Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

An Afternoon with Louise Penny

December 11, 2018 By Carole

Last Saturday Dale and I had the privilege of attending an author talk with Louise Penny, the creator of the fabulous Chief Inspector Gamache mystery series. The event was hosted by Titcomb’s Bookshop and the Sandwich Public Library and held at Sandwich High School in a sold out auditorium of 1,000 people.

It was stupendous.

Louise Penny is charming and delightful and very funny.  She described herself as a sloth, loving to lay about and do nothing, which I find to be pretty amazing considering she has now written 14 best selling books set in the idyllic (well, other than those murders that happen) community of Three Pines. She told stories about her childhood and her desire to be a writer because writers create magic, she told stories about her late husband Michael, and she told stories about her real life friends who inspired different characters in the series. It became very clear to me, while listening to her, that Armand Gamache (rhymes with mashed as in potatoes, by the way) is very much modeled after her husband. And the relationship between Armand and Reine-Marie sure seems to be infused with the love that was shared between Louise and Michael.

I think one of the truly beautiful things she said was about Three Pines, commenting on the fact that even though it’s fictional people want to visit it. Louise Penny said that Three Pines is really a state of being and that whenever we are kind to someone instead of cruel, whenever we reach out and make a connection with someone instead of turning away, whenever we act out of friendship and love, we are actually IN Three Pines.

Amazing, right? I was blown away.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailUnraveling Default ThumbnailReading Update Default ThumbnailFor the Love of Reading: Mid January to Mid February 2019 Default ThumbnailOne Special Afternoon
« For the Love of Reading: October through early December, 2018
Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Hamilton Ornament »

Filed Under: Books

Comments

  1. Mary says

    December 11, 2018 at 7:24 am

    It warms my heart to know that Louise Penny is a wonderful in real life as I hoped she’d be!

  2. Robby H says

    December 11, 2018 at 7:24 am

    It sounds like you got pretty close to a Three Pines experience at this event. How fun!

  3. margene says

    December 11, 2018 at 8:25 am

    How wonderful to meet the author we all admire so much! I loved the book and would love a chance to meet her. She has made my life better.

  4. Vera says

    December 11, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Jealous!!! What a treat to go to that event. I had heard previously from others who have met her that she is absolutely charming. So glad you had the chance to go. I love her saying that Three Pines is a State of Mind – that’s perfect.

  5. Patty says

    December 11, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Lucky you! I’ve only seen one author – James Patterson – a very long time ago. It was a great evening as clearly yours was too!

  6. kayT says

    December 11, 2018 at 8:51 am

    SO jealous. I just recently discovered this series and am currently reading Kingdom of the Blind. I found her remarks in that book about the loss of her husband and the impact on her writing very touching.

    Wikipedia says one of her first jobs was as a radio broadcaster, making me curious about her voice! How does she sound?

  7. Kat says

    December 11, 2018 at 8:53 am

    Okay, I have a serious case of envy going on here! What a fun way to spend an afternoon!

  8. Bonny says

    December 11, 2018 at 10:24 am

    This is so very wonderful! I only read the first two and then kind of dropped out, but I definitely need to return to a series that has been written by such a charming and delightful author.

  9. sprite says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:38 pm

    I saw her speak at the National Book Festival this fall and was impressed, too. Also, she’s the only author I’ve ever seen in my decade plus of attending that event whom I’ve seen get a standing ovation. The moderator said it was a first for her, as well.

  10. Becky says

    December 11, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    OMG!!! I am green with envy. She writes fabulous books, and in the interviews and documentaries I have seen her in, she has been delightful. I am like most of her readers, I want to live in Three Pines, even though I would have to deal with Ruth. My husband dreams about the food that they serve in the bistro – LOL!

  11. tb8pdmh says

    December 11, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    Thanks for bringing this author to my attention!

  12. Vicki says

    December 11, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    I’ve never read any of Louise Penny’s books, but methinks that might change!! Sounds like a wonderful afternoon, Carole!

  13. Kwizgiver says

    December 11, 2018 at 4:21 pm

    I’m delighted to hear that Louise Penny is not so different from the characters who live on her pages. And I absolutely LOVED Kingdom of the Blind!

  14. Patrice says

    December 11, 2018 at 11:44 pm

    Based on you raving about this series of books, I read the first one, then the second, then … Thank you so much for introducing me to Three Pines. That is so wonderful that you got to hear the author in person!

  15. Janeanne says

    December 12, 2018 at 1:18 am

    A Saturday well spent. Louise Penny sounds just lovely and inspirational in person. She is one of my favorite authors. Thank you for sharing how to escape to Three Pines. Now do tell, who is Ruth modeled after?

  16. Lydia says

    December 12, 2018 at 7:04 pm

    What an experience to treasure. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some author’s in person and it just makes the books more special. Thank you for sharing

  17. Jane says

    December 12, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    How very fortunate you. What an experience. I have heard she is quite gracious with audiences.

  18. Sharon says

    December 14, 2018 at 10:05 am

    I was at Louise Penny’s event in Sandwich too. I was amazed at the size of the crowd who had come to see her. I could have listened to her for hours. How wonderful it would be to sit across the table from her in a little bistro and just chat. Titcomb’s bookstore is also a gem. One of my favvorites.

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
The tree is up in a new location, I think Captain The tree is up in a new location, I think Captain Julius will keep a good eye over it. #christmastree2020 #ohchristmastree
The first Friday Night Snacks in December most def The first Friday Night Snacks in December most definitely call for Swedish meatballs! #fridaynightsnacks #swedishmeatballs #martinitime #thosenapkinsthough #cocktailsathome #quarantinelifebelike
It’s December first, time to open the advent cal It’s December first, time to open the advent calendar of wine! #wineadventcalendar #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #hellodecember #winetime #cutestadventcalendarever #drinkwineeveryday
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in