Category Archives: Book Group Skype

Reaching out through Book Group Skypes and more!

Cindy Chapman and her awesome St. Louis Book Group

I had SO much fun with these gals from St. Louis talking about Chanel Bonfire, writing, moms, “crazy” and “blue nightgowns”.  I love hearing from readers and especially getting to chat and hang out.  As readers will know, I was born in Kansas City and lived in Minneapolis (and my husband’s family lived in Ohio) but don’t get to spend as much time in the mid-west as I like.  So I was doubly grateful for this little virtual trip.  

There’s no way with two kids, a dog, a husband and a sequel to write that I can get to as many of the great bookstores and libraries around the country as I’d like.  Skyping (or FaceTiming) was a way I thought of to connect with readers without the travel.  And as it turns out, I like it better than book signings and readings because instead of a minute or two, I get an hour or so to really meet people and hear their insights and their own stories.  

If your group is reading or planning to read Chanel and would like to do a Skype Q&A, email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com and we’ll schedule it!

If you are a member of a large group or organization that you think might like to have me speak about the book or “Mother Daughter Relationships,” “Surviving A Difficult Childhood,” or “Dealing with Mental Illness in a Family” you can click on the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau button on the right for more information.

Happy Reading!
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, St. Louis, Wendy Lawless

Summertime Goodreads Giveaway!

Happy Monday!  If you have a friend who hasn’t read Chanel Bonfire or if you’ve given away your copy, here’s a chance to get a new autographed hardback edition!  Click on the link below and go to Goodreads.  If you’re not already registered, register and then sign up for the giveaway.  I’ll send the winner their book–anywhere in the world–after the July 24th closing.  If you’re not on Goodreads, you should be; it’s a fantastic site for reviews, discussions and recommendations for every kind of book — a real community of readers.

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/58782-chanel-bonfire

And remember, if your Book Group is reading Chanel, you can set up a Skype Q & A with me by emailing chanelbonfire@gmail.com!

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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, goodreads giveaway, Wendy Lawless

Meeting Readers: Talking Moms

At Hotel Bel Air on Monday, July 8th

I had a wonderful time yesterday at Literary Affairs’ Books & Breakfast event at Hotel Bel Air.  Many thanks to Julie Robinson for organizing it, Hotel Bel Air for hosting and especially the big crowd who came out to talk, buy books and have their books autographed!  The last time I went to Bel Air, I was a month away from delivering my daughter (now 14!).  My husband and I left our four year old son with my step-sister and had a last fling.  The staff was attentive, the food marvelous and the atmosphere too romantic for words.  That January night we had the steaming, lit, oval-shaped pool all to ourselves.  This was my first trip back since then and since the terrific renovation.  The hotel may be spruced up and more modern feeling but the charm and attentiveness of the staff has remained as wonderful as ever.

While we spent a lot of time talking about Chanel Bonfire yesterday, we also spent a lot of time talking about my and readers’ difficult relationships with their mothers–many of whom seem like they might give Georgann Rea a run for her money.  As you can imagine, I spent a lot of time over the years learning how to deal with my relationship with my mother–through therapy and books–and I’ve come across a plethora of strategies.  It was a great experience being able to hear others’ stories and swap ideas and book titles with those still trying to work things out.  Thank you all for sharing.

If you can’t make it to a Chanel Bonfire event, I am also Skyping with Book Groups who are reading Chanel.  Just email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com and we can schedule a time.  

If you are part of big group or association and would like me to come speak about Chanel and the challenges of dealing with difficult, challenging or just plain toxic mothers, click on the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau button on the right.  
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, Dealing with A Difficult Mother, Hotel Bel Air, Julie Robinson, Literary Affairs, Mothers & Daughters, Simon and Schuster Speakers Bureau, Wendy Lawless

Happy Monday!

Floating in the St. Lawrence River near Brockville, Ontario, Canada

I know it’s hard coming back after a long holiday weekend (those of you in the U.S.) but let’s put a smile on and try to enjoy ourselves and the fact that we have jobs.  (As a former actress and writer married to a writer I can tell you that a job is not something that’s always around these parts.)  

If you’re in Los Angeles today, and haven’t figured out what you’re doing for breakfast, I’ll be speaking Literary Affairs’ Books & Breakfast at the Hotel Bel Air starting at 10:30.  It’s too late for a reservation but they are very lovely people and will, I’m sure, accomodate you.  After that, it’s back home to my desk where I’m hard at work on the sequel to Chanel Bonfire (tentatively titled “Untitled Girl”).

