Yes, how I got hosted, not ghosted, by a very special book club is the topic for today’s Just TypiKel.
If you’re new here, welcome. If not, welcome back.
How I Got Hosted, Not Ghosted, By A Very Special Book Club
I’d heard the rumors.
A Vancouver Island book club was considering reading my book, Never, Never, Hardly Ever – A Mother/Daughter Story of Antiques and Antics. I secretly hoped they were true. But I tried not to get my hopes up. I mean with thousands of options out there, what are the chances your book will be chosen?
I was delighted when my pal told me they’d selected NNHE. And when they asked me to join their April meeting, I was beyond thrilled. A chance to meet readers? How fun. Plus, I adore Vancouver Island. The ocean, the spring flowers, the sunshine … what’s not to love?
However, I was really not playing with a full deck.
I had no idea how special this book club would be.
Why is this group so special?
Two words: their stipulations.
Lunch first.
And no discussion of the book until 101-year-old Judy arrives.
On the menu?
Create-your-own Buddha bowls with options of sliced chicken, grated beets and grated carrots, cucumber slices, chickpeas, deviled eggs, rice, avocado, olives, and tomatoes. Forgive me if I’ve forgotten other options; I neglected to take a photo of the spread. However, I shan’t soon forget the delicious gluten free brownie dessert. I’m still dreaming about it.
With Judy now on site, we moved into our host’s living room.
Things got even better.
As you may know, Never, Never, Hardly Ever spills the tea on my relationship with my mom during the decade we worked together in her Vancouver antique shop.
To honor that, the group chose to open the business part of the meeting by sharing photos and stories of their own mothers.
I can’t stress enough how moving it was to see the photographs and hear the heartwarming stories of these women’s remarkable mothers. I only wish Francine could have been there.
A Unique Book Club Group Discussion
This book club wasn’t done. They had more surprises in store.
For example, I didn’t read aloud from Never, Never, Hardly Ever. Someone else did. We were giggling about one gal’s late mom and how similar she sounded to Francine, when the daughter suddenly whipped open her NNHE copy.
“Okay, the Madame Wasabi chapter, Kelly! The one about your mother being able to talk anyone into anything. You could have been writing about mine. Especially this passage …”
Several others spoke of how they enjoyed NNHE and went on to ask some pretty insightful questions.
“Were you jealous when your mom took folks out for tea, leaving you to cover the shop?”
I was. It was especially hurtful when the customers were my age and they prefered to deal with Mom rather than me.
“Did you ever want to give up, Kelly?”
I touched briefly on the realities of publishing.
According to the New York Times: “Ninety-seven percent of people who start to write a book NEVER finish it. In simpler terms, out of every 1,000 people who start a book, only thirty actually complete it. In addition, only twenty percent of people who write a book actually publish it.”
As I’ve mentioned, I wanted to publish before our 101-year-old Francine passed. I was running out of time, so I chose to self-publish.
I shared another truth with the group. As most self-published authors will tell you, the royalties received per book will be just enough to afford a large oat milk latte at a cosy coffee shop. Two, if you’re very blessed.
This writing gig ain’t about the money, folks. No, it’s about the joy I get from opportunities like this; connecting with inspiring, kind and generous people.
As our dear Francine would say, “It’s pure soul food.”
Thank you, Pam, Kathleen, Gail and the other members of this very special book club for selecting Never, Never, Hardly Ever as your April read, and for making me feel so very welcome and appreciated.
Meeting 101-year-old Judy was an absolute treat. I thought of our late Francine the second this bright spark grabbed my hand and said, “Please write more.”
I am.
14 Responses
I was so thrilled to be part of this wonderful group of women gathered to celebrate your amazing book. They were all so engaged and each had their own favourite part of the book. The 101 year old was an absolute delight !!
This blog post was a fabulous tribute to a very special afternoon !!
They were so engaged. You’re right. What a lovely group of gals. I do thank you for the role you played, Jane. It never would have happened without you.
We loved having you visit our Book Club Kelly. I think it was one of the best yet! Your book hit every person in the heart and made us remember times with our own Mom’s. It was so good to laugh as I read your book and as we talked about the book. You are also a superb listener which is one of the reasons your writing is so good. We are all excited for your next book.
Aw, thank you so very much, Pam. I love how Never, Never, Hardly Ever helped everyone remember their own moms. It was so heartwarming seeing the photos and hearing the stories. Thank you for your generous hospitality, too. I felt thoroughly spoiled.
What a lovely book club group!
It really is, Kathy. They are a lovely group of women.
I’m with 101-year-old Judy. Please write more!
I enjoyed hearing about this lovely book club. How special that they shared stories about their own mothers, first.
Aw, you made me smile. Thanks so very much, Katy. And yes, hearing their stories and seeing the photos of their mothers was truly special.
Such a wonderful afternoon was spent with you, Kelly. We loved your book and we loved having you for a very special book club. The connections that I made to my own mom still have me giggling. Madame Wasabi indeed. Thank you for the laughs and the heartfelt conversation. We await your next book and look forward to having you back!
Aw, Kathleen, thank you. I had the best time with your book club. It was such a treat meeting you and hearing about your mom. She and Francine were two peas in a pod. How I wish they could have met. And thank you for the nudge to get on with Book Two. I’m on it.
Wow. So happy to see and read about this unique Book Club and how engaged and interactive your signing was. The ladies of the club really got into it. This is what you write for…. (as we all know, unless you’re David Balducci, royalties are not something we can brag about.) But tis not the money (though it would be nice.) It’s the camaraderie and the sheer joy of knowing someone is reading and enjoying your work. I’m so happy for you … and for them …that they got the opportunity to learn about Frankie, Kel, and the wonderful life’s story that makes NNHE such an entertaining read.
You’ve got me teary. Yes, that’s it. You nailed it, Allia. It’s the camaraderie and the sheer joy of knowing someone is reading and enjoying your work. It also leads to wonderful friendships. Please know I treasure ours. Thank you for popping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment.
“ It’s pure soul food” !
Oh my gosh, I love that and will immediately adopt it.
Francine is the gift that keeps giving.
I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver Island. What a great group of ladies! Enjoy the ride sweet Kelly!
Best,
Susan
Aw, thank you, so very much Susan. And yes, Francine really is the gift that keeps on giving. I love that.