Susie Finkbeiner and me
Back in 2019 before our country was turned upside down by the pandemic, I was blessed to be part of the Readers Rendezvous in Grand Rapids, Michigan put together by some dedicated book lovers and Baker Book House. The next year things got a little crazy with all of us staying home and wearing masks and some of us losing friends and loved ones to the terrible virus that went on a rampage. In person things were canceled. A lot when on virtually including school and weddings and book events.
But now we are again doing things in person, and I was excited when I was invited back to the Readers Rendezvous in Michigan close to my publishers. Last time, my husband came with me. This time I asked my daughter along. We left the guys at home. The picture up top is me with the amazing author, Susie Finkbeiner in 2019.
Darrell is having to take care of the dogs. I’m sure Frankie and Marley appreciate somebody staying home to take care of them.
My daughter and I made the drive up today. She’s an excellent chauffer. We took the opportunity to enjoy an audio book. We will probably finish it on the way home in a few days. But before that I’ll get the fun of meeting some readers and some authors and having fun talking books together.
Meanwhile, reviews are rolling in for my new book, The Song of Sourwood Mountain. It’s always fun when readers say they love your story and wish you’d write a sequel to find out more about the people they came to love in the story.
Here’s a snippet of a review in World Magazine that I liked since Ada June was so much fun to write about in the story. I was so glad the reviewer, Sandy Barwick, loved her too.
Ostensibly, the story is about Gordon and Mira, but the real star is a semi-wild orphan named Ada June, whose only friend is her dog, Bo. Ada June has a case of selective mutism but yearns to go to school. Mira adores the little girl instantly, but feelings for her husband develop more slowly. … Let’s hope Gabhart is working on a sequel featuring feisty Ada June and her trusty canine sidekick.
Do you ever get so fond of characters you are reading about that you wish you could know what happens next with them?
Comments 14
Yes absolutely I get fond of characters. They are ALMOST like friends!!! When a series stops, I am truly broken hearted.
Author
You are a reader after an author’s heart, Marjorie. Many times, I think writers feel the same way when they have to leave these characters they’ve gone along with for several stories. I know I had a hard time not hearing Jocie and Wes talking after I moved on to different stories and didn’t go back to Hollyhill. Miss the Jupiter talk of those two.
Yes, definitely! Some books leave you wanting more of the characters and their situations.
Author
I think that’s good, Lari. A writer wants to leave a reader wanting more. Often authors feel the same way. I know I have several stories floating around in my head about some of the characters in my stories.
I just ordered the book, anxious to get and read it. I know by your other books it will be one I won’t be able to put down.
Author
I hope you will think it is a good read, Donna Jean. It’s great to have you as a reading friend. I’ll be eager to hear what you think of the story.
I feel this way about quite a lot of the books that I read. I always want to see what happens to them down the road.
Author
And thank goodness for imagination, Becky, that can take us on down the road sometimes after we finish a story. I always want to imagine the people I read about in other books have that fairytale life of happily ever after.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!! All the time, I fall in love with the characters and wish the story would contine!
Author
That’s wonderful, Susan. Just what writers want to hear. We like it when you feel so attached to our characters that you want more. I know I’ve sometimes wanted to write the next scene in a new story.
Yes! All the time.
Author
Books are so much better when the characters come to life for us and make us love them, or sometimes dislike them, but we want to run down their storytrails with them, Lee.
Oh, wow, a sequel featuring Ada June would be great. She did add a lot to the story, and I felt that all of the characters (and some of them were really characters!! lol) made the story as good as it was. I am not one to reread a book – there are so very many good books I haven’t read yet – but this one might be the first one for me. Thank you for one of the best books I have ever read,
Author
I’m the same as you, Ann. It’s rare that I read a book again and just for the reason you say. There are so many books I want to read. However, I have listened to the audio of some of the books I’ve read in print. Usually after several years. I really enjoy listening to audio books when I’m busy doing other things with my hands. So, if you decide to read the story again, maybe you can give it a listen. I haven’t listened to the audio book yet. Not sure if it is available as yet or not, but it will be.
I am so glad you liked the story, and I’m beaming at your sweet compliment that the story is one of the best you’ve ever read. My characters thank you.