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It
was my great pleasure to once again team up with fellow BWL author,
Eileen Charbonneau for a couple of library talks and book signings.
As some of you may already know, Eileen Charbonneau and I have the
same name. (O'Finlan is a pen name. My real last name is
Charbonneau). We didn't know it until about a year ago, but we are
distant cousins. Maybe our shared DNA is what makes us such a great
team. Whatever, the reason, I'm grateful for it as it is sheer joy to
work with Eileen. We've created a presentation in two parts with
Eileen doing the first part and me picking up where she leaves off.
It flows seamlessly and seems to be greatly appreciated by every
audience for whom we've presented.
This
time around we spoke at two libraries in Massachusetts – the
Shrewsbury Public Library and the Worcester Public Library. After
each talk, we opened it up for Q&A. Eileen and I were quite
gratified by the interest and knowledge of the audiences at both
libraries. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, made insightful
comments, and (bless them!) gave us kind compliments. I've had
wonderfully responsive audiences when I've spoken solo, but there's
something about the two of us together that really stimulates those
who attend. Perhaps it's because Eileen and I manage to play off each
other so well. Often we're able to add to each other's comments, which
offers a deeper, more meaningful answer to a question. Whatever it
is, folks who came to our two talks were certainly animated.
Questions kept coming from every direction. If the librarian at the
Worcester Public Library hadn't stepped in, we might still be there.
These audiences were knowledgeable, as well. We learned as much from
them as they did from us. The give and take is invaluable!
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| Eileen Charbonneau at Worcester Public Library |
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| Eileen O'Finlan at Worcester Public Library |
On
the days between our scheduled appearances we had the opportunity to
have a little fun. We shopped in some unique places, visited the
Worcester Art Museum, and even got in a little research for the
sequel to Kelegeen which will be set in Worcester in the 1850s.
Eileen was game for playing the part of research assistant, so we
visited the Salisbury Mansion and the Worcester Historical Museum.
What a treasure trove of information we found at both places!
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| Eileen Charbonneau makes some great finds at Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace |
The Two Eileens having some fun at the Worcester Art Museum
(That helmuet was HEAVY!)
The Salisbury Mansion built in 1772
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| Sewing Machine one of my characters would have used Worcester Historical Museum |
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| Map of Worcester in 1851 Worcester Historical Museum |
