Winspear Wrap-Up

On Tuesday evening we had the opportunity to hear Jaqueline Winspear speak at the Columbus Museum of Art for the fourth event in our Winter/Spring 2013 Evenings with Authors series. With an audience of over 300, we listened as she spoke about writing and the life of her main character, Maise Dobbs. Released only one week before the event, Leaving Everything Most Loved, marks the 10^th book in the Maise Dobbs series. Being that the majority of the series takes place in the 1930’s, Winspear discussed her vast knowledge of the time period and how she finds herself extremely fascinated by the culture and lifestyles of those living during that time.  She told us about her particular interest in fashion and the reflection of how what is happening in society not only affects what we wear, but how we wear it. Did you know that shoes get pointier during times of war? Attention to detail like this is what has enabled her to capture her readers and make them feel truly transported to 1930’s England. When asked whether or not this was the end of Maise Dobbs, Winspear replied “We’ll just have to see.” Although, she did suggest looking to the last line of Leaving Everything Most Loved to find clue (don’t worry, we won’t spoil it for you).

 

Thanks to everyone who made it to the event! While our next event with New York Times bestseller, Tracy Chevalier, is sold out, we have two more great authors right around the corner! Click here for more information. 

Wrap-up: Evenings with Authors with Nathan Englander

Nathan Englander joined the list of illustrious authors to visit Thurber House last night. He gave a fascinating talk about his books of short stories – which deal with some heavy topics, like faith and guilt – but showed that he also has a sense of humor and knows how to connect with his fans. We hope everyone who attended enjoyed hearing Nathan speak – and if you haven’t picked up his latest book, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, take a look at it and prepare for a thought-provoking read.

Attendees enter the drawing to win a copy of Nathan Englander’s new book.

Nathan talked about how when he writes, it’s not his voice in his stories, but he puts himself aside and has found his writer’s voice when he goes to work.

Nathan chatted with his fans and signed their books after his talk.

Thanks to everyone who came out last night! Our next event will be with Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs novels, on Tuesday, April 2.

Evenings with Authors recap: Chris Pavone

Chris Pavone wrote a page-turning thriller called The Expats, and it was very interesting to hear him talk about writing his first novel after being in the publishing business for 20 years. The novel is set in Luxembourg, where the main character, Kate, is forced into becoming a housewife and taking care of two young children while her husband works. This mirrors Chris’ life – he moved to Luxembourg with his family when his wife’s work took them there, and he cared for his two children while living as an expat.

The twist in the novel, however, is that Kate is ex-CIA.

Without giving up any spoilers of the plot, which features many twists and turns as Kate finds herself drawn back into the intrigue of the clandestine world, Chris talked to the Thurber House audience about the book, his experiences writing it, and what it was like living as an expat in Luxembourg.

The audience had many questions to ask, including whether there would be a sequel to the book. Chris said no – but characters from this book may show up in future novels.

Chris visited with attendees and gladly signed their books after his presentation.

Evenings with Authors are always an enjoyable time, and we loved hosting Chris Pavone last night! For the remainder of this season’s schedule, check out our website.

Mary Jane Clark: Another fantastic Evenings with Authors event!

On Wednesday, mystery and thriller author Mary Jane Clark visited Thurber House and chatted about the books she’s written and what inspired her to become a novelist. Her current series, the Wedding Cake Mysteries, feature a young amateur sleuth, Piper Donovan – and Mary Jane revealed to the Thurber House audience that Piper is based on her daughter, who she regularly consults on dialogue to make sure Piper sounds like a 27-year-old instead of a middle-aged woman. With a wonderful presentation featuring pictures of her travels and the research Mary Jane has done for different novels, the event was a great success.

Here are some pictures of the evening, thanks to Thurber House photographer Leslie Miller:

Attendees entered the evening’s raffle to win a copy of one of Mary Jane’s books and two tickets to a future Thurber House event.

Mary Jane and Thurber House board member Karen Kendig posed for the camera before the event.

Mary Jane told us that she’s been researching New Orleans and plotting Piper’s next adventure in the Big Easy.

Fans brought stacks of books for Mary Jane to sign – with 14 bestsellers under her belt, no wonder her fans have read every one!

If you’re interested in finding out more about our Evenings with Authors series, check out our website!

Susan Orlean visits Thurber House

Non-fiction writer Susan Orlean visited Thurber House and spoke last week about her newest book, Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend as part of our Evenings with Authors series. She shared some of the history she learned about the famous dog and spoke about her experiences researching both Rin Tin Tin and the man who made him famous.

This event was a wonderful end to our Fall 2012 Evenings with Authors season. Thanks to everyone who attended an event this Fall – our Winter/Spring season will be announced in December, so watch this blog for more information!

Thanks, as always, to Leslie Miller for the photographs of this event.