I know many book groups suspend meetings for the summer but if yours is still on and you are reading Chanel, I’d be happy to schedule a Skype Q & A with you.  I’ve done them with groups all over the country and all over the world and they’re great fun.  I love meeting readers, hearing about their lives and reactions to the book and answering questions.  Email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com to schedule.
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Books and Breakfast, Brockville Ontario, Chanel Bonfire, Chanel Bonfire Sequel, Hotel Bel Air, Literary Affairs, St. Lawrence River, Wendy Lawless

Small World: Chanel Bonfire Travels

Chanel Bonfire in Bavaria

While I’m home and library bound, working on the sequel to Chanel, the book, in the hands and on the Kindles and iPads of readers is out and about, travelling the country and the globe.  I get a big kick out of pics like the one above (Tweeted by reader SM Giffin) or the one below (Tweeted from Little League practice).
Chanel Bonfire in Texas

I love hearing from readers who are enjoying the book.  If you’d like to send in or Tweet pictures, I’ll put them up on the Chanel Bonfire Pinterest Board.  And if your book group is reading Chanel, I’d be happy to Skype with and talk about the book and answer questions.  You can email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com or reach me through my Twitter handle @wendylawless2.  Happy Reading and Thank you!
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Bavaria, Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, Pinterest, Texas, Twitter, Virtual Book Tour, Wendy Lawless

Random Sightings, Connections and Book Group Skypes

A terrific looking woman caught reading Chanel Bonfire in Grand Central Station.
As the publication date for my book came closer, I began to realize that I was about to expose myself and my life to many (if I was lucky) complete strangers as well as people who knew me or had known me and yet did not know very much about my childhood.  It’s not that I didn’t realize what I was doing as I wrote the book; I just didn’t realize how completely exposed I might feel.  
And when the book was published in January and people began to read it, I did hear a lot of expected responses: I had know idea, You seemed so normal, I did wonder…, I had the same experience, My mother too was insane, I’m glad you wrote this, I don’t feel so alone.  What I didn’t expect were the little joys of random sightings of the book and people reading the book.  Friends and strangers started sending pictures of the book in airports and bookstores and peoples hands like the one above (Sent by my step-sister Mary while she was on a long weekend trip to New York from her home in Detroit.).  I also did not expect the heartfelt praise and gratitude from readers who had also had difficult childhoods and nowhere to turn, or the reconnections with some people who knew me as a kid or are characters in the book.  
I like hearing from readers — their reactions to the book, their own stories.  One of the most fun things I’ve been doing is Skyping with Book Groups.  These Skype sessions are even better than book tour and book store readings and events because they’re so much more intimate.  People always have questions or ideas I’ve never thought of.  And they like hearing stories which, for narrative reasons, I had to leave out of the book.  In a way I suppose these Skypes are like the director’s commentary in the special features section of dvds.  Often I get to hear stories from people in the groups too which I would never get to do at a book store.
So if your Book Group is reading Chanel and would like to get together, please email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com and we can set up a Skype Chat.
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, Wendy Lawless

My Virtual Book Tour Continues

Grateful to be in such wonderful company!

Hope Ingram and her Cincinnati Book Club.
These ladies were fabulous fun to talk with.  I always get as good as I give with a terrific group.  I love learning about them and seeing the ways in which my book takes on a life of its own when read and discussed and incorporated into the lives of others.  Thank you!

If your group is planning to read Chanel Bonfire, I’d love to Skype with you too!  Contact me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com 

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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Clubs, Book Group Skype, Book Groups, Chanel Bonfire, Cincinnati, Hope Ingram, Wendy Lawless

Chanel on Tour April 15th 7PM Glendale Public Library

Don’t you think we need a Chanel Bonfire Tour Bus?

I’ll work on it.  Maybe add some flames!  In the meantime, you can come see me, ask questions, get books signed and talk about Chanel Bonfire, crazy moms and anything else you like at the Glendale Public Library in Glendale, CA on April 15th at 7PM.

If you can’t make that and your book group is reading Chanel, I’d be happy to arrange a Skype Q&A with you.  Just shoot me an email at chanelbonfire@gmail.com !

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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Chanel Bonfire, Glendale CA, Glendale Public Library, tour bus, vw bus, Wendy Lawless

The Great Migration – Chanel Bonfire

The Great Migration: from Summer Stock in North Carolina to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and, of course, divorce.

In the Smoky Mountains.
Having a wonderful time Skype-ing with Book Groups!  If you’re group is reading Chanel Bonfire I’d be happy to do a live Q & A with you.  Just email me at chanelbonfire@gmail.com 
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Posted by Wendy Lawless  Book Group Skype, Book Groups, Chanel Bonfire, Georgann Rea, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, North Carolina, Robin Lawless, Skype, Smoky Mountains, Summer Stock, Wendy Lawless