When I set out to write a novel, I made a list of what I loved about my favorite books. Alongside notes like witty banter and a punchy last line was this:
The author’s note is the best part of the book.
It was a strange (and possibly controversial) thing to say about a piece of fiction, but I still hold firm. I love nothing more than getting to the end of a great book and then going even deeper with the author. Where did the idea come from? What’s their personal connection to the story? How has their life changed because of this?
Then one day my agent invited me to join a small group Zoom talk with Seth Godin, and I felt like I was in a real-life author’s note. I loved that I could ask him a direct question and get an off-the-cuff answer. I loved the camaraderie with the others in the call. And I loved that I left that hour with a deeper respect and connection to this author that I had long admired from afar.
So, this Substack—The Author’s Note—is my chance to recreate that experience for others. I’ll share occasional thoughts on my own publishing journey while also inviting you into intimate conversations with my favorite authors.
Here’s the nitty-gritty on those convos:
I’ll chat with an author and a small, invite-only* group of their readers via Zoom, asking them about their writing journey and the stories behind their stories.
Each author’s talk is limited to 25 attendees—just enough to fill one Zoom screen.
*Invitations are available as follows:
This Substack list is the first to hear about an upcoming talk. An email will be sent at an unexpected time with instructions on how to receive an invitation.
Another group of tickets will be given to the book community (librarians, booksellers, book club leaders, agents, bookstagrammers, writers, etc) to use or give out via their own creative methods.
The author will be given a few invitations to share as well.
(It’s like the speakeasy of author talks. 💃)
If you receive an invitation:
You can only access the Zoom call via your name and email address. Your invitation cannot be shared, sold, or otherwise distributed.
While you will only occupy one little Zoom square, you’re welcome to have as many people join you on that square as you’d like. We encourage you to host an in-person book club or gathering.
The author interview will last for one hour, but you’re welcome to join fifteen minutes early to meet the others on the call. They will all be interesting and delightful in their own right!
There is no cost to attend.
The calls will not be recorded, but I’ll share highlights via email to this list after the interview.
I hope to meet you in a secret lil author chat sometime soon.
