Books and book groups
Books and book groups
This January, I’ve had the good fortune to speak with several book groups. I have been in one or another book group since 1985, so of course I love these meetings (often women only) that gather to discuss books, learn from each other, and socialize.
Last night I spoke with a cousin’s book group in Dickerson, Maryland. In addition to meeting interesting people with varied backgrounds, questions about THREE MUSES are eye opening for me. People ask: Why did you make this character one way and not another way? Why didn’t you give this character a back story? How did you come up with this idea? So much of the time, I can’t answer because the writing process is that obtuse to me.
Here’s my interview with Jeff Rutherford on the Reading and Writing Podcast. I really enjoyed speaking with him.
Finally, I have a hunch that many of you either watched the Netflix series Harry and Meghan, or are eyballing Harry’s book SPARE. I want to commend Afua Hirsch’s fascinating book BRIT (ISH): ON RACE, IDENTITY, OF BELONGING. Hirsch is a commentator on the Netflix series. In this book, part memoir and part history lesson, Hirsch explores the refusal to deal with Britain’s deep ties to the slave trade, and what it means to glorify British colonialism without considering its vast, worldwide implications.
Sending hugs to all.
Martha
Martha, I too have been meeting with book clubs. I find it fascinating as they discuss my characters or in this case, since it’s a memoir, my family members. I love being a fly on the wall at book clubs, and always encourage the members to talk as if I’m not there in the beginning because as a writer, I learn so much more that way. Thanks for your thoughts on this. Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop
Right? It's so cool. Thanks for reading and very excited that your book is out in the world.