Ms. Orlean won the 2012 Ohioana Book Award for Non-Fiction for her book. Ohioana Library Association Director Linda Hengst presented her with the award at the event.

Ms. Orlean shared an excellent multimedia presentation about Rin Tin Tin’s history and stardom.

The author read two sections from her book, one about the circumstances surrounding Rin Tin Tin’s death, and another, more personal tale of traveling by airplane with one of Rin Tin Tin’s descendants.

Ms. Orlean answered questions from the audience (including the age-old Rin Tin Tin vs. Lassie debate), then signed books for her fans.

Photos from our event with Chris Cleave

Author Chris Cleave visited Thurber House on Thursday – he read from his newest novel, Gold, and chatted about his writing habits, the research he’s done for his books, and why all his main characters are female.

Enjoy these photos from our evening with Chris Cleave, courtesy of Leslie Miller.

The author chatted with some of his fans before his talk began.

The host for the evening, Thurber House board member Cynthia Kincaid, introduced the author.

After reading from his novel, Chris Cleave answered questions from the audience.

Fans waited in line to chat with the author and have their books signed.

The author took the time to speak with each person in attendance while he signed their books.

Summer Literary Picnic: Jeni Britton Bauer

We were incredibly proud to host Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Wednesday for a sold-out picnic on the Thurber House lawn. Her cookbook, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home, won the 2012 James Beard Award for Best Baking and Dessert Cookbook – and features over 100 recipes to re-create her delicious ice creams using a home ice cream maker.

Take a look at these pictures from the event – as always, thanks to Leslie Miller for the use of these images.

Jeni never goes anywhere without ice cream – she brought everyone a scrumptious treat of Juniper and Lemon Curd ice cream on lemon macarons. James Thurber inspired this flavor in her summer collection; it is reminiscent of a gin martini with a twist.

Jeni spoke about her vision of summer flavors inspired by writers, including James Thurber.

The sold-out crowd asked Jeni questions about writing her first cookbook and the creative process of making new ice cream flavors.

Fans gathered for a book signing with Jeni after the picnic and talk.

Many thanks to Jeni Britton Bauer for spending the evening with Thurber House and making the night so delicious!

 

 

 

Summer Literary Picnic: Mark Titus

Sports fans and humor fans alike joined us on the Thurber House lawn on Wednesday to hear Mark Titus speak about his book, Don’t Put Me In, Coach: My Incredible NCAA Journey From the End of the Bench to the End of the Bench. Mark read some (PG-13) stories from his book and shared tales of the pranks he pulled on his fellow team members on the Ohio State basketball team.

Mark spoke with fans and enjoyed dinner on the lawn before reading from his new book.

Fans enjoyed the beautiful July evening during the picnic portion of the event.

Thurber House board member Linda Logan welcomed the crowd.

Mark’s funny stories about his teammates and experiences created laugh-out-loud moments throughout the evening.

Mark answered questions from the crowd about his time on the Buckeye basketball team and about how his book came to be.

After his talk, Mark made time to talk to his fans and sign their books.

Special thanks to Leslie Miller for these fantastic photos of the evening!

Summer Literary Picnic: Karen Harper

We had such a lovely time on Wednesday with author Karen Harper. Thanks to everyone who braved the hot weather and joined us for a delicious dinner and a fascinating chat. Check out these pictures of the evening, thanks to Thurber photographer extraordinaire Leslie Miller:

Author Karen Harper and her husband enjoy a picnic dinner while chatting with fans.

Children’s Writer-in-Residence Donna Gephart attended the picnic and was able to meet Thurber House fans and friends.

Board member Steve Miller warmed up the crowd before Karen took the podium.

Karen chatted about researching her novels, how a book gets published, working with editors, and gave us a preview of her newest book.

Karen talked with her fans and signed their books.

 

 

Summer Literary Picnics Are Underway!

Last Wednesday, our Summer Literary Picnic season kicked off with a salute to Columbus in celebration of the city’s bicentennial. Here are some pictures of the evening:

Picnickers enjoyed a delicious dinner on a perfect Ohio evening.

 

The Thurber Chamber Theatre entertained the crowd with a tale of Thurber’s college days and a reenactment of one of his famous fables.

Thurber House Board of Directors President Barbie Tootle welcomed the crowd to our bicentennial celebration.

Joe Santry of the Columbus Clippers told stories of baseball’s beginnings in Columbus.

Columbus and Thurber expert Jim Tootle spoke about Thurber’s time at Ohio State University and his connections to Columbus.

Doreen Uhas-Sauer of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation shared her love of Columbus architecture and some stories behind famous Columbus buildings.

The speakers gladly answered Columbus questions from attendees.

Picnickers enjoyed our first evening of good friends, good food, and great books.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first picnic of the season! Our next picnic, which will be held on June 27, features author Karen Harper. Tickets are available here. More information about the rest of our picnic season is available here.