When the Soul Friends Book Club enjoyed a virtual visit with USA Today Bestselling author Susan Meissner back in 2021 for discussion of THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS, it was the start of a lifelong following. According to book club manager Sharon, they “talked and talked…Susan was wonderful – very personable, easy to talk with, talked about whatever we wanted to, including her ties to our own area, the Twin Cities and Minnesota at large. She told us about other books she has written that are set in Minnesota, about her idea and writing processes, etc. It was a great experience, and we would definitely want to do this again. We may choose a book from (NovelNetwork’s) list of authors just so we can have this kind of exchange. We are also interested in reading more by Susan and perhaps chatting with her again sometime.”
Fast forward to the Tucson (AZ) Book Festival, March, 2023, where Sharon served as an event volunteer. Susan Meissner was scheduled to speak at the festival, and Sharon had Susan “on her radar, and was excited to connect personally with her.” Of their meeting, Sharon shared, “It was a delightful treat for me today to meet (Susan) and to hear (her) speak on the panel discussion, Writing Across Time and Space. I hope you (Susan) know that having both of your sessions designated as one of the “ticketed” sessions is a high honor, indicating that the organizers of the Festival expect a strong turnout for your session. “
Susan Meissner is a book club favorite for good reason, as attested to by Sharon, and we thank you, Sharon, for sharing your lovely photos and thoughts with us to share with our NovelNetwork community.
Book clubs, join the ranks of the hundreds of other groups who have made personal connections with authors through an author visit. You might just become a super fan!