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Penguin Debut Authors Live Chat Wednesday, June 18

 Live Chat with Laura Lane McNeal, DOLLBABY(06/18/2014) 
3:48
Nora - EarlyWord: 
We will begin our live online chat with Laura Lane McNeal, author of DOLLBABY in about 15 minutes.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:48 Nora - EarlyWord
3:49
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Meanwhile, here’s the cover of the book …
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:49 Nora - EarlyWord
3:50
 Nora - EarlyWord
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:50 
3:52
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Good news, we learned last week that DOLLBABY is a LibraryReads pick:

LibraryReads: “In this coming-of-age story set in the Civil Rights era, Ibby is dropped off at the home of her eccentric grandmother in New Orleans after the death of her beloved father. Filled with colorful characters, family secrets and lots of New Orleans tidbits, this book will appeal to fans of Saving Ceecee Honeycutt.” Vicki Nesting, St. Charles Parish Library, Destrehan, LA
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:52 Nora - EarlyWord
3:52
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Laura recoded a video message for First Flights members.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:52 Nora - EarlyWord
3:52
Nora - EarlyWordNora - EarlyWord
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:52 
3:55
Nora - EarlyWord: 
LIBRARY JOURNAL gave it a starred review, saying,

"...it's hard to believe that it's a debut. A vivid portrayal of post-war New Orleans, lush and evocative in its descriptions, McNeal's unique voice shines through surprising and pleasing the reader. Fans of Pat Conroy and Sue Monk Kidd will enjoy this new Southern talent."
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:55 Nora - EarlyWord
3:57
Nora - EarlyWord: 
You may also want to explore Laura's interactive map of New Orleans during the time the book is set -
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:57 Nora - EarlyWord
3:57
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Laura's Interactive Map of New Orleans in 1964
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:57 Nora - EarlyWord
3:57
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Here's what it looks like:
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:57 Nora - EarlyWord
3:58
 Nora - EarlyWord
Wednesday June 18, 2014 3:58 
4:00
Nora - EarlyWord: 
I see several chat participants gathering. You can send your questions through at any time. They'll go into a queue, and we'll submit as many of them as we can to Laura before the end of the chat. Don’t worry about typos – and please forgive ours!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:00 Nora - EarlyWord
4:00
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Laura is here, too -- say hello, Laura!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:00 Nora - EarlyWord
4:01
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Hi Nora! So happy to be here with you. I look forward to chatting with everyone and answering their questions. Hello everyone!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:01 Laura Lane McNeal
4:02
Nora - EarlyWord: 
I'll let everyone out there say hello --
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:02 Nora - EarlyWord
4:02
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Hi Laura!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:02 VNesting
4:03
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Hey, Vicki -- thanks for joining. You wrote the LibraryReads annotation for Laura's book.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:03 Nora - EarlyWord
4:03
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Hi Vicki! Glad you joined us! Thanl you for all your wonderful comments.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:03 Laura Lane McNeal
4:03
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
Hi Laura! New Orleans is such a fabulous setting for a book. A very complicated place to describe, isn't it?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:03 Kelly C
4:03
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Very complicated!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:03 Laura Lane McNeal
4:04
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
HI Laura! it is a pleasure to meet you.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 Dominique
4:04
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
So happy to be joining the chat.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 bookclubreader
4:04
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Hello Dominique!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 Laura Lane McNeal
4:04
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Hey, BookClubReader -- great to see you again.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 Nora - EarlyWord
4:04
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
You're welcome, Laura! I'm looking forward to chatting with you about the book.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 VNesting
4:04
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
Thanks, Nora.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 bookclubreader
4:04
Laura Lane McNeal: 
And welcome bookclubreader!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:04 Laura Lane McNeal
4:05
[Comment From AnneAnne: ] 
Hi Laura - So enjoyed the book - especially since I recently was in NO for 2 weeks.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:05 Anne
4:05
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Oh great!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:05 Laura Lane McNeal
4:05
Nora - EarlyWord: 
I'd like to start with a question we got in advance...

