First reading and signing

Just had my first reading on August 8th at Vroman's Bookstore, Southern California's oldest and largest and absolutely coolest independent bookstore. I love Vroman's--the people, the community outreach, the events, the classes (I teach there from time to time, and it's been a peak experience for me), and the BOOKS.

One of the most gratifying moments of that first reading was what my friend Beth said, which was that my book inspired her extremely well-read daughter to read Jane Austen. This is exactly what I had hoped for: to write a book that would be as accessible to readers who had not read Austen as it is to those who are fellow Austen addicts. And even better, to spark the curiosity of non-Austen-readers to read my favorite author.

Another memorable moment: A woman in the audience presented me with this gorgeous drawing she made while I was reading from my book:

Many thanks to everyone who showed up that night--it was lovely to see familiar faces and to meet new people. I'll have more to report when I return from the first leg of my book tour...

There are more pictures from the reading in my site's "Scrapbook" section, under "Many Charming Views."

Comments

[mariah]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask you how you had the nerve to end your new novel!?!!?!!

I can't say I've ever been a fan of Jane Austen's. However, my daughter did have the good fortune to play Emma in a local theater production a couple of years ago, so my mind sort of notices things Austen a bit more.

So, when I was in the bookstore, deciding what to spend my birthday gift certificate on, I came across your book, prominently displayed.
As I wondered what attracted people to Jane Austen's books so much, it seemed liked the perfect peek into that world.

I LOVED it!!! And I think I will now have to read all of Jane Austen's books.

But I'm still mad that Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict had to end. (I did like how you handled the ending, by the way. It took me a second when I read about his glasses knocking into her cheek--had I missed something in Edgeworth's description?--and her hand touching his t-shirt, but I thought that was a delicious way to transition things).

I'm only sorry that I can't get my copy of your book to my daughter, so she can read it on her flight to London this weekend--where she is going with her beau, who was her Mr. Knightley in Emma.

And just to make things more romantic, he proposed to her on-stage at the end of a performance of Shakespeare in Hollywood two weeks ago.

I hope you come to Orange County!

[Laurie Viera Rigler]

Thanks, Mariah. I'm delighted that you enjoyed my book and that it made you want to read Jane Austen.

Congratulations to your daughter. That sounds like a truly romantic proposal.

As for Orange County, if your local bookstore or library wants to invite me for a reading and signing, I'd be happy to add it to my schedule. :)