Last year a coworker who knew about my novel, Timing, approached me with an idea. He is a member of a long-standing book club with a bunch of other guys, and he wanted to suggest my book to the club the next time it was his turn, and asked if I would be willing to join them for the discussion thereafter. How could I say no to such an opportunity to obtain unbiased (and free) feedback?

At the holidays he checked in with me. It was finally his turn in the rotation and he wanted to make sure I was still okay with the idea. Yes, go for it.

So he suggested it, they all agreed to read my book, and this past Wednesday I went to their book club meeting! (Two of the members had last-minute business trips, but four attended.)

Now, let me take a quick back-step. Soon after this guy reconnected with me over the holidays, and I’d agreed he should move forward with his plan, I texted the gal pal who had helped me edit the book and quite simply said, “You’re coming with me.” (And she did.)

So there we were on Wednesday evening, a party of 6 at one of those brew-centric restaurants in a location somewhat out of my way, but fairly easy to get to, and all because of my book!

And, by the quality of their questions I could tell they actually had read it, too!

While one could argue that they were being polite to the author in attendance, here are the positives that I came away with:

• They thought the story was engaging.
• They liked the characters and enthusiastically mentioned several of the settings and situations.
• They were intrigued with my inspirations for writing this story, and its characters.
• Most of them agreed it could be made into a movie.

The only negative, if there was one, regarded taking a leap of faith that time travel is possible. And, we all know that it is—at least in novels and films—so, we were able to put that one to rest.

All in all, it was a great ego-boost of an evening, and I really appreciated the opportunity to talk about my book. No autographs were requested but, hey, we all have to start somewhere.