You’re too young to have grown up during that time in New Orleans, how were you able to create such a feel for the time?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:05 Nora - EarlyWord
4:05
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora, I'm sure that is a question I will be getting a lot...
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:05 Laura Lane McNeal
4:06
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
Such a great story, Laura. Can you tell us what inspired you to write it?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:06 bookclubreader
4:06
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I was a small child in the early 60’s, but I do have some recollection of the time. These memories were added to, or reinforced, by traditional research as well as oral histories from older generations that were able to give me a feel for the different attitudes that existed back then. While I may have been around to witness many of these things, I was to young to understand them. That was the kind of perspective I gave Ibby in the beginning of the novel, a perspective that changes as she grows older and becomes accustomed to the ways of the South.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:06 Laura Lane McNeal
4:07
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I had always wanted to write a novel but one life changing event did it -- Hurricane Katrina! I felt I needed to recapture a time and place, my way of 'saving' memories.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:07 Laura Lane McNeal
4:07
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Did people really talk about the "Holy Trinity" of New Orleans cooking back in the 60s? I thought that expression was contemporary.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:07 VNesting
4:07
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Lord no. That has been around a long time. Frank Davis made it popular recently..
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:07 Laura Lane McNeal
4:08
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
"Holy Trinity" reminds us that everything old is new again :-)
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:08 bookclubreader
4:08
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I heard it from my grandmother's cook.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:08 Laura Lane McNeal
4:08
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
the choice you made about Ibby's mom was painful. i felt like she left Ibby with Fannie because she knew she was dying and to be malicious. Why did you choose to write her this way?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:08 Dominique
4:08
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Exactly right… what goes around
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:08 Laura Lane McNeal
4:09
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vidrine was complicated. She hated Fannie because she knew Fannie hated her. She didn't knw she was dying when she left Ibby. She was distraught.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:09 Laura Lane McNeal
4:10
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I think she felt Ibby would be better off with Fannie in the long run, given her predicament.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:10 Laura Lane McNeal
4:11
[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ] 
Did Vidrine intend to come back for Ibby once she mourned her husband?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:11 Jennifer W.
4:11
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
some moms (mine included) understood both sides -my mom said she understood Vidrine's grief, but as a mother, she could not see her abandoning her child.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:11 Dominique
4:12
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vidrine didn't know what she wanted when she dropped Ibby off. She went off to find herself. Then she found she was ill. She had hard choices to make.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:12 Laura Lane McNeal
4:12
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Hey, Dominique, sounds like you did a mother/daughter book club for the book.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:12 Nora - EarlyWord
4:12
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
One of the things that struck me about the story and characters were the issues of sadness and strength. This made for a very relate-able story.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:12 bookclubreader
4:12
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
You did a great job with character development. I thought the characters reflected the City itself -- rich, interesting, complex, and multi-layered.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:12 VNesting
4:13
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
Nora, my mom and I talked about it a lot- she really loved the book, Laura.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:13 Dominique
4:13
Laura Lane McNeal: 
One of the things I try to stress it "you got to dance even when their ain't no music", kind of the theme.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:13 Laura Lane McNeal
4:13
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Speaking of Vidrine -- here's another advance question:

Fannie has distain for her daughter-in-law as a possible gold digger, but the same might have been thought of Fannie. Why was she so quick to be judge?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:13 Nora - EarlyWord
4:14
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora, that's a good question.Fannie started from nothing. She made her own way in the world and ended up being pretty good at it, carving out a name for herself in certain circles of the city. The last thing she wanted was for her son to marry ‘someone like her’. She wanted him to marry someone better, and Vidrine, in her view, was not the caliber person she intended for her son to end up with. Their similarities were the very reason these two never got along. Fannie had a good heart. We are never sure where Vidrine’ s heart lies.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:14 Laura Lane McNeal
4:15
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Another advance question:

