Why All Writers Should Go to Local Author Events

The first author event I attended was in July 2006 shortly after Emily Giffin, one of my most favorite authors, released her third novel "Baby Proof." She was (and still is) witty and kind. She didn't read from her book but instead took questions from the audience. I was only four chapters into writing my first novel, but slung a few questions at the pro. She asked right away if I was a writer and I said, "I'm writing a novel." And then during the signing, she asked me more questions about...