I went to my first book club meeting—mostly school administrators and teachers—in an area near Los Angeles most famous for a race track where Seabiscuit cleaned up and where the stars bet on horses.
Because of the attendees background they were very interested in the writing and editorial process. I told them stories of having my poetic license revoked by a demanding editor, and they related that experience to teachers being at their best when they challenged and had high expectations of their students.
We talked about the novel and the intersection between reality and fiction. We talked about illusion and delusion, about life-as-performance, about authenticity and artificiality. We talked about the twists in the narrative and the ending, which I won’t share with you because that’s cheating.
I had a wonderful time and I hope to do it again, actually, I will be soon—in the middle of November. I’ve been told this group really gets into it and to don my thickest skin. Which is no problem, because at my age it’s more of hide 😉 .
Happy reading everyone, and happy weekend!
Hide and go chic!
😀
Sounds like a cross-examination or a defence of a thesis…..well done, and glad you enjoyed the book club.
I’m glad your first book club experience was such a good’un – mine was too: it was the biggest turn-out they’d ever had – because it sounds like a good preparation for this one coming up in November. An experienced author once told me that a relentless group grilling is good for character building…but it seems to me like you’ve got character to burn so I’m sure there’s nothing they’re likely to throw at you that you can’t handle. Have at it!
*applause* Good show, Ms Vickie, how marvellous that you wowed them, honey! I am certain that you will more than hold your own on your next adventure due to your natural spark and electric wit!
“A hide”?! You are not a rhino, fer shame!
Sounds like a fascinating and stimulating discussion. (I can never type the word “stimulating” without thinking of Katharine Hepburn in “The African Queen”.)
I hope all goes well with the book club in November…and I’m sure it will. 🙂
After they successfully navigated the rapids?
As for the book club, as long as they hand me something to drink and a plate of cheese crackers I’ll be good to go, although I have to be honest, at the first meeting I didn’t eat a bite—I was talking too much!