The Back Room - Chilling Suspense
I participated in my second author event at The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors, hosted by Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne. I loved my first event a couple of weeks ago, so I immediately signed up for a few more this fall season. In case you’re new to this amazing opportunity like me, I will provide you with an overview of the structure. There are four authors present, and the event begins with brief introductions by the hosts and authors. Next, they participate in a “get to know you” game before everyone is divided into breakout rooms. During the breakout rooms, attendees are able to see and interact with each author for about 15 minutes.
This week’s line-up included authors Lauren Ling Brown, Julia Dahl, Mindy Mejia, and Beatriz Williams. I was drawn to this session for authors Mindy Mejia and Beatriz Williams, and I am always excited to learn about new-to-me authors. Hank took the lead on this week’s back room session, and I was in the breakout room she moderated. It’s nice that I have now experienced each host as a moderator. Both ladies do a fantastic job! I noticed a warm, welcoming atmosphere when the event started, as the hosts were clearly eager for the upcoming event and said hello to many of the veteran attendees to The Back Room that they recognized.
The event kicked off with Hank reading the bios for each author, and then playing a 20-ish question game. It’s a treat to get to know the authors a bit through questions that cover a variety of topics. It’s a perfect icebreaker that closes with each author sharing a book they recommend. I had my iPhone ready to add these recommendations to my wish list!
Next, I was whisked away into a breakout room with Hank, Julia Dahl, and Mindy Mejia. I was fascinated by Julia and her experience as a reporter. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her current book, I Dreamed of Falling, and how the idea for the story developed. I look forward to reading this book, especially knowing how the story is so personal. Furthermore, I appreciate the vulnerability she shared during this event. Mindy shared about her new book, A World of Hurt, which is the second book in a series. I’ve read a couple of Mindy’s previous books, but I didn’t know she had started a series. The books sound dark, criminal, and intriguing!
Thirty minutes later, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Ling Brown were moved into the breakout room. I’ve only read Beatriz’s standalone novels, so it was interesting to learn about her collaboration with coauthors Lauren Willig and Karen White. I was only vaguely aware of their work together. While Beatriz promoted their latest novel, The Author’s Guide to Murder, I learned how these ladies write novels together. I appreciated her distinction that they write novels and not anthologies, as I previously wondered. Lastly, Lauren shared about her debut novel, Society of Lies. She is also celebrating that her novel was picked for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club! I was enraptured listening to Lauren talk about how her work as a film editor is conveyed in her writing by setting scenes to move characters and evoke emotion.
The really cool thing about these events is that I learn about new authors and their back-list as well. My TBR pile immediately swells! Most importantly, it’s a meaningful experience to listen to authors delve into how their stories are created. There are so many unique layers established by life experiences and random interventions by the universe. These discussions make me want to devour ALL THE BOOKS! I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this event, and I am looking forward to the next!
The Back Room shares the initial portion of each session on YouTube. Below, I have linked the Chilling Suspense video for your viewing pleasure.
You can read my blog post about my first experience with The Back Room below. Also, I have one review available on my blog for a book by Mindy Mejia and one for Beatriz Williams.
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