On Sunday I went to the Kerrytown BookFest in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’d never been and it was really nice. I didn’t realize there were so many specialized book publishers. I also had the privilege of listening to Louise Penny being interviewed by Robin Agnew of Aunt Agatha’s Book Store.
I’ve not read any of Louise’s books but I will be, I guarantee it not only from Robin’s kind words but because of the author. She was so interesting, engaging and comfortable playing the 200 plus people there.
I’m comfortable talking to people but she related to the audience within seconds. She talked about her husband, her writing process, a hilarious story about how she got one of the ideas (from her husband). Her mysteries feature Inspector Armand Gamache and are set in Canada. The first book on my list is the one where someone is killed by electrocution on a frozen lake during a curling match.
I wish I had taken notes and been closer to the front so I could see more of her facial expressions. But you didn’t need to see her to know she was having fun. The hour flew by and the audience’s questions came fast and furious. Someday I hope I’m as comfortable with an audience and have people entranced by the stories I tell.