There’s several strong women characters in the book – why is it titled for just one of them?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:15 Nora - EarlyWord
4:15
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thank you Dominique. I hope it's a book that will translate well to several generations.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:15 Laura Lane McNeal
4:16
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora, another good question… I named the novel Dollbaby because it tells the story of Dollbaby. Her very existence touches each character’s life in a different way, so in a sense, she is the common thread that inextricably binds each of the characters. Having said that, Dollbaby allows each of the other characters to have their own story. While it is certainly a coming of age story for Ibby, it’s a novel of self-discovery on many levels -- each character is on her own quest to find out who she is and how she fits into this world. It’s a question everyone asks of themselves at some point in their lives.

Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:16 Laura Lane McNeal
4:16
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
I think it's an excellent choice for book clubs.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:16 bookclubreader
4:16
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I like to hear the bookclubreader!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:16 Laura Lane McNeal
4:17
Nora - EarlyWord: 
You mentioned talking to people who lived during that time while doing your research -- What was most surprising thing you learned?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:17 Nora - EarlyWord
4:17
Laura Lane McNeal: 
To answer Vicki above..
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:17 Laura Lane McNeal
4:17
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I think New Orleans is as much a character as any
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:17 Laura Lane McNeal
4:18
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora,I was surprised at how strongly people of all walks of life felt about this era in New Orleans, about a way of life that had existed, both good and bad, unchanged for so long. I try to draw these differing attitudes out in the novel, particularly among the three generations of black women (Queenie, Dollbaby and Birdelia) who have differing ideas as to what civil rights may mean to them. I also incorporate Fannie’s view, which may seem to be indifferent at times but as we find out further into the novel, she is very aware of what is going on. And Ibby, a newcomer to the city who has had very little exposure to racism or prejudice, finds out first hand how differently people can be treated, whether it’s due to ignorance or bias or both.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:18 Laura Lane McNeal
4:20
[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ] 
Did any of your characters surprise you as you were writing and not react to something as you had planned for them to react or do something they were supposed to do?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:20 Jennifer W.
4:20
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Jennifer, good question..
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:20 Laura Lane McNeal
4:21
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I don't do an outline. I know the story in my head as I write so sometimes the characters lead me to where I'm going… like Doll talking to herself in Fannie's bedroom when Vidrine shows up. That's the fun part of writing!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:21 Laura Lane McNeal
4:21
[Comment From AnneAnne: ] 
I thought a lot of the book could be summed up in what Doll told Liberty - You can't choose the day or time when you will fully bloom. It happens when you least expect it. - I thought all of these wonderful characters expressed this sentiment.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:21 Anne
4:22
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
The novel poignantly captures the human experience--which I think is the reason we read.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:22 bookclubreader
4:22
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Yes, I found it fascinating to read the different characters' responses to the Civil Rights protests and the President's announcement about the Civil Rights Act.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:22 VNesting
4:22
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thank you Anne. I guess that's why I put that at the end of the book. It did sum up everything. You can't plan it, it happens when you least expect it. Haven't we all felt that?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:22 Laura Lane McNeal
4:23
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
Hard to believe the Civil Rights Act is 50 years old. Perfect time to publish this book!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:23 Kelly C
4:23
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thank you bookclubreader! Human experience… there is a lot of that here.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:23 Laura Lane McNeal
4:23
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
How much time did you spend writing everyday?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:23 Kelly C
4:23
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Yes, 50 years old Kelly. There will be a lot written about it soon
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:23 Laura Lane McNeal
4:24
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
Laura, did your grandparents take part in the civil rights movement at all?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:24 Dominique
4:25
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Kelly, I researched the novel for two years and decided to sit down the day my son went back to school and write every day until I finished. Eight hours a day. It took me three months for the first draft. I think everyone thought I was crazy!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:25 Laura Lane McNeal
4:25
Nora - EarlyWord: 
How difficult was it to get it published?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:25 Nora - EarlyWord
4:25
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
That's an impressive writing schedule, Laura!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:25 bookclubreader
4:26
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Dominique
The first newspaper I started reading from 1964, which by happen chance was the day the Civil Rights Acts was signed, there was an ad with my dad's name on it asking for calm. I almost felt like it was an omen
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:26 Laura Lane McNeal
4:26
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
wow! that is an omen.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:26 Dominique
4:27
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Wow! That is amazing -- leads to a question we got in advance --

