We Dove in DEEP with Julie Ann Walker

Gwen Reyes // Book Club Coordinator

The summer sun continues to blaze away, so I took the opportunity to stay inside with some friends and warm conversation at our monthly book club. Although Fresh Fiction hosts a number of them each month, our Wednesday book club is one of my favorites because we almost always have an author call in through Skype to chat with us. It’s the perfect treat for any reader.

This month Julie Anne Walker called from Chicago, causing quite a stir among our book club. We are all huge fans and look forward to any opportunity to talk with an author many of us consider a “rock star.” Julie was gracious, charming, and most importantly funny! Since we had a first timer with us, Julie started off introducing herself before diving into stories about bikers, military men, and deep sea treasure hunting. I instantly wanted to hop on a ship and explore all the hidden secrets below — with a babe keeping me company, of course.

Julie has a way of making any reader feel included and special, a talent that draws in loyal fans and keeps them coming back for more. DEVIL AND THE DEEP is out now.

Once Julie left us for some NyQuil and a good night’s sleep, the book club launched into the name game. We play every time, but it’s not how you remember in college! Here’s the rules: everyone goes around the table saying her name, the book she is currently reading, and a current TV show she enjoys. A bonus question adds to our little activity — this time I wanted to know about everyone’s favorite in-person author experience. The stories were great, but nothing could top Sara E.’s story about spending the afternoon with Nora Roberts during one of her Dallas book signing appearances. The entire table erupted with squeals when Sara E. told us Nora went out of her way to accommodate those who weren’t able to attend her signing by signing all the backlist from a competing chain.

Next month we’re welcoming two authors to our book clubs, Susan Wiggs and Madeline Hunter. I’m already counting down the days!