Tom Blake column for the week of February, 23,
2015
Everybody benefits at San Juan Capistrano
Author Lecture Series
On the third Sunday of each month, the
Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library sponsor a Local Author Lecture
Series from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm., at The Bookstore. The February event featured
romance and travel writers.
Cheryl Gardarian and I were the guest
authors. Cheryl writes fiction, and I write non-fiction. Nearly 30 people
attended and it seems that everybody benefitted in one way or the other. Cheryl
and I benefitted simply by being the invited authors. That was an honor in
itself.
Both of us were able to share our stories
and writing experiences in a panel that was moderated by Ann Ronan, a local
travel agent and the Chairman of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.
At the end of the session, complimentary snacks and refreshments were served
while Cheryl and I got to display and autograph our books.
The Bookstore is run entirely by
volunteers, led by Friends of the Library president Mary DeMers, who put a
great deal of effort into coordinating the event. The book shelves are moved
aside and temporary chairs are set up for the guests. After the event, the
chairs are removed and the book shelves put back in place. The all-volunteer
staff was assisted by members of the National Charity League.
Book lovers benefitted by meeting the
authors in person, asking questions and purchasing autographed books.
The library earns a commission on the
sale of the books, which helps cover operating costs. Not to mention the
exposure that the library received by having people new to the bookstore enjoy
its charm.
Singles benefitted by making new friends and
getting dating, relationship and travel advice. One woman, recently widowed,
met Christine Baumgartner, a relationship counselor/event planner who attended,
and scheduled some future consulting appointments with Christine.
Aspiring authors learned the ins and outs
of publishing books. Cheryl uses publishers and Tom self publishes. Both authors
also publish electronic books (Ebooks), which are very popular these days.
I often tell older singles that the most
important thing they can do is get off the couch and out of the house and meet new
friends. Attending events like this is a great way to achieve that; I heard two
women say they were meeting for coffee the next morning.
Getting out and meeting the public is
beneficial to authors as well. I was pleased and surprised when moderator/travel
agent Ann asked if I would like to host a four-day cruise out of Los Angeles in
November on the Star Princess cruise ship. When I said yes, Ann replied, “We
will name it the “Tom Blake’s Loving Life after 55 Cruise.” That would not have
happened to me had I not appeared.
Each of our local tri-city libraries are
greatly assisted by volunteers. Funding is tight for libraries. We as residents
are blessed to have these volunteers helping our libraries, which we need to
support.
What a pleasant afternoon this was. There
is nothing greater than to be in a warm and cozy environment surrounded by
books just waiting to stimulate our minds.
For information on the Sunday, March 15,
Local Author Lecture Series at The Bookstore at the San Juan Capistrano library,
call 949 493-2688. Or, visit the website at www.sjcfoL.org.
For information on the November 12
cruise, contact Ann at 949 702-3977 or by email at ann@sjctravel.com. Cruise details are also on the website:
Photo by Monique Dodge
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