Enjoying the Premiere with Abigail
I often talk about how writing is a hard career for an extrovert. So often my writing is done in front of a computer and I wait for electronic feedback from my agent, editors, friends, readers. It can feel solitary because the face to face contact usually comes once a year at ACFW.
This past weekend, my daughter and I changed that dynamic. We put over 600 miles on the car as we drove around Indiana supporting different author events.
A treat to hang out with Colleen Coble, my mentor
The first event was bittersweet as we drove to Fort Wayne to attend the premiere of For Better or For Worse, a movie based on a novel of the same name written by my friend Diann Hunt. I loved the book and I loved Diann, so it was fun though bittersweet to attend.
Becky Philpott drove down from Michigan.
Having a book turned into a movie is most authors’ dream. I can think of several of my books that would make a great Hallmark movie! But Diann’s book was the perfect mix of humor and light-hearted romance to fit the Hallmark model. It was a delight to see how many turned out to honor Diann, who was watching from heaven. Her editor drove up from Nashville, Tennessee, and other friends drove from as far as Minnesota and the East Coast. Such love for a wonderful woman filled that sanctuary.
We drove home Sunday morning to attend church, then headed south to the Louisville area to attend a friend’s debut novel signing. (Yes, if you look at a map, that was a highly inefficient drive, but you do things like that for friends)
My friend Kristy Cambron‘s debut novel released earlier this month. (It’s wonderful in case you haven’t read it yet… Look for it: The Butterfly and the Violin). Writers often labor for years…yes, years…waiting for an editor to look at their novel and find a story that matches what they’re publishing.
Kristy Cambron signing her wonderful novel The Butterfly and the Violin.
Then that moment finally arrives when you get to hold that novel in your hand. Kristy wrote hers on her iPhone. I’m still not sure how she did that! But during the event she got to spend four hours signing books for people who have supported her throughout the long process. It was a wonderful mix of friends, family, co-workers, church family, and more. There were even a few of her writer buds like Sarah Ladd.
You might wonder if it matters to authors if you show up at their talks and booksignings. It does! Remember above where I talked about how solitary writing can be? There’s nothing like talking to a reader to recharge your writing batteries and get you ready to tackle a difficult plot point. It’s a wonderful way to encourage a writer who wonders if anyone reads and enjoys their work. Even a quick email after you’ve read a book or a short review on Amazon or another site can be a huge boost.
With the phenomenal Regency author Sarah Ladd.
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Thanks for sharing those writer events. Sadly we don’t get many — well actually none — up here in my part of Ontario but if we did I’d be there cheering the author on. Someday I’d like to just tour around the states following book signings. Wouldn’t that be a neat vacation? Well, for this reader it would. For now I have to do my cheerleading through cyberspace. Thank goodness for the internet!!!!
Kav, I love events like this. It was an unusual weekend to have two in the same state.
Hi Cara! I work at WBCL Radio and we had you on just back in March to talk about one of your book! 🙂 I saw you Saturday evening and so wanted to say hi, but didn’t want to look like some crazy groupie girl! (Shoulda done it!) Anyway – love this post – and that’s my husband right behind your head in the first picture!! Kind of fun to open your website and see him there!
Bekah! I wish you’d said something. I would have loved to meet you! Next time you see me do say hi.
What fun author events! Is Abigail your daughter?
I’m thrilled that DiAnn’s movie did so well for Hallmark. And congrats to debut author Kristy! It’s lovely to see Becky Philpott in a photo here. She’s terrific.
Becky, Abigail is my oldest. And I’m so THRILLED the movie did well. Hoping this opens the doors for other Christian authors. And it was so fun to reconnect with Becky. She is such a lovely person!
Looks like you had a wonderful weekend in spite of all the driving, Cara!!
I have Diann’s book “For Better or For Worse”, and while I was enjoying watching the movie on Hallmark – I kept thinking, “Diann is probably grinning from ear-to-ear”!! So glad you were able to be a part of the movie premiere, I’m sure it was a fun experience, even though bittersweet.
Wish I had known about Kristy’s debut novel signing – would loved to have been there, I live in the Louisville area.
Bonnie, it would have been so fun to have met you. Good to know you’re in that area for the future.
P.S. Thanks for the pictures – you and your daughter both looked beautiful!!
It was a fun weekend to spend for her.
My daughter and I have been signing up for e-mails left and right, but we missed hearing about this. We would have been groupies and followed you! I get in trouble listening to Bekah because my to-read list grows, and I buy too many books! Thanks for sharing with us!
It was so fun, Danielle! Bekah and her team do a GREAT job with the interviews. It is always a joy when I join the show. Time FLIES we’re having so much fun!
Cara, I’m glad you had a wonderful weekend trip (okay, tripS) with your daughter. I would love to be able to travel around like that. Hopefully, someday I will be able to. In the meantime, I shall keep writing.
Blessings,
Andrea