Our Love of Books and Community

May 5, 2015

Last night I spoke at the brand new Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, Florida about my journey from aspiring to published writer, libraries, and early influences – including my librarian mom. The talk benefitted The Manatee County Library Foundation and it was a wonderful crowd of warm and engaging readers. I opened talking about my mother and her love of story, as well as her work in the Chester Library in New Jersey where I spent a lot of evenings doing my homework while she worked. I count her, and her love of books, as one of the major reasons I am a writer today. So, thanks Mom! And Happy Mother’s Day!

I also talked a little about showing up. Showing up as a writer, meaning that a writer shows up for work every day, puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and goes to work. It’s the only way to be a writer and the only thing you need to do to call yourself that. Just write. But readers need to show up, too. It’s not enough to follow writers on Facebook and Twitter, to download copies of ebooks. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I love my ebook readers and social media followers!) But libraries, bookstores like Bookstore1 in Sarasota, which sold at the event last night, and places like the Manatee Performing Arts Center need support from the community, people in the venues. And authors need you to turn out for events. It’s hard these days to get out there. Everyone is so busy. But places like these – stores, libraries, and performance spaces – are the backbone of the publishing business and our communities. And authors, well, we like to see your faces, answer your questions, and sign your books. So, whenever you can – show up. I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Last night was the best possible event, benefitting the library, with sales offered by a local bookseller, meeting longtime fans, and earning new readers. The talk was dynamic and chatty with lots of great questions from the audience. I know I had fun and hope the audience did, too. The event last night epitomizes the reason authors are out on the road. Because no matter what you do online, nothing matches the human connection of a great event. So, thanks to The Manatee Library Foundation, the Manatee Performing Arts Center and everyone who showed up last night.

Here are some photos from the event, and the reception at the lovely Palmetto Riverside Bed & Breakfast.