So, there I sat in the beautiful, open space upstairs at Books & Co. in Picton, Ontario surrounded by many familiar faces. The faces did not belong to friends or family, (well some were friends) but were familiar because they were pictured in the pamphlet we were all given to peruse at the beginning of the night. I was quite excited about the evening’s readings. We began with Lisa Gabriele reading from her new novel The Archer Sisters . She was fabulous to listen to with a very engaging voice full of energy. Her reading left us laughing and clapping in appreciation. Next on the docket was Shani Mootoo . I was most eager to hear her read as I have read her writing before. In particular, I have read an excerpt published in a recent issue of ROOM magazine from her upcoming memoir. Shani read from Valmiki’s Daughter and it was at this point in the evening when I told myself I would like to work harder at my writing. She left me feeling both inspired and humbled. The evening readings ...