Author Adventures: Book Launch in Boston
In July 2024, I took an online writing class from one of my favorite fantasy authors, Rebecca Ross (for more information, see this blog post). The class was enlightening and wonderful, but I gained from that experience something even more impactful to my growth as a writer: two critique partners.
A year and a half later, I am still trading chapters with both partners every week. I consider both of them friends. One of them, we’ll call her A, lives only two hours away; we’ve met up in person a few times and fostered a relationship outside of writing.
This month, I joined A and one of her long-time friends at a book event in Boston. The event was centered around the new releases of Isabel Ibañez and Roshani Chokshi. Rebecca Ross hosted the conversation.
Isabel Ibañez and Rebecca Ross
Three Queens on their Thrones
Roshani Chokshi
The three well-established authors discussed what inspired their stories, shared bits of their writing processes, and gave advice to writers and readers in the audience. They were eloquent and poised; they were real and hilarious. Witnessing their excitement and support for each other made my heart full.
Afterward, we got the chance to meet them and get our copies of their books signed with a personalized note.
Me, A, and Rebecca Ross
Me and Isabel Ibañez
A and I shared our story with Rebecca Ross. We credited her with bringing us together, which in turn helped us grow significantly as writers. I don’t actually remember much of what was said (I kind of blacked out), but she was gracious, kind, and encouraging. It was a full-circle moment that will stick with me forever.
Rebecca Ross and Isabel Ibañez have been critique partners for years. I don’t know at what point in their careers they met, but I like to believe that they knew each other before they got their first agent or sold their first book. Perhaps they even went to a book launch together and dreamed that one day, people would gather to celebrate their story and line up to get their books signed.
Call it wishful thinking. Call it delusion. But I left that event with a vision of the future.
One day, I will sit in an adorable bookstore in front of an audience of excited readers and hopeful writers. I will share my inspiration. My process. My story. I will sign copies of my books. And if I’m lucky, I will have my critique partner and friend at my side.