What's for Dinner?

Those of you that know me well know I ask that question frequently.   But in this case, I'm not even talking about eating.  "What's for Dinner?" is the name of a delightful book club that met last month at Rhoda Daner's house on the San Francisco Peninnsula.  I know Rhoda from my golf club.  But you can imagine how thrilled I was when she asked me to come and meet with and have dinner with her book club.  Truth be told, it was my first book club invitation (well, not counting my own book club).  I was a lot more nervous that I had imagined I'd be.  In fact, I'd meant to take pictures for this blog post and completely forgot. 

I had a delightful time meeting the members of the club.  All of them, fun, intelligent and accomplished ladies.  One of them, Sandy is originally from Scotland where my books are based, so it was fun talking to her about some of the places that I wrote about that she knows very well. 

A couple of the other ladies wanted to know "what happened to Harry?" ( He faded into the background after he helped Mick catch the killer.)  But I assured them that Harry will be back.  I had fun answering questions about how I think up the book plots and how I organize my writing.  Do I write at a set time of the day?  (Most of the time, yes, in the morning).  How many hours a day do I write? ( Ususally about three.) We talked about self-publishing and we laughed over dinner and wine.  I felt totally welcome, and I'm actually embarrassed it took me so long to post this.

But here is the real takeaway.  I feel so fortunate to know someone as lovely and gracious as Rhoda and her welcoming friends.  Sometimes, when you write, there's a shyness about the whole thing.  An "I'm not an accomplished author" kind of a feeling that makes you feel like you are stumbling all over yourself.  And then you meet a group of women like the "What's for Dinner?" bookclub and you feel very lucky, indeed.

These ladies took the time to read my book and for that I am so thankful.  But even more, they welcomed me with curiosity, grace and such kindness that I am truly grateful.  Thank you!  What's for Dinner?!