Guest Author/Host at Messy Nessy's Writers & Readers Club
One of the best part of having a book in the world has been doing events and connecting with readers (or potential readers) IRL. I’m so grateful to Vanessa (Nessy) Grall, founder of Messy Nessy Chic (a blog of curious finds from Paris and beyond) and Messy Nessy’s Cabinet (her physical shop in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, not far from Notre Dame). Not only is she the first stockist of OVERRIDE! What if there was another way? in the world, but she’s also been kind enough to open her doors for events.
Back in July I got I hosted a book signing and banana mapping worskhop, which was her first public event at the shop, which was great fun. I love when attendees get to connect. I met a couple people from my MYP community for the first time, and made some new connections. I love that my book and banana maps can help make the world a bit smaller!
So I was thrilled when Nessy invited me to be the guest author/host for her monthly Writers & Readers Club which she hosts through her Keyholder’s Membership. The events are hosted in her shop, and streamed to members in her community.
Because this group was made up of writers and readers I adapted my typical prompts I use at book events. Rather than mindmaping our influences I invited participants to map what has influenced them as a writer and or a reader. And wow, the results were far more powerful than I expected! The perk of being an intimate group is we had time for everyone to share what came up on their banana, which was delightful and enriching.
The event continued with Nessy sharing an excerpt from David Sedaris’s Me Talk Pretty book about learning to speak French. We ended up talking about mindset and then a few folks shared some of their writing before I signed a few books. It was a truly delightful way to spend a Thursday evening!
I’m looking to tap into other communities to bring OVERRIDE! and banana maps as a tool for connection both in Paris and beyond. Please reach out if you have any ideas!
I left more signed copies of OVERRIDE! What if there was another way? at Messy Nessy’s Cabinet located at 19 Rue de Bièvre 75005. Not in Paris? You can pick up a copy at override-book.com.