About a month ago, I attended the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA-LA), Let’s Go Book Clubbing event featuring a panel of authors discussing their recent books.  The event was amazing!

I had never been to an author panel before and didn’t really know what to expect.  It was held at this cute little bookstore called Diesel, A Bookstore, located in Santa Monica, CA.  This bookstore is nestled within a cozy marketplace surrounded by other small food and retail shops.  I loved how small and intimate the bookstore is and highly suggest that you visit sometime.

Moderator, Diane Leslie, was great and knew what kinds of questions to ask the authors.  She kept the conversations going and asked questions like, “Do you relate to any of your characters and why?”

Each author on the panel did a great job answering the questions and really gave us a glimpse into what inspired them to write the book they were promoting.  I soaked up every word they were saying and thought to myself, I’m going through that right now with my book…I’m not alone.

During the Q&A portion, I took advantage of the opportunity to ask when they shared their manuscripts.  Did they show the first draft to someone or was it later drafts?  All four authors were pretty unanimous in their answers saying that it’s best not to show the first draft and not have someone real close to you read it.  They suggested writing groups or fellow authors as opposed to your friends and family.  That was my biggest take away from the author panel. 

If you haven’t heard of the Women’s National Book Association check them out!  They have several chapters across the country.  I’m a proud member and current Social Media Chair of the WNBA Los Angeles Chapter.

Another perk of these author panels is that I can get my books signed!

Have you ever been to an author panel?  If so, what did you think of it?

Tagged: book events, WNBA/LA, Women's National Book Association