by Paula Gail Benson
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| Katherine Center |
Until she came to my local Barnes & Noble, I had not heard of Katherine Center. As I was leaving one Saturday, I was intrigued by the sandwich billboard at the store’s entrance that announced her visit the next day. From my car, I called to learn I needed to buy a book and get a wrist band the night before the event to be seated.
I returned to the store, made my purchase, and googled
her. Her website prominently
featured the Bookpage quote: “Katherine Center is the reigning queen of comfort
reads.” A reader review from Melissa proclaimed: “If you’re not reading
Katherine Center, you’re not living your best life.”
Wow. Impressive.
I learned two of Katherine’s books had been developed
as Netflix films. One of them, Happiness for Beginners, was available to
view, so I watched it. The story was about Helen, a divorcee, who went on a
wilderness survival adventure and unexpectedly found her brother’s roommate
also on the trip. Delightfully funny, a charming rom-com. I looked forward to
seeing Katherine in person.
To get a seat, I arrived a half hour early. I was
surprised to see Katherine already in front of the group asking questions and
telling stories. As the chairs filled, I heard people talking. They had come
from areas ninety minutes to two hours away. Some had followed her from a
previous appearance on her tour with her latest novel The Rom-Commers,
about an aspiring screenwriter hired to fix a veteran writer’s bad script. Two
sisters, both teachers, sat in front of me talking about how much they loved Katherine’s
books and planned to spend their summer reading them. Once the time for the
presentation came, Katherine spoke for at least an hour and a half before
beginning to sign books (which was handled efficiently by the B&N staff).
Katherine was amazing. I completely understood why all
those gathered were devoted to her.
So, what did she do and why should it become the
playbook for all author appearances?
First, she arrived early (her tour appearances were
spaced to achieve this) and did not sit down the entire time she was there. Not
before the official presentation nor during the signings. (In particular, she
remained standing during the signings so she could take photos and give hugs.)
Her energy was phenomenal, and it fueled the excitement in the room.
Second, she had a great sense of humor, the target of
which, for the most part, was herself. She told about, a few days previously, appearing
at a church and reading an excerpt from her novel before realizing it ended
with a phrase concerning if the sex wasn’t right someone was doing something
wrong. Embarrassed, she looked at the minister, who assured her there was no
problem with what she read. She actually read the same passage for us.
Which brings us to three, if you do a reading, make it
lively and short. She chose well because the scene highlighted the two main
characters and made readers want to know more.
Four, approach the experience as if you’ve been
invited to someone’s home. Be on your very best behavior, which includes being
kind, courteous, and grateful.
Five, embrace your readers. Recognize that they have
spent hours with you and your characters and let them know you appreciate them.
At this point, I have stocked up on Katherine Center’s
books and advise you to do the same. I agree with her reader, Melissa, if you’re
not reading her, you are not living your best life.
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| Me with Katherine Center |
