3 Things I Learned from my Library's Author Lunch

Happy Monday, all!

My local library sponsors an "Author's Lunch" every year and this year they happened to get Harlan Coben (last year was Lisa Scottoline).
I definitely had heard of him, but hadn't read any of his books. But I wanted to go anyway. (Plus, I'm on the Library Board, so it kind of makes sense that I'd go)

Anyway, when my mother-in-law (she was my guest) and I walk in, I noticed that we had a great table. Right in front of the podium. Bonus.
I'm thinking I can take a great picture!

I Googled him so I knew what he looked like, so when he came in, I said to my mother-in-law, "Hey, there he is! Take my picture with him!"
So we rush up to him and he was kind enough to throw his arm around me and pose.
(Picture is on Facebook if you need proof)

We went back to our table all proud of ourselves for getting such a great shot. Then 10 seconds later he comes over and sits down...AT OUR TABLE. (I had no idea he would be sitting with us!)
To be honest, I didn't think even think they would feed him. LOL)

I can honestly say he is one of the FUNNIEST men I've ever met. He could do stand-up comedy. He was so entertaining. We had a great time!

So I have to share one funny story he told us when the floor was opened up to questions:

One time he had an author friend whose book he really liked and it wasn't getting any press. So he talked about it on one of his TV appearances.

The book was Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code . 

Well, after that it obviously shot up the bestseller list. Then it overtook Harlan's book and his became #2.
Then when Harlan had his next book come out his agent called him up and said, "Sales are awesome. The book is doing great."
So Harlan says, "So it's #1?"
His agent says, "No. It's #4."
Why was that?
Dan Brown had three books out at the time and his were #1, #2, and #3.

So Harlan said," I WILL NEVER TALK ANYONE ELSE'S BOOK UP AGAIN." 

(He was kidding. Sort of) LOL!

Then someone at the luncheon told me they have been looking at authors for next year, but they had to rule one author out already.
Why? The author wanted $25,000, plus hotel, plus round trip airplane tickets for her, her children and her children's nanny.

My library obviously passed.

So...what are The Three Things I Learned from this Luncheon?

1) Harlan Coben is awesome
2) Word of mouth is obviously THE best form of book promotion
3) When you become a big name author, don't be a Diva

I know. I'm so wise.  :-)

What about you? Have you read any Harlan Coben books?