Book club at the library

Yesterday, I was invited to attend the local library to meet the book club. A group of avid readers who gather once a month to share their thoughts and ideas about the designated reading book. Next month’s pick is one of mine: Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage. I’m not available in September when they’ll be discussing their thoughts, but was available to attend this month when the book was issued to each member. 
 
I arrived half way through their meeting, just after they’d discussed Margaret Attwood’s short stories – which seemed to gain much praise and delight. The librarian handed out the paperbacks as I settled into the ‘hot seat’ for a brief question and answer session. I’d meet a couple of the members before at ‘author talks’ I’d given, and some had read other books of mine, but no one had read this particular story. 
 
I started by giving a rough outline of my writing journey. I explained how much I love attending writing retreats and so the premise for a book began to emerge. I outlined the structure of creating three female characters, of various ages, as the story tellers and wove a plot line depending on their strengths and weaknesses. I’ve added a lot of humour and fictionalised some observations from real life to create a book set in Hawkshead.
 
I wanted to avoid spoilers but did explain that Beatrix Potter had connections to both Hawkshead and Hilltop, Near Sawrey – which are part of the story.
 
We spent an enjoyable hour discussing all things writing, reading habits and the love of books before each member drifted off, each with my paperback in their possession. I wish each of them a truly enjoyable month of reading! 


Book blurb: Welcome to the Lakeside Cottage . . . A place to write, where inspiration awaits . . .

Five authors have gathered at the idyllic Lakeside Cottage for a retreat, with the promise of peace and dedicated writing time. At least, that's the idea . . .

Retreat organiser Rula is there to edit, surrounded by like-minded souls. An interloper, especially one with whom she has a past, was certainly not part of her plan.

Eve has a bad case of writer's block, despite numerous bestsellers under her belt. Can she find new inspiration? Or will she get drawn into the dramas that unfold around her?

Alice has a deadline looming but is seemingly more interested in anything but writing. And where does she keep disappearing to?

Daphne is an experienced self-published author, but might she be more unconventional in other ways too?

And then there's Brontë, the complete novice. She's a mere scribbler, not a 'proper writer' like these other women, and she feels totally out of her depth.

As the collective word count grows, and their personal stories interweave, each woman finds herself drawn in unexpected and life-changing directions.

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