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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Ten Authors I REALLY Want To Meet - or maybe authors I've already had the privilege to meet...



This is a weekly event hosted by The Broke and The Bookish where bloggers relate their "top ten" of a certain topic.  This week's topic - Ten Authors I REALLY Want To Meet.  Now you guys know that many times I tweak the topic a bit....and today is no exception.  I'm going to talk about 10 authors that I've already had the fun of meeting.  And I have pictures for some of them!



I haven't talked about the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona too much have I?  Well, if I have, I'm going to talk a little more about it.  I love this great independent store that specializes in mysteries.  However, that's not all they sell. No indeed.  I have attended several book events at The Poisoned Pen while on vacation.  It's kind of a tradition for my husband and I.  He loves the winter golf in Scottsdale and I love the author events.  We plan our trips around them.  Really.  Some of my pictures are from these and a few from other locations.  So, here are 10 authors that I've gotten to meet.



1.  Louise Penny - She writes the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mystery series set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada.  I've seen Louise on 3 occasions.  Always a huge pleasure.  This picture is from an event in Austin at BookPeople.



2.  Charles Todd - A mother/son team, Charles and Caroline Todd.  They write the Ian Rutledge mystery series and also the Bess Crawford series, both set in early 20th century England.  I really enjoyed hearing about their research at the event I attended.



3.  Thomas Perry -  This author has written several series, most well known - Jane Whitfield mystery series.  Jane is a Native American who helps people disappear.  Thomas Perry also writes standalone novels.  Again, a very interesting presentation at the Poisoned Pen.  He's pictured with Barbara Peters, the owner of the PP.



4.  Clive Cussler - Clive Cussler writes multiple series, among them the Dirk Pitt adventures.  He is also the author of the NUMA Files books, the Oregon Files series, the books starring Isaac Bell and the treasure hunters series featuring Sam and Remi Fargo.  Cussler now writes all of these with a co-author.  If you've ever seen one of his books (and I've only read the Dirk Pitt books), this author appears on the back with a classic car from his collection.  He lives in the Scottsdale area and that's where his cars live too.  My husband and I went to see Mr. Cussler and, to my husband's delight, he brought some of his cars.  So, no picture of the author, but here's one of the cars.



5.  Earlene Fowler - She writes the Bennie Harper mystery series, which I know I've mentioned before.  I saw Earlene and also Carolyn Hart at the Velma Teague Library in Glendale, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix.  At that time, Lesa Holstine of Lesa's Book Critiques was the manager of that library.  She was able to schedule many authors to appear while they were also in town for events at the PP.  Lesa now lives in Indiana and has a different sort of library job.  Earlene is on the left in the photo above.

6.  Carolyn Hart -   Carolyn writes the Annie and Max Darling mystery series, set in a mystery bookstore called Death on Demand.  Her 25th book in this series has just been published.  Amazing!  She also has written standalones and a couple of other series as well.  When I attended the event with Earlene and Carolyn, I felt like a total fangirl.  I had read both of these authors books for years and years.  It was like meeting royalty to me.  Carolyn is the lady on the right.

Yesterday, Cathy from Kittling: Books (which you should totally read if you love mysteries), shared her experience at a Poisoned Pen event this last weekend.  It was in honor of Carolyn Hart, but many other authors attended.  Here's the link.  Click over and take a look if you love mysteries and cozies or if you've ever read a Carolyn Hart book.



7.  Jane Cleland - Jane writes the Josie Prescott antique mystery series set in New Hampshire.  And, believe me, Jane knows her antiques.  Her event was very interesting indeed.  I always love the covers on her books.  I saw Jane and Rosemary Harris at the Velma Teague Library as well.  Told you they had lots of good events.  Jane is on the left above.

8.  Rosemary Harris -  This author writes a mystery series with protagonist Paula Holliday, who owns a landscaping/gardening business.  I remember that Rosemary was the first author I ever heard say to read a later book in the series and don't necessarily start with the first book because she, as the author, felt like her writing had improved.  I do think that is true in many cases, but it was the first time I'd heard an author say so.  Rosemary is on the right.



9.  Donis Casey -  I've written about Donis' early 20th century Oklahoma series, starring Alafair Tucker and family.  I love this series and have actually seen Donis twice at the PP.  No picture though.  Not sure why.  I've included a shot from her website.



10.  Lisa Lutz - Lisa has written the Izzy Spellman mystery series, a really funny bunch of books.  Izzy is part of a family of very different private detectives.  The first book is The Spellman Files.  I recommend it.  I think this series is at an end, but this author has other books that she's written and her new book, which is out today, is called How To Start A Fire.  Her presentation was very funny.  Again, no picture.  Got one from her website (photo credit - Morgan Dox).

So, as you can see, I love to attend author events.  One day, maybe next year, I'm planning on attending a mystery conference and there will be authors everywhere.  Left Coast Crime is in Phoenix next spring.  I'm already making my plans.

What authors would you like to meet?  Or have you met?  Tell!

38 comments:

  1. Wow! You have met lots of authors.

    Me, too. I tweaked the topic the same way.

    Here's mine: Top Ten Authors I Have Met.

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  2. Nice list of authors. My favorite author meeting from last year was Angelica Houston and Jodi Picolt -- both lovely, gracious women. And if you ever get a chance to meet Lisa Scottoline or Adriana Trigiani, jump on it. They are not only very nice, they will have you in stitches.

