I haven’t been doing too many author events so far this year. It’s been difficult to get myself back in the swing of things. Also, with a new release coming up later in the year, I’m trying to build up to what will be a blitz when it’s available.

On Friday night, however, I hosted an Intimo party. Intimo is my favourite brand of lingerie. They provide great quality garments that really last, and since I needed some new stuff, I thought I’d invite others to a party so they could see what was on offer.

One of the ladies who attended my party is the mother of two girls who go to my son’s school. She is a fan of my writing, having enjoyed all three of the Verindon books. When she arrived at the party on Friday night, she brought a friend with her, and much to my surprise, her friend seemed more interested in the fact that I was an author than in the lingerie on offer. In fact, she gazed at me starry-eyed, as though I was some kind of celebrity, and peppered me with questions about why I write, how I come up with the story ideas, where the characters come from, etc.

Coming as it did, in the midst of a year where I have found it a struggle to do the ‘author’ thing, it was nice to see someone so interested in my books. And yes, she bought a copy of The Heir. If she likes it, she’ll come back for the other two. I hope she does. It was definitely an encouragement to me to have her so interested in what I love to do.

Are you a reader? Have you ever reached out to a favourite author? Are you a writer? What’s your favourite experience with your readers? Let me know in the comments section at the bottom of the page.