Finally, I made it to LA. So excited because of my scheduled reading at Vicki Abelson’s “Women Who Write.” Even though I was bumped from the LA Today Show, I was still thrilled to be one of the readers for Vicki’s monthly group of writer’s. And what a great day it turned out to be. If I remember correctly, I found Vicki’s information on Linked In, sent her a message and asked if she would consider me for a reading while I was in town. She did get back to me and said she happened to have a reading slot available on a date that I would be on the West Coast. It worked out perfectly. Vicki has established such a prestigious, challenging, literary salon, in the truest sense. I have never been part of such a creative, stimulating environment, filled with women of all ages and writing interests. Check out www.vickiabelson.com to find out more about this amazing, creative woman.
L/R: Writer, comedian Fred Stoller, Singer/Songwriter Nancy Daley, Actor, comedian, writer, Stirling Gardner, Vicki Abelson, and Me!
Vicki moderates the event. She has an incredible, up-beat, HUGE personality – just lights up the room. I was sitting in the back next to Stirling, so nervous. Had no idea what I was doing there compared to all these talented people! First up was Nancy Daley. She brought her keyboard with her and just belted out 2 new songs that she was promoting. I couldn’t believe I was sitting in someone’s living room, watching and listening to such a beautiful, talented, funny, voice. Nancy writes songs with her husband, Bob Daley and her latest CD, Hot Mamas, A Musical Revue – About Women and Change, was her latest project.
Vicki read from her soon to be published book, Don’t Jump, and it was really good – gutsy, honest, funny, sad, all wrapped into one. Don’t Jump is definitely on my list of books to buy.
Vicki Abelson, reading pages from her book, Don’t Jump
Stirling was next. We shook hands and spoke a few minutes before the readings/singing started. Stirling was just the nicest guy, completely put me at ease. He was going to read some pages from his soon to be released book – an account of his life with dating and the relationships he has had with women – starting from girls in his youth. I found his reading to be really funny, (he is a comedian after all) honest, sad, compassionate and kind!
Stirling Gardener – Check his web site out at www.stirlinggardener.com
Unfortunately, I had to follow Stirling. He had the audience laughing and clapping! And now me, Debbie Downer, was going to read. I was actually really nervous about this particular reading. I did not know how my book would go over in such a venue. I still have fear when not speaking to a recovery – oriented group, that women in particular will think I am – quite frankly, – an idiot, for staying and living with a sex addict. That I set the women’s movement back a couple of notches because I didn’t kick the cheat out. I couldn’t have been more wrong with my apprehension.
Putting on my glasses and getting ready to read.
The group of 50 or more women were just as gracious as could be. Vicki really does such a great job of putting the writer at ease and making them feel welcome. Which I so definitely felt that day. My reading time went by so fast – before I knew it, I was done and Vicki was calling up the next reader, Fred Stoller.
Comedian, writer, Fred Stoller.
Fred came in right before the readings started. I did not meet him until after his reading. He has written a Kindle Single called, My Seinfeld Year, which he read from. Fred was a writer on Jerry Seinfeld’s show, as well as played a couple of supporting characters. His reading was hilarious. He struck me as the kind of person who is really funny, but doesn’t know he is funny. He was accompanied by his friend/producer/agent/ – said that they were trying to work out a one man show starring Fred. If I lived in LA – I would definitely go see his show. He is hilarious. I bought his kindle single and you should too!
At the end of Women Who Write, Vicki asks all participants to stay and answer any questions from the audience. Such a great way for any aspiring writer, in any form, to ask anyone who has published something, a question. I love the fact that Vicki has opened up her home and has made it a place for any woman who has dreams of writing something, a safe and nurturing place to meet. Her venue provides women, and men, an opportunity to get feedback and honest comment about a soon or newly published book, song, or story.
Los Angeles, if you are listening – Vicki Abelson should have her own talk show/tv show, based on her Women Who Write salon.
As you can tell from reading this blog, I had a BLAST and a day that I will never forget. Thank you: Vicki, Nancy, Stirling and Fred.
Next up – San Diego!