The other day I went with a few of my book lover friends to see Ann Patchett speak at Notre Dame Prep. Patchett is the author of 5 books including Bel Canto which The Friday Morning Bookclub read years ago. Ann Patchett was a wonderful speaker, and thoroughly entertaining, however her presentation was very different from the other novelists I have heard speak in the past. Whereas most speak about the creative aspect of writing, Ann Patchett emphasized the fact that being a novelist was a job. You have to hunker down and get the work done. Of course she had several funny anecdotes to share, including the fact that even after she was a published author, her father still was insisting that it was not too late to become a dental hygienist and get a real job! Anne Patchett also spoke of her friendship with Eat, Pay, Love’s author Elizabeth Gilbert. Having heard both of these talented women speak, I can imagine that they would be good friends. Both were wonderful speakers, extremely personable, funny and entertaining. I guess that is another important part of being a successful novelist. Like most jobs, you have to not only be able to get the work done, you have to be able to sell yourself!
Friday Morning Bookclub 
I enjoyed hearing Ann Patchett speak. Seeing the author always seems to add another dimension to their books. Ann Patchett was the first author that did speak about money more than the creative side.
Comment by ilene gold — March 28, 2011 @ 8:39 pm |