…..was held at an elegant Beverly Hills home with about fifty writers, readers and all around lovers of books in attendance.
Lovely Chinese Magnolias about to burst forth…
At the entrance were books by the writers we were to meet….
The empty chair is MINE…arrived early to be assured of a seat!
Can you spot #1Assistant Nikka? The woman to the right is CJ, a retired lawyer and ‘knower’ of all things cultural and literary. She turned me on to ‘Inside the Story.com’….check it out!
The event was titled ‘Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How & Why The Do What They Do’ edited by Meredith Maran, book critic, journalist and author of 10 nonfiction books who was one of the guest speakers along with Terry McMillan and Susan Orlean.
Susan to the left, Terry in the center with Meredith to the right.
Terry wrote ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Grove Back’ among other novels and said that Columbian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez (100 Years of Solitude) influenced her early on and Ring Lardner, sports columnist & short story writer ‘helped her accept her voice.’ Terry also said “You can’t pass judgment as a writer ….. it’s most important to surrender to the process.” Another major influence for her was, J.D. Salinger, literary legend & author of ‘Catcher in the Rye’.
‘Writing is like praying.” … I write because the world is an imperfect place, and we behave in an imperfect manner…Writing is about the only way (besides praying) that allows me to be compassionate towards folks who, in real life, I’m probably not that sympathetic toward.”
Susan Orlean, a non-fiction staff writer for the New Yorker wanted to be a writer since the age of 5. She was played by Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of her book ‘The Orchid Thief’. Her recent work, ‘Rin Tin Tin’ was a New York Times best seller. Susan said that Nobel prize laureate William Faulkner influenced her early on. “There is still surprise & wonder in the world & a writer is your guide……Read as much as possible & LOVE writing!”
Did I mention it was also a tea? Had to show you the great kitchen….
…then on to the dining room….
Isn’t this the most exquisite wallpaper ever???
….now for the tea….
….and assorted treats….the pink ‘thingies’ are little cupcakes….next to them are the most delicious macarons….just like Bouchon’s.
I opted for water…..
All the tasty treats are from ‘Palate’
Thank you Book Soup for enabling us to purchase the wonderful books…
….and thank you Janet for opening you beautiful home to such a splendid event!
I love this tree………..
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