I had the privilege of attending my friend Blaine’s book club as a guest author – a full circle moment, since Blaine was my college roommate and the inspiration for my next book. When she invited me, I felt genuinely honored. This is her community, her circle, and stepping into it felt very humbling.

Going in I had two goals:

1. Blend into their natural camaraderie rather than disrupt it with a “presentation.” I wasn’t there to lecture or play historian — that’s not who I am.
2. Listen closely for insights that could improve my writing as I move through my next book.

Based on the feedback from Blaine, I think I accomplished both.

The group was quite interesting — women from different chapters of Blaine’s life — high school friends she’s reconnected with, a friend from grad school, colleagues she worked alongside. Each one sees Blaine through a different lens, shaped by their history with her. That dynamic– multiple perspectives — is exactly what I try to capture in my writing. How backstories shape interpretation. How the same moment can feel entirely different depending on who’s experiencing it.

Hearing from people who had actually read my book was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time. I’m still new to all of this — writing, sharing the work, and then sitting in a room with people who matter to someone who matters to me. It was humbling in a good way. They seemed to connect with the characters, understood the themes I hoped would come through, and offered thoughtful feedback. I admitted that the book may too long and too wordy — something I am actively working on — and they smiled at my criticisms with kindness.

They also shared a few local historical details about their area which is to be one of the setting of my next novel and I shared some of my research. Their insights made my half-day of exploration even more grounded and connected to the people who actually live there.

It was an experience I hope to repeat — mainly for the reminder that stories live most fully when they are shared.