Jeri Westerson, a pro at work

[Toni D. Weymouth]

When one is volunteered to write an article, she’s usually given a guideline of expectations. Mine: write about what you learned at Saturday’s April 3rd, SIC meeting.

For starters, what I learned came from a writer’s point of view. Authors, future authors and budding writers please take note; Jeri Westerson is a prime example of how a professional conducts herself in public.

Westerson entered our morning with a smile. She spoke to a dozen people milling about in the dining room, set up a fascinating photogenic display and at the same time, became one with her audience. Best of all, she
continued to be accessible as we readied for the meeting. I’ve been to
conferences where authors held themselves apart from their readers and talked
only about their books. Jeri Westerson, however, gave us a glimpse into her
personal self, which made me interested in knowing more about her. She spoke in
a style that carried a depth of personality mixed with a sidesplitting wittiness
that enthralled her audience and she led us down the merry lane of historical
research where she exhibited a deadly (sharp) array of weaponry as well as
titillating us with their various uses.

Westerson’s new Medieval Series starring Crispin Guest, whom she raptly describes as a handsomely dark and brooding ex-knight turned noir sleuth in 1340’s England, sent tingles up my spine. Who wouldn’t crawl into bed
with the delectable Guest, sip hot chocolate and turn the page? When asked who
should play Guest, Westerson replied, Hugh Jackman. Maybe, but may I suggest
Eric Etebari who plays the seductive swordsman, Ian Nottingham in Witchblade. Hollywood
directors, regrettably, would cast Tom Cruise in the role. But those of us who
have read Veil of Lies, Serpent in the Thorns or The Demon’s Parchment, understand that no movie star can surpass our imagination,
the biggest turn on of all.

[Toni D. Weymouth]

What bums me out is that I wanted to buy her books. Instead, my brain, on overload as are all writer's brains, that I walked out thinking about what to say about Jeri Westerson and not on rummaging through my purse for cash. Darn and double darn. Like you, I buy books from authors who are like Westerson. If I find an author who is standoffish or rude, I will no longer buy their book. To me, it's simple. Always respect your audience.

[Karyne]

It really seems like she's a writer with graciousness as well as talent. Great piece Toni, it makes me want to check out her books ASAP.

[Toni D. Weymouth]

She's one woman who is prepared to fight her way into a room, raise her sword and part the sea of expectant worshipers to gain entry to her podium. I loved her humor and her ability to keep us interested.

[Sunny Frazier]

She had some terrific give-aways too! The tiny pen that looked like a sword was a keeper. Just wish she'd let us try on the helmet. And man, that sword was HEAVEY! When she goes to conferences, her luggage must weigh a ton.