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    1. I would love to meet any of those 4 or all of them.

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  3. Fun spin on this one! I have not met many authors, but was thrilled to meet Anna Quindlen a couple of years ago. She is amazing.

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    1. Oh, I'd love to meet Anna too. I bet she is amazing!

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  4. So jealous, Kay! I was going to say how do you frequent a store a couple of states away but now I see why. We loved New Mexico and Arizona when we drove through these states on our great cross-country chaotic move to California.

    Anyway, good choices! I've read almost all the Bennie Fowler series, except last few by Earlene Fowler, after borrowing them from a good friend years ago. She sews and crochets-- I don't-- but I still liked them. Carolyn Hart is on my radar already as is Louise Penny. Thanks for sharing these photos and experiences!

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    1. Thank you, Rita. Well, I could go to more events here in Austin, but it's a long way downtown to BookPeople. I mostly just wait until vacations and the Poisoned Pen. :-)

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  5. I have never wanted to actually meet an author other than hearing them speak at an event. Kind of contact at a distance, which is informative and interesting without obligation on my part. You are lucky to live where good/favorite/new authors make appearances! Some of your favorites are mine, too, so I'm envious. :)

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    1. That's mostly what I've had experience with - author events. But then I always need to buy a book and get it signed. Sometimes, there is a bit of time to chat. And those 2 events at the Glendale Library were very laid back. Lots of visit time.

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  6. I'm always envious of readers who get to meet authors in person and attend conferences. This is such a rare event where I live. Sigh. Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed reading your experiences, Kay! :)

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    1. You are welcome, Melody. Maybe one day for you.

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  7. I have attended a handful of author events outside of the L.A. Times Festival of Books over the years, and none in the last four or so years. It's always interesting to see and hear what authors have to say. I admit to favoring mystery authors though--they are such a friendly and down to earth bunch for the most part.

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    1. Oh, yes, I agree. Mostly mystery authors for me too.

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  8. Oh, I love the sound of that bookstore! I visited an independent bookstore in Sedona a couple of times while vacationing...and the name of it escapes me! This was back in 2008.

    I have read How to Start a Fire, by Lutz, so I will check out her other books.

    And I have read the first in Louise Penny's Gamache series, and have the second one on Pippa, my Kindle.

    Thanks for sharing! And for visiting my blog.

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    1. If you ever get to the Phoenix area, get thee to Scottsdale and take a look at the Poisoned Pen. It's worth it!

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  9. Oh I'd love to go to that bookstore someday too!
    Top Ten Tuesday

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    1. It's a lot of fun, but I always want to spend too much. LOL

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  10. I met a few cool authors when Oxford Books was still alive in Atlanta. Sadly they closed their doors a few years ago. Anne Rice and Douglas Adams were just two of them. Now I want to meet Joan Hess, Sharyn McCrumb, and Charles de Lint to name a few. And Jenny Lawson who I have plans to meet at her Atlanta signing in September. My list is rather eclectic in taste. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

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    1. Oh, wow. Sorry that the store closed. Great to get to meet some authors. And I'd love to meet Joan Hess and Sharyn McCrumb too.

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  11. Kay, I haven't heard of many of these authors, but I'm all for readers supporting authors. Good for you.

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    1. I think that attending author events, even if you don't know much about them, is a fun pursuit. Wish I could do it more. :-)

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  12. I'm so jealous! Both of the authors that you've been able to meet AND that you've been to The Poisoned Pen Bookstore!

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    1. One day maybe you'll get to Arizona. :-)

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  13. You've got a great selection of authors to meet! Love your post and you've reminded me that I want to try one of Charles Todd - love how a mother and son have teamed up to write these!

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  14. Louise Penny was here not too long ago and I was so sad to miss her!

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    1. She is lovely and does such a nice event.

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  15. How exciting that you had a chance to meet so many wonderful authors! I hope I get to do that someday.

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  16. Very cool! I am jealous that you got to meet Louise Penny. Her Inspector Gamache series is like a favorite blanket/sweater/pjs all rolled into one.

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    1. She is great, Michelle. If you ever get a chance to see her, take it.

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  17. I love this post. I'm going to bookmark it. I love your personal interest in all these authors. I'm sure it enhances your enjoyment of reading the books.

    Liza Lutz is the only author on your list that I've met. She lives not far from here. I sat in on one of her one-hour seminar a few years ago at a local book fair. She was VERY funny as was her former writing partner in the Izzy Spellman series.

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    1. Thanks, Margot! Oh yes, I know the co-writer you mean (can't think of the name). Bet they were funny together.

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  18. Great twist on this Top Ten! I love going to author events too. So cool that you've managed to schedule some of your vacations around author events - now that's a true sign of a bookworm :) I would love to go to Poisoned Pen bookstore. I think I'd have to leave my credit cards at home. Ha. Have you gone to the mystery bookstore in Houston. I must go check it out one of these days.

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    1. I have not gone to the Houston mystery bookstore. One day maybe. Haven't been to Houston in years.

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  19. Fun pictures! Even though I live fairly close to The Poisoned Pen, I've only been to one author event there. It was fun, though. We have some great indies in this area, I just wish they were located a little closer to me!

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    1. There are great indies in your area. You like Changing Hands don't you? I need to go there the next time we're in Phoenix. Maybe we could meet up? :-)

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Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to hear your thoughts and will respond as soon as I can. Happy Reading!