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Why is
Nora so beloved by us? This story written by Wendy
(aka HIPPOWEB) says it all. Just don't be too
envious of her ... I have a feeling more of us will
be able to have "Nora Moments" too!
Meeting the Queen --- My
visit with Nora
Who would have guessed
that several years ago when I started reading Nora
Roberts books that one day I would actually get to
meet her? When I became a member of AOL in December
of '96 and discovered The Book Report, I began
reading Nora's folder. I was delighted to discover
that Nora actually responded to all messages posted
in her folder. Nora's sense of humor and personal
touch kept me coming back to the message boards.
In reading the boards, I
noticed that Nora referred people who were looking
for her books to her dh at TTPageBC in Boonsboro, Maryland. There was
an article several years ago in the Washington Post about Nora, her writing, life and
the fact that she lived in this area. But, it
wasn't until I read the boards that I learned about
Turn
The Page Bookstore Cafe. What a cute name! I posted a
message to Nora about the location and she referred
me to her dh for directions. So, out came the map
... only to learn that it was only about an hour's
drive from where I live in Maryland. As one who
loves her books as well as book stores, of course,
I had to go!
In April, my mom decided
to visit from Connecticut. As she reads Nora's
books also, I thought it would be fun for both of
us to make a trip to TTP. I asked Nora if she would
be at the store anytime during the week Mom would
be here. To my delight, she told me to let her know
what day we would be coming up, that if she could
get away for a little while she would try to meet
us there. When Mom and I decided on the day we
would go, I wrote Nora and told her we would be
there around 11 or 12, on Tuesday of that week.
Once again, I was surprised when she said she would
try to get to the store. Nora said that she had not
been into the store for several weeks and really
missed it, and after we arrived, to let her son
know to call her and she would try to come by. Wow!
I couldn't believe she might actually do this. I
told her that would be wonderful, but of course I
would understand if it did not work out. You know
how all of us wonder how she keeps up as it
is!
Tuesday came and Mom and I
set off for Boonsboro with map in hand. The
directions were easy, but we had to be careful not
to blink, or we would have passed this little
quaint town. The store is located on Main St. (now
that's an unusual name, isn't it?) which is
probably the ONLY street in town. We parked right
in front of the store on the street. I remember
being able to do that back in the 60's, I think,
which is the decade this town takes you back to!
Next door to TTP is a general store with a lunch
counter. You know, stools with vinyl seats and the
stainless steel milkshake machine. I thought they
went out with the dinosaurs. All kidding aside, it
brought back a very nostalgic feeling.
When you enter
Turn
The Page Bookstore Cafe, you immediately feel get this
"warm and cozy" feeling. The one-room store is
painted white; it is clean and neat. Wood floors
warm the atmosphere. A fan whirls on the ceiling. A
few cafe tables are set by the front window. A
staircase goes up a side wall to what we later
learned was her husband's office. You notice
autographed photos of several authors line the back
wall. A small bulletin board displays snapshots and
information. Right away you notice the bookshelves
are packed with romance novels, although lots of
bestselling authors are represented here. Almost
all of Nora's book are autographed. (There are
autographed books by other Romance writers, friends
of Nora's, for those who might be interested.
)
I noticed a young man
sitting behind the counter. I asked if he was
Nora's son, and he said yes, that his mom had just
called and said she was on her way over to the
cafe. We chatted for a few minutes, and I learned
that he had not really read to many of his mom's
books. When he reads, he likes the mysteries and
thrillers. Not surprising, as he is a young man!
Dan was totally unaffected by his mom's notoriety
as far as I could tell. Kids!
A few minutes later Nora
arrived. When she walked in, my first thought was
that she could have been anyone of us. Dressed in a
pair of leggings and long sweater, she was
definitely out for comfort and not impressions. I
have to say I liked this about her right away.
Although I was nervous thinking about meeting her,
I felt totally different as soon as we started to
talk. By the way, I have to say at this point that
the photographs on the book jackets do her no
justice. She is so much prettier and younger
looking in person. ( If you read this Nora, I hope
you're not offended; it's meant as a huge
compliment!) We all sat down, she with a
cappuccino, and Mom and I with regular coffee. I
thought I would remember everything that was said,
but to be honest, so much was said that it would be
impossible to tell everything. Nora spent 2 hours
with us. Wow, what a privilege! We talked some
about her writing, everyday things, the town she
lived in, etc. You quickly forget that she is
famous as she is so down-to-earth (pardon the
cliche). My mom was talking about her travels and
Nora talked about her parents and how they liked to
travel all over. She mentioned that her dad had a
stroke not long ago, and that they (her parents)
were not able to go like they used to. What a lady
Nora is, very low-key and unassuming. She was not
as gregarious as I had expected. From reading the
message boards and her books, I had expected her to
be a real comedian, but instead found that she
almost had a shy quality about her. When my mom
mentioned the juicy sex scenes in her books, she
kind of just giggled. Maybe she felt she better
keep things toned down with a 74 year old present!
Nora is very attentive when you are talking to her.
I have heard that good writers are good listeners,
and in her case its very true.
Mom and I got a few
pictures with her and of course thanked her so much
for spending time with us. I will always remember
this great experience and that she was so kind to
take time away from her busy schedule to spend with
us. She surely appreciates her fans, as we are all
aware of! I hope some of you out there in AOL-land
will be able to meet her one day.
Wendy (aka
HIPPOWEB)
ADWOFF > Newsletters > Edition
1 > Meeting the
"Queen"
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