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J.A. Fox steps to the microphone. “Welcome, everyone!” she says in a posh British accent that sounded so perfect and fancy the first time I heard her do an interview with Oprah. I sit up straight in my chair, wishing I could pull out my laptop to take notes as she speaks, but there’s not really room with my plate in front of me. And it’s not a college lecture, so it’s probably not appropriate.
“I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy writing schedules to come eat a bite with me today,” she says, looking around. “Hopefully, we’ll have full bellies, fresh ideas, and flowing inspiration by the end of our session. If you could, while the staff bring out our repast, stand and introduce yourself for everyone. Thank you.”
J.A. Fox nods to the woman on the far left of the table, and she stands up, speaking with a clear, confident voice as she’s obviously done this before. “I’m Louisa Magnum, author of the best-selling Oakhurst Family series.”
Oh, I know that one even if I didn’t know the face. The woman next to her stands up, and introductions continue around the table, each name seemingly more impressive than the last. Finally it’s my turn, and I manage to introduce myself, though not without difficulty. “I’m Woody Popstock. I mean, Poppy Woodstock. I wrote Love in Great Falls.”
Okay, that went well. I mean, I got English words out of my mouth, and I did it without projectile puking. I’m taking the win. But I’m not going to risk it by eating the chicken and potatoes a server set down in front of me.
After introductions finish, J.A. Fox takes the microphone again. “Please, feel free to eat. A bit of dinner is the least I can offer so you’ll let an old lady blabber on.”
With that encouragement, I try to at least appear to be enjoying the food, picking up my fork along with everyone else. I nibble at my salad, pretending to enjoy lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing while the Grand Dame gives a speech.
It’s actually interesting as she gives lots of insight on how she found inspiration for her latest book in the famous painting at her side. Listening to her warm up and bring us into the swirling galaxy of disconnected thoughts that coalesced into an entire story that captured the hearts of many is nothing short of amazing.
“And of course, I’m obligated to tell you that having a good editor is essential,” J.A. says, earning laughs. “If not, my book would go on and on and make absolutely no sense.”
It gets laughs around the room, and she continues on, delving into some of the technical aspects of writing that only fellow authors could embrace. As fascinating as it is, I keep finding my eyes drifting off to the right side of the stage . . . to him. The sexy man in black who looks like he’d make a lead character in anyone’s book and easily turn it into a best seller just in describing his incredibly good looks. Chapter One–his eyes, with Chapter Ten (inches) being . . .
I get away with my stolen looks twice, but when the hairs along the back of my neck tickle, I glance over to find him staring openly at me. He winks, and I blush, forcing my eyes back to center stage but all the while considering that maybe he’s the inspiration I need just like J.A. Fox is talking about. A sexy guy, with just the right amount of cocky to be a bad boy and enough kindness to catch me when I fall. I reframe my hero, Ryker, adding a bit of ruggedness to his hair and seeing if there’s a place I could have him catch my heroine when she falls.
Reality inspiring fiction, and why the hell not? They say even Romeo & Juliet was inspired by reality.
Too soon, the Grand Dame wraps up her speech and dismisses us to the workstation tables. I understand that we should mingle and mix to talk to everyone, but my nerves ratchet back up when I see one of the sneering women from earlier sitting at the table where my name card awaits.
Thankfully, the other two women smile warmly as we each pull out our laptops. One’s a regency romance writer, while the other’s strictly LGBTQ+ fiction.
“Open a new document, please,” J.A. Fox instructs. “Sprint write the basic premise of your current work. No complete sentences or literary greatness needed. Just plot, character names, dark moments, and resolution. I’ll give you five minutes.”
Panic wars with excitement. I’m doing this, here in this room of greatness, and I want to watch the magic unfold. But when I see every pair of eyes click to their screen, mine do the same as I quickly tap out the basics of Trouble in Great Falls. Here, in fresh form, it actually makes sense.
