I may not be in tip-top writing form but I did decide I needed to get some bookish mojo back and what better way than to go to an author event. I haven’t been to one in 8 months so when I saw that Paula McLain was going to be at a local store I knew it was serendipity, because I loved her book. I liked The Paris Wife but I loved Circling the Sun.
I’m so glad I went. McLain is a charming raconteur who breaks the book event mold by not reading from the book she’s promoting. Instead, she talks about it, her writing process, and most especially, about Beryl Markham and how she came to find her as her next novel. It was easily one of the most social events I’ve attended thanks to McLain’s humor and gracious style. Her publicist had sent her the link to my review so she knew me, which is mind boggling, as I consider authors to be rock stars and why they should know anything about my tiny self is beyond me, but what fun! If she is coming anywhere near you, not only should you go see her but you really ought to read the book (I know, I’m getting aggressive about it).
Finally, thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. The kindness is much appreciated- especially because I know that everyone has things going on in their lives. Sometimes we can cope and sometimes we need to step back. I have thought about it and have decided that insofar as the renovation has been a new unwieldy presence, another, more insidious fact is that we moved two years ago and have never been able to fully unpack our belongings. I’m a creature of habit and need a certain amount of organization—of knowing where my things are (even if it is knowing that they are under a stack of papers on my desk) and digging through boxes takes up an inordinate amount of headspace for me. Finally, getting to unpack them would seem like nirvana, yes? Well, yes and no. It is daunting to see piles of cartons (11 labeled ‘Catherine’s books’) and look at our new space and realize it’s all got to find a home. So, as the renovation winds down there is the pleasure of rediscovering the things that soothe and bring joy but there is also the ‘where should this go?’ as we settle into a smaller home. It makes my brain feel stuttery and confused because for me, organization and creativity can’t co-exist. I need one in order to have the other. I’m working to get it all unpacked, put away, labeled, and organized, so my brain can relax and fill back up with words about books. And look, I’m making strides already with the important things!
So glad you had fun at the event, she sounds fab! I hear you on the unpacking… we’ve lived in our house almost 2 years, and I feel like we still haven’t unpacked, and I still barely have anything on the walls! I’ve lost my decorating mojo in the layers of all the paint!
Books have always been my first things to unpack – first things first, right?! I’m so glad you enjoyed Paula’s event and getting to meet her. AND – that she knew you – that’s pretty awesome! I’ve loved her last 2 books and will definitely go see her if she gets to my neck of the woods.
Thank YOU for continuing to read and write and read and write while you are dealing with overmuch mental and literal clutter. Reading your reviews are a welcome respite.
I loved The Paris Wife, and I’m looking forward to reading McLain’s newest. Now I’ll be on the lookout for a visit by her in my area!
Oh it looks like such a great event… and such pretty ladies! 🙂
She knew you – now that’s cool! I consider authors rock stars as well and would be totally awed to be with one I admire or who is famous.
Agh, it’s so cool that she knew you! Authors ARE like rock stars, and it’s such a bizarre feeling when they know us little bloggers. (I just about had a heart attack when Anthony Marra remembered my blog name and review at his BEA signing.)
Good luck with the unpacking. I just moved all of my stuff out of my apartment and into my parents’ house a few days ago, and I HATE not knowing where anything is. I can’t imagine dealing with that for two years! But I also know how stressful un-packing can be. Just remember that soon it will be over, and you’ll have a beautiful, well organized home!
Ooooooh that sounds like a really great event! I’m glad that she was even better in person and how cool that she was familiar with your post!
Un-packing has to be one of the worst best things in the world. There is that joy in rediscovering your own things but it’s so much work! I don’t even like unpacking when I get back from a trip and I hate moving a lot so I feel your pain. Hopefully it’s all over soon!
So I’m definitely going to go see McLain at the Edinburgh Book Fest. I wish she were by herself but she’s paired with another author. I really want to hear about her writing process etc so I hope she goes in that direction.
Who is the other author? Anyone good? She is very talkative so I’m sure you’ll hear about how she came up with Beryl. Have fun!