Pearl Cleage is one of my favorite authors. I discovered her first book What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day in 1998 after asking an employee in Books-A-Million for a title that was not in stock. I do not remember the employee's name, but she suggested Ms. Cleage.
I devoured that book in a couple of hours and went searching for more of her titles. I have since been a devout fan of hers and seemed to always miss her book signings and appearances.
Until last week.
With a leisure stroll through the local newspaper, I stumbled upon Ms. Cleage's next book signing and eagerly drove into downtown only to find her appearance rescheduled. Bummer.
Disappointed, I put the new date on my calendar and almost stayed home. The book addict in me took over and I am elated that I ventured back into the mangled asphalt of downtown. Ms. Cleage is an inviting, honest and sincere warm-spirit that can be described as nothing short of simply a joy to be around.
She read from her new novel Seen it All and Done the Rest. With a small crowd, it was delightfully easy to have a great question and answer section and even have my first purchased Cleage novel signed.
Thank you Ms. Cleage for the open and honest discussion. I enjoyed myself tremendously, and the writer in me is soaring with inspiration and new ideas ;-) Can't wait until the next book signing. (I have a few friends who are peeping my book, but this one is not being loaned out!)
She sounds like a tremendous writer. I've never read her, but I've read other authors whose books I were unable to put down. So I know the feeling.
ReplyDeleteI can tell from your post that you possess writing talent as well. Glad you enjoyed the experience with Ms. Cleage.
ReplyDeleteKeep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to be a part of the next collection of stories by bloggers.
what looks like crazy... is one of my favorite books of all time.
ReplyDeletei met her at spelman when she came to speak one time. she is simply lovely. and warm, as you said.
hope all is well.