There seems to be fear about what might happen “now that the President has signed the bill” in other words, what would happen after Johnson signed the Civil Rights Bill, What were they worried about?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:27 Nora - EarlyWord
4:27
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
Wow is right! You must have felt very inspired at that point!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:27 Kelly C
4:27
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora
I am among the fortunate ones. I submitted 25 pages to be critiqued at a literary festival and a publishing house said they wanted it right then and there. I already had an agent so we tweaked and sent i out a few months later where we got a handful of offers!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:27 Laura Lane McNeal
4:28
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora, let me just say tis..The months leading up to the President signing the Civil Rights Act were fraught with civil unrest, and tensions were high. Known as the Freedom Summer when the Freedom Riders tried to register Negroes to vote In Mississippi, many of these busses carrying the riders were bombed or burned. At this point in time, several of the Freedom Riders were missing and feared dead. People were afraid that the signing of the bill might cause more violence, and people were justifiably scared. The president, as well as the mayor of the city, asked for calm after the signing of the bill, but people were fearing the worst.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:28 Laura Lane McNeal
4:29
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Let's go back to getting the book published -- was this your very first book?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:29 Nora - EarlyWord
4:29
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
Laura, you are too humble. I'm sure your talent had a great deal to do with it!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:29 Kelly C
4:29
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thanks Kelly :)
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:29 Laura Lane McNeal
4:30
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora
This was my first book to be published. I had written an earlier one, a thriller, which is how I got my agent.. but then the ebook market made the publishing world sit back. It was then that I decided I needed to go ahead and write DOLLBABY
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:30 Laura Lane McNeal
4:31
Nora - EarlyWord: 
A thriller? I wouldn't have guessed that. What made you change genres?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:31 Nora - EarlyWord
4:32
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora I never intended to write a thriller but it incorporated a lot of personal experiences I wanted to get out after dealing with our corrupt governor on some issues when I handled the advertising for the Lottery account. I had this story, DOLLBABY, already to go, just had to get that one out first!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:32 Laura Lane McNeal
4:33
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
will you consider publishing the thriller now that Dollbaby has published?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:33 Dominique
4:34
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Dominique
My agent keeps saying its a great book and that it will be published however because it is a different genre I'd have to use a different name. AND now that ebooks are out readers expect thriller writers to write about a book a year. For literary it's about every 5 years. Who knows. Maybe I'll do both!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:34 Laura Lane McNeal
4:35
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Did you decide on the title DOLLBABY while you were writing or did it come to you later?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:35 VNesting
4:36
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vicki
I was taking a writing class, a workshop, and they decided that it should be called that. They were pretty adamant. Then my agent loved it. My editor, she wasn't so sure until she came down to NO for SIBA as realized how common those nicknames are! Everyone calls you BABY!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:36 Laura Lane McNeal
4:37
Nora - EarlyWord: 
You chose to make the Civil Rights movement the backdrop, but not the centerpiece of the story -- which seems to be behind this advance question:


