience with us; I feel like I was there with you. The advice Louise gave is brilliant – write what YOU love and what YOU want to read. You like it; surely someone else will share your taste. Even if they don’t, YOU are please and happy – and that’s what really matters! 🙂
I think you’ll really like her books. Stop by and let me know what you think of the books and her characters when you’ve had a chance to read one or two 😉
I love going to events like this. Those treats look delish too!
They were delicious!
Getting to meet one of my favorite authors would be so cool. I’ve never thought of trying to find a book signing so I could.
Check out local bookstores and libraries. Authors usually have their readings and signings there. 🙂
I haven’t heard of her or seen her books. Never also been to any book launch, sucky me. But hopefully, I will in the future. I want to see my favorite authors!
I hope you get to soon. It’s fun!
I really enjoyed this post. As a writer and an avid reader I know about book signings and the one you attended showed such a great one. How fun this must have been to meet her in person. I am not familiar with this author but will check her out. Thanks!
It really was a lot of fun. I guess I didn’t expect to laugh so much!
Thank you, that was very lovely.
I too have become discouraged with my writing. Am I writing to help people or just to make money? Am I writing what really interests me? You have inspired me with your writing, so please keep at it.
Blessings!
Aw, thank you! Hearing that keeps me writing, too.
I managed to hear Jennifer Weiner do a book reading in downtown Chicago as well as Amy Tan in Colorado. It was so wonderful to hear their personal stories and how they related to the book. It brought another dimension to the reading experience. Thanks for sharing yours.
Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution
“It’s okay if you don’t love them, I do.”
YESSSSS!!!
I am working on a young adult fantasy novel and let a friend read what I’ve written thus far. She said it was well-written but that she didn’t like the female protagonist. She then went on to make a lot of suggestions for who she SHOULD be, which would then change the entire story. For me, my characters are who they are. Just like I am who I am. It’s like I didn’t even create them. I’m just telling their story. Asking me to change them is like asking me to change my son’s personality. Even if it could be done, I wouldn’t. I love him the way he is. You can checkout chapter one of my novel if you’d like. And thanks for sharing your insights from this experience. 🙂
Very cool that you got to meet her! I love meeting people that have inspired me!
I have not heard of her before… I will definitely be checking out her books after reading your post. So glad she didn’t disappoint!
I love the quote, “It was the not trying to write that was killing me.” This has been true in my life too. Thank you for the reminder that writing is a choice and a blessing. 😀
I don’t know Louise Penny, but I love this blog post [I don’t say that lightly] and I find it highly encouraging, especially “write a book you would love to read.” I’m going to mull over that one for a bit. I can say without hesitation that some of my blog content is nothing I would want to read. I aim to change that. Thank you.
I have never been to a book signing, It must be so exciting, I am definately going to check our her books.
Louise Penny just got another fan, and so did you! You managed to put me right there in the room. This is a wonderful post and I am happy to learn about your blog. I love writing – then I hate it. What am I doing? I have to ask myself. Then I meet another wonderful blogger and I know we all go through things. Thank you so much for this post!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words 🙂
It would seem that have mirrored my sentiment on writing and we have never met!. I have trying my hand at this writing thing for a while. My head will be in it for a moment then full fledge my heart then…defeat. This was more than inspiring and reminds me what I have to get back to in order to make my dreams come true. Thanks for sharing. Just writing this is an emotional turning point. Thank you!
You’re welcome 🙂 Isn’t is funny how fast and easily we can feel defeated? I wish I could feel successful as easily!
I have never heard of Louise….but I am sure it was a real pleasure to meet her and see how down to earth she is….
I’ve not heard of Louise Penny, but now I’m interested to check out her work. She has a good point that writing should be fun and you do it because you love it.
I hope you like her series as much as I do!
I have never been to a book signing but it would be great to hear an author speak! They have so much to offer, as you have demonstrated here. I love the tip, “just run to the next corner”. I am currently writing a book and find myself overwhelmed at the content. I find it better to break it down one paragraph at a time, though organizing is where I need the most help LOL. Thanks for your post and this author’s insight.
Breaking it down into small bits makes it easier to handle, doesn’t it? Good luck with the book!
Your proud mother sent me your post “Life as a Field Trip”…I enjoyed it and wondered what else you were doing. Louise Penny is great. I wish that I would have known you were going to see her. Your mother can make anyone smile! Keep up the good work, Terra. Your photos are delightful, pictures of P are charming. What a lot of work you’ve put into this blog! I especially love the banner photo-P’s beautiful eye lashes make the shot. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your kind words! My mom is pretty great, isn’t she? 🙂
Have a wonderful New Year!