I know. I know. Skype has been around awhile. Like so many other tech-y things, it sounded intimidating. Another gadgety thing to learn. AND there was the fact that it would be MY FACE on the screen in someone else’s living room. And then . . . . my friend Sarah Sundin wrote and told me her book club in California was reading Broken Wings, and could we chat on Skype? It was just the “push” I needed. Skype was super-easy to download and has minimal instructions (they’re not needed because it’s so user friendly!). All I had to do was a sound check ahead of time and wait for the dial tone. And what fun we had!
With Sarah Sundin at Denver ACFW
Sarah and I met at Mount Hermon before we were either one published, and we’ve shared some fun milestones in our writing journey together. Not only that, we’ve written similar situations into our stories without the other realizing it. Great minds really do think alike. Here’s a pic of Sarah and me at the Denver ACFW conference a couple of years ago. She didn’t get into the Skype pictures as she was the one snapping the shots.
About the visit with the book club. They are known as the Bibliovores – don’t you love that? They take turns choosing a book and meet in one another’s homes for a potluck meal, laughter, and discussion. I was particularly touched by the depth of conversation we were able to get into even in this cyber-format. Wonderful questions, ladies. And it turned out that one of the gals lived in Oklahoma at one time and has a daughter born here. Small world.
Sarah used a Lilac Blossom candle for a centerpiece on her table as a nod to Chasing Lilacs– love that! Thanks, Sarah, for the special touches and for a great visit.
Lilac Blossom Candle used as centerpiece
Jill, Jeanne, and Joanne of the "Bibliovores"
Cindi, Laura, and Terrie of the "Bibliovores"
Back: Cindi, Terrie, Jeanne, Joanne / Front: Laura, Me (on computer screen), Jill
Aren’t they great?
A note about Sarah. She writes amazing WWII love stories. You can read about them here, here, here, and here. In September, Sarah will debut a new series based on WWII Flight Nurses in the Mediterranean Theater. I can’t wait!
Conclusion: Skype is a snap. Try it. After a while, I no longer was conscious of what I looked like. Please don’t tell me as I don’t want to know. It’s fun and a great way to transport yourself into someone else’s home. Now, if there was just a way I could have smelled those enchiladas Sarah had cooking!
I’d love to visit your book club – in person is you live near me (waving to Miranda who I’ll be visiting with in person on May 15) or with a phone call or now . . . Skype. Email me to set up a time. Even if we don’t do a chat, take pics and send them, and I’ll put them up here on the blog. Books are for sharing and celebrating, and there’s nothing I like more than chatting with readers.