Category Archives: Literary Affairs

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.  
Share

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.
Share

Here’s To The Ladies Who Brunch!

Mother’s weekly white wine lunch.  Singer Marian Montgomery in the headscarf next to Mary Broomfield in pale yellow.

I’ll tell you all about it and much more at the Hotel Bel Air on July 8th at 10:30 if you come to Literary Affairs’ Books and Breakfast event.  Click on the link below for tickets.  It will be fun!
Share

Summer Books & Breakfast

This wonderful book group of book groups, Literary Affairs has invited me to come speak, read, sign books and talk to readers at the Hotel Bel Air on July 8th.  I hope anyone in Southern California will come by.  It’s a beautiful spot that feels like you’re out in the country despite its central location.  And the food is wonderful.  Use the link below to learn more and get tickets.  Hope to see you there!

http://www.literaryaffairs.net/books-and-breakfast/

Share

Chanel Bonfire at the Hotel Bel Air

It’s a ways off but I’m VERY excited about appearing in the wonderful Julie Robinson’s Literary Affairs Summer Books & Breakfast series!

I’ll be at the Hotel Bel Air on July 8th from 10:30 AM  to 12:00 Noon.  Reading, breakfast, Q & A.  I can’t wait.  If you live in Los Angeles or will be in town visiting, I’d love to meet you.  Tickets and info can be found at the link:
Share