Jennie Shortridge, Seattle author
Last week Jennie Shortridge, local author of the new book, Love and Biology in the Center of the Universe, came to my book club. I've never had an author attend a book club discussion, and I wasn't sure what to expect.
Jennie did not disappoint. Her book is about a woman with an outwardly perfect life and her reaction when something bad happens. We all dream of escape at times, and even the best good girl thinks of being bad on occasion. If only you could have been a fly on the wall for the lively talk that followed!
Jennie's heroine has to run away to discover herself, and in the meantime she has some interesting adventures in Fremont with an eccentric cast of characters (hey, I recognize some of these people!).
Jennie has written two other books, Riding with the Queen and Eating Heaven. I've just finished Eating Heaven (set in Portland) and think I may like it even better than Love and Biology. Jennie has a knack for writing about women my age and the things that are most important to us.
I spoke to Jennie after book club and found that she runs her writing just like a business - she has a business plan, a marketing plan, and even a mission statement. Great talent still requires direction and focus, and I admire her even more for it.
Catch Jennie at one of her upcoming appearances:
- eWomen Network luncheon in Seattle, September 5, where she'll talk about "Giving Up 'Perfect' for 'Better:' The Journey to Becoming Real in Life and Business"
- Fremont Place Books (my favorite little bookstore), where she'll speak along with Garth Stein and Thor Hanson about the craft of writing as well as read from her new book. Reading and reception start at 7 pm.
- Seattle Public Library Ballard Branch (co-sponsored by Secret Garden Books) along with Garth Stein on September 25 at 6:30 pm.
Comments
Perfect info! Let's go see her at Fremont Books Sept 10 - ok? And of course I'll see her at eWN luncheon - SHE IS AWESOME!
Betsy and Karen,
I'm with you! Jennie is an incredible writer. I've read "Eating Heaven" twice now (had to read it a second time before she speaks at eWomen) and both times I'm amazed at how deeply she explores the motivations of her main character, Eleanor. Can't wait to meet the woman behind the words!
And if you haven't met Garth Stein, you're in for a treat. He is speaking with Jennie at both locations you mentioned, Betsy (thanks for the info!). His book, "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets" is a fantastic read! And now he has a new one out. Should be a great night. :-)
Okay, I'm in!
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