Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon 2013

Barbara Vey (L) and Debby Giusti (R) at
Barbara's Reader Appreciation Luncheon,
April 2013

Debby Giusti here!

I love Reader Luncheons! Some of you may recall my February 15, 2012 Seekerville blog that detailed how to organize and coordinate such an event. I pulled from my own experiences after hosting tables at a number of luncheons and included hands-on advice from some very savvy folks who have been in charge of writer and reader events, all of which have been extremely successful.

Love Inspired authors Debbie Kauffman and Debby Giusti wait
for the hotel shuttle at the Milwaukee Airport

My hope last year, as well as today, is that some of you may be interested in hosting a similar event in your own hometown. Just as I mentioned in 2012, a reader luncheon is a wonderful way to promote books and bring writers and readers together. It can serve also as a fund raiser for a special charity or a money maker for your local library or women’s church group.

Friday night Barbara hosted a Q&A with authors and readers.
Waiting to get started in the front row (LtoR) are
 Eileen Dreyer, Sharon Sala, and Sabrina Jeffries.

Doesn’t everyone like to go out to lunch? Add door prizes and swag bags filled with books and promotional items and the day becomes even more exciting. There are lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with established bestsellers or meet new authors who may turn into tomorrow’s favorites. The conversation always centers on writing and reading, and everyone goes home with new books to enjoy.

Following the Q&A, I had dinner with Lyndee Henderson
and her daughter Ellyn. Later that night, I got my tote and
table gifts ready for the next day. 

Publishers Weekly contributing editor, Barbara Vey is a dear friend who frequently guest blogs on Seekerville. You’ve probably visited her Beyond Her Book blog, perhaps during her huge birthday bash and mega giveaway each March. If you know Barbara, you know everything she does is a big success. In 2012, she hosted the first annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Luncheon, which I had the honor and privilege of attending. As enjoyable as that first gathering was, this year’s luncheon was even better.

I headed to the ballroom early Saturday
morning to set up my table. Everyone was busy getting ready.

Barbara makes everything look so easy. Of course, it takes months of planning and coordination as well as lots of folks—her friends, family and volunteers—working together to make the day so special. I knew you’d want to see photos.

(L to R) Heidi and Joysann review on Barbara's blog and
often visit Seekerville. Here they're helping Victoria with the
250 name tags and swag bags. Everyone's waiting
for the doors to open!

Tracey Devlyn (L) and Andrienne Giordana (R) show off
the cute totes they gave to their table mates. Loved
learning about the Lady Jane nights they host at a nearby coffee
shop where authors read excerpts from their latest releases.
The money raised benefits a local women's shelter.
Way to give back, ladies!

It's always nice to visit with former Georgian CL Wilson.
We flew back to Atlanta on the same plane,
along with Debbie Kauffman and Susan Carlisle, and talked non-stop
about how much we enjoyed the weekend.

Best-selling authors Sabrina Jeffries (L) and
Karen Hawkins (R) chat before the festivities begin.

Dianna Love and Debby in front of the author giveaway baskets.
Di and I live in the same town and joke about having to travel
to see each other. 

Being with Lyndee Henderson (R) and her daughter Ellyn (L)
made the weekend so very special.
Thanks, ladies, for joining me!

Another special treat was getting to know Jennifer Tipton's mother,
Alicia Stevernson (L), and sister Virginia Hardesty (R). Hope
you can join us next year, Jennifer.

Doris Greenberg (L) and Pandre Shandley (R) are former dance
instructors who now write YA stories
about the dance studio they used to own. 

(L to R) Alicia, Pandre, Virginia, Sally Lemke, Deb, Ellyn,
Doris and Lyndee. Thanks, ladies, for sitting at my table!

Dessert cupcakes featured my book cover!
What a special treat, Barbara!

At the podium to give away my tote.
And the winner is...

Lynne Wall won! A librarian from Aurora, Illinois, Lynne
loves inspy books and orders them for her library.

Best-selling author James Rollins entertained us
following lunch.

A book signing ended the day!

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Barbara asked us to save the date for next year. The Third Annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel in Milwaukee.

Guess who the luncheon speaker will be? Debbie Macomber. I've already made plans to attend. Think about joining me there.

What's the best reader or writer event you've ever attended? Have you considered hosting an event in your local area? Any suggestions for easy ways to get readers and writers together? Share your ideas and leave a comment to be included in a drawing for one of my books, winner's choice.

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
Faith with an edge...cross my heart!
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.crossmyheartprayerteam.blogspot.com

THE GENERAL'S SECRETARY

By Debby Giusti

Trusting the Wrong Person Can Be Deadly...

Lillie Beaumont's dark past has just turned up on her porch--fatally wounded. The dying words of the man imprisoned for killing Lillie's mother suggest hidden secrets. Criminal Investigations Division special agent Dawson Timmons agrees. He has his own motive for seeking the truth, and it gives Lillie every reason to doubt him. But even as they reluctantly begin to face painful secrets together, Dawson fears that a murderer is waiting to strike again. And this time, Lillie is right in the line of fire...

Watch for THE SOLDIER'S SISTER, available Sept 2013.