I accept several invitations every year to do book events.  These can happen in book stores, libraries, book clubs, private events,a and speaking opportunities.  I love doing book events and am particularly thankful to all the readers who come to meet me and, often, buy books!  From a writer’s perspective, here’s what is great about book events:

1.  It’s a way for me to thank people who have supported my writing and my books.  Of course, books always need two parts—a writer and a reader.  A book event is a chance for each part to thank the other part for their share of the work of creating a book.  To me, it’s wonderful to share the same experience with another person.
2. Beyond the pleasure of talking about my work, people are always so pleasant and gracious.  I’m uplifted by their comments—both good and bad.  (An honest writer welcomes criticism because it can improve the writing and the reading experience).  When I read fiction, I still like to learn factual things.  So, in my writing I explore things I’m curious about and share those facts with readers.  Often it’s these curiosities that lead to the best discussions.
3. Book events are a reminder to all of us about the magic of books.  Stephen King, the famous horror writer, has written about the “magic” that happens between the writer and the reader in his great book, On Writing.  http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft/dp/1439156816/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1464278532&sr=1-1&keywords=on+writing+stephen+king  He points out that a writer begins with thoughts in his head and records those thoughts by making small marks on paper.   (Words)  Those marks are printed in a book form.  The reader picks-up the book—maybe thousands of miles from where the author is—and reads the words.  The two people never actually talk or meet, but the thoughts that began in the writer’s head come alive in the reader’s mind.  Magic!!  This process is incredible especially when a reader comes up to me and tells me a certain part of the book really hooked her or she really loved a chapter.  It proves the existence of magic in this world!