Debbie Harpham
by Carol Van Den Hende
Book clubs are often as unique as individuals. They can spring up based upon friendships, common interests or proximity. Similarly, authors have different backgrounds and styles. So, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to what you can expect when an author visits your book club.
To share one example, here are my experiences visiting book clubs as part of my debut novel launch…
I Love Book Clubs!
As an author, it’s wonderful to connect with readers about my work.
I love meeting new readers, hearing which parts of my writing touch people’s hearts, and how fiction mirrors true-to-life escapades. Book clubs have said that my author visits create a “unique, fun and memorable experience!”
In-Person Book Club
This year, I’ve joined several book clubs. Let me describe one virtual and one in-person meeting.
When I arrive to the in-person venue, my hostess welcomes me into her kitchen, introduces me to her friends and offers me a glass of pinot grigio. I feel right at home! Our chatter turns to school-age kids and shared interests. Right away, the attendees tell me how much they love Goodbye, Orchid.
After enjoying appetizers, we migrate from the kitchen into the dining room with our dinner plates. Some members want to know if I’d known someone with an injury like the one my protagonist sustained. Others ask where I got the idea for the storyline.
These initial queries all circle around the top question…
The Top Question: Source of Inspiration?
The number one thing book clubs ask me is: Where did the story come from? What was the inspiration for the story?
In many ways, these questions are quite natural. Just like readers want to know the origin story behind a book’s characters, they want to know why authors choose our subject matter. Reading creates an intimate connection between reader and writer, so it’s not unexpected for readers to want to know a writer’s personal inspiration.
I love to kick off book club meetings with introductions and describing how Goodbye, Orchid came about. I share that my book was inspired by combat-wounded veterans, then provide the behind-the-scenes explanation why that was meaningful for me at that time in my life.
From there, questions arise organically. Readers ask about specific characters. They talk about how they felt during pivotal moments in the story. The discussion often generates more discussion. I love the feeling of readers getting more and more excited to discuss their experience with the book!
I also share fun facts, like the meaning behind Phoenix and Orchid’s names, the hidden Easter Egg design detail that has won the book design awards, and what’s coming next. In fact, it was encouragement from readers that convinced me to launch a Goodbye, Orchid series!
Before we know it, hours have passed. The book club members buy my autographed copies as presents, and gift me flowers and wine as a thank you. Everyone leaves elated by an evening of talk, laughter, and genuine connection.
A Virtual Gathering
A virtual book club meeting can be as fun as an in-person gathering (members can even bring a glass of their favorite beverage to their online book club!)
I’m visiting the Netherlands during one of my scheduled book club calls, so I join the Delaware-based Peninsula Book Club via Zoom.
They ask me to call in fifteen minutes after their start time, so they have some time to get settled and catch up with each other before the book discussion. Once we’re all online, the hostess welcomes me and turns the program over to me. I introduce myself, describe the inspiration for Goodbye, Orchid, and then answer their questions.
Book club members share aspects of the story that resonate with them, for instance, Phoenix’s injury and recovery, being a parent of twins, and the roller-coaster of emotions of the characters. They want to know – what research did I do on the topic of devastating injuries? What was my publication process like? The hour flies by!
Book Club Kits
Both in-person and virtual book clubs enjoy my downloadable book club kit, which creates anticipation for the questions and fun activities.
Readers can use these for their own book club parties, even if I’m not visiting. My book club kit includes discussion questions, a music playlist, sample menus and games.
After the Book Club Meeting
I’m always grateful to book clubs for hosting me, reading Goodbye, Orchid, and telling me about their experience with the story. When they ask what else they can do, I let them know that authors appreciate ratings and reviews (for instance, on Goodreads, Bookbub, Amazon, Bookshop.org), that they can sign up for my email list to get notified about new releases, and to recommend me to other book clubs.
Lastly, I’m so touched to hear that my book club meetings are a highlight. Check out the wonderful sentiment one New Jersey book club posted after meeting me:
Feeling a little star- struck this morning. 🤩
Nearly fifteen years of book clubs and by far, our favorite meeting was last night, when Carol Van Den Hende, author of Goodbye, Orchid, visited our group. What an absolute honor it was to get to know Carol and her characters. She was delightful and answered our many questions! We can’t wait to read more from her. I highly recommend that you read Goodbye, Orchid and invite Carol to your next book club!
Please book time with me here! https://novelnetwork.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carol Van Den Hende is an award-winning author who pens stories of resilience and hope. Her novel Goodbye, Orchid is inspired by wounded veterans and has won 16 literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and 2020 Royal Dragonfly for Disability Awareness.
Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens selected Goodbye, Orchid as a 2022 Bonus Book-of-the-Month.
Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and teenaged twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.
Carol is available to visit with book clubs via NovelNetwork.com.