Once Bitten twice shy
Bestselling author Kelley Armstrong signs a book for a shy but pleased France Castonguay during Armstrong’s visit to the Russell Library branch on Oct. 26. Castonguay was near the head of the long line of eager fans who attended. Vetter photo
Candice Vetter
Villager Staff
RUSSELL – Best-selling author Kelley Armstrong read from one of recent releases before a full house of fans at the Russell Library on Thurs., Oct. 26.
Armstrong’s books have reached #1 on the New York Times and Globe and Mail bestseller lists, and made numerous other bestseller lists including USA Today and Sunday Times UK. Her many series and stand-alone books span several genres, including urban fantasy, paranormal, thriller, mystery, young adult, middle grade, and high fantasy. The television series Bitten is based on her first published novel of the same name, which introduced the Otherworld series.
About 45 fans came out to listen to her and after her reading, talk, and question and answer period, eagerly waited in line to have Armstrong sign copies of her books.
She described having always been a writer, already penning novels in high school. Then she attended university for several years and put aside her goal of writing for publication before starting Bitten. It was her fourth novel and a writer suggested she send it to an agent, who was not interested in a novel about werewolves, but agreed to read it, and became hooked by the strong characters. In the end, that agent sold first rights to Bitten to American, Canadian and British publishers, and sold the television option, all within a few weeks. Because of that, Armstrong, who had two young children at the time, did not have to return to her job. She now has over 30 novels in print, as well as stories and novellas.
At the reading, she gave advice to budding authors and described some of her writing methods, as well as answered fans’ questions about upcoming books and characters.
