I’ve long known I live in a favored place. My husband and I moved to Southern California from the blizzard-prone states of the Midwest, beckoned by the sunny day bliss of the Rose Bowl and our frequent vacations to the locale. Orange County, where we reside, is sandwiched between LA and San Diego, so it’s convenient to travel to either city for events and recreation.
It’s also a blessed destination in the writer world—famously famous writers often headline conferences in my city. I’ve gotten to meet – and kibbitz – with Kristen Hannah about her first book, Debbie Macomber about her many, and my idol, Fannie Flagg, about her last. I’ve met Robert Krais, Chris Bohjalian, and Michael Connelly. Joe Ide has become a dear, huggable friend…I’ve even beta read for him. 
Jealous yet?
Hollywood isn’t that far either, and when Julie Andrews penned a children’s book, her publicist scheduled a read-and-sign-book appearance mere miles from my house. She’s well known for The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and The Princess Diaries. Further, in the annals of my career, she became an reknowned example to not have one’s vocal nodule excised from one’s vocal cords. Because she lost a good portion of her four-octave vocal range, she was a walking proponent of the vocal therapy that I was trained and licensed to provide.
But I digress. (Yes, I adored my pre-writer career)
In 2010 – long before I became a writer and met the famous peeps mentioned above – Julie Andrews penned a children’s book, among the many in her catalogue. Though I was dedicated to my yoga practice, provided in a facility at the same shopping mall as the children’s bookstore where July Andrews, I made a choice one Saturday morning.
I attended Julie Andrew’s book event, awed by her new endeavor and her resilience.
I’m truly not bragging, though, I do admit that all of these author opportunities validate my choice to move to Southern CA. Just as the weather does every winter day! (wink-wink)
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
You’ve had some wondrous experiences. What was Michael Connelly like?
Have a creative day. Sandra
Thanks for reading… Michael Connelly was ‘guarded’ – probably from a thousand too many fans who requested signed books…
I’d love to meet Kristin Hannah. Yes, you do have more author events with well-known authors.
Kristin Hannah was humble and approachable, perhaps because she’d just written her first book and hadn’t yet amassed huge fame.
Oh! My! Gosh, PJ! YES!! I AM jealous. Good for you, my dear. Happy IWSG Day. Stay strong.
Yes – very exciting for a reader and very encouraging for a writer!
You have met some incredible people. Glad you attended Julie’s event. Sorry though, California is the last state in the Union I would ever live in. And at least where I am now I don’t have to deal with snow very often.
How cool! I love that you even beta read for Joe Ide, although I hadn’t heard of him. You truly live in a beautiful part of the world.
I need to make an effort to go to more readings. It is so inspiring to hear from other writers!