Dollbaby joins a civil rights protest, but doesn’t seem to get any further involved in the movement. Why is that?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:37 Nora - EarlyWord
4:38
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora
If I'd made the book all about Civil Rights it would have taken over the whole book..Queenie feared for her daughter and made no bones about telling her so. The summer of 1964 was called Freedom Summer because there was so much civil unrest. At that point in time, several Freedom Riders were missing in Mississippi, feared dead. Businesses that catered to Negroes were being bombed, churches burned. Queenie alludes to some of these things in her talks with Doll, including the vandalism that was taking place in their neighborhoods. People were scared. Dollbaby wanted to join in the protest, but she too was scared. As Queenie says to Doll, she had a daughter to think about. Doll continued to participate in the movement when possible, but it had to be without her mother’s knowledge, but always carrying the fear that she might be ‘the next’ to go.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:38 Laura Lane McNeal
4:39
Nora - EarlyWord: 
How difficult was it to write dialect?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:39 Nora - EarlyWord
4:39
Laura Lane McNeal: 
New Orleans is a cultural gumbo, and just about as many dialects exist as ingredients in this famous dish, which is one reason it’s really hard for outsiders to pin the dialect down. Having grown up here, in a city that is majority black with a mix of just about everything else, I live and breathe it every day, attuned to the nuances and cadence of the voices. While I was hesitant at first to do the black dialect, once I got into the characters, it flowed easily. I tried to make the voices as authentic as possible without bogging down the dialogue. As a writer, I believe you should be able to write from any perspective, if you really know the character.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:39 Laura Lane McNeal
4:40
[Comment From Sue D.Sue D.: ] 
do you think your novel could be recommended to the young adult market?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:40 Sue D.
4:41
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
Laura, growing up in a household 'of color', i completely understood that Doll was doing things without Queenie knowing, but also had to weigh the pros and cons of continuing to participate. thank you for capturing that.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:41 Dominique
4:41
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Sue Yes, the novel has a bit of YA to it. But there is a rape seen so it would have to be age appropriate. I think the YA market would like it and I like the feeling of giving them a glimpse of a world they don't know about.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:41 Laura Lane McNeal
4:41
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Having lived in New Orleans for 22 years and just outside of it for another 12, I think you did a great job with the accents, Laura.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:41 VNesting
4:42
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Domonique
Thank you. I tried really hard to balance how each of these characters might feel
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:42 Laura Lane McNeal
4:42
[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ] 
Even though in the end, your book is very different, did you have any fear of being compared to THE HELP?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:42 Jennifer W.
4:42
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vicki
Thank you . Coming from someone who lives here that means a lot!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:42 Laura Lane McNeal
4:43
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Jennifer
I knew because the book contained domestics and takes place in the early 60's that there would be comparisons, which on one level is good, however, I feel my novel is something comepletly different.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:43 Laura Lane McNeal
4:43
Nora - EarlyWord: 
How did you feel when you found out your book is one of just ten books librarians picked as their favorites for the month of July?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:43 Nora - EarlyWord
4:44
Laura Lane McNeal: 
I was truly blown away and overwhelmed! To have my novel chosen as a top read by this marvelous group gave me some real validation on several levels – that it’s a story people will take to their hearts, and that it has universal appeal.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:44 Laura Lane McNeal
4:45
Nora - EarlyWord: 
For those of you going to ALA -- Laura will be signing at the Penguin group booth #449 on Friday, June 27th during the opening of the ALA conference (5:30 – 7).
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:45 Nora - EarlyWord
4:45
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Yes please come see me! I'll have king cake babies!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:45 Laura Lane McNeal
4:45
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Speaking of accents, did I read somewhere that there will be an audiobook of DOLLBABY? If so, who is doing the narrating and are you happy with it?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:45 VNesting
4:45
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
woo hoo! King Cake babies!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:45 Dominique
4:46
Nora - EarlyWord: 
You have to tell this Northerner what King Cake babies are!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:46 Nora - EarlyWord
4:46
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vicki
I was so pleased that they let me choose the talent. January LaVoy read the book for the audio and is AMAZING! We had several dialect phone calls, which were really a hoot for me but very necessary! They did a great job with it.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:46 Laura Lane McNeal
4:47
[Comment From Sue D.Sue D.: ] 
Are you planning a tour, like coming to the St. Louis/Charles area?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:47 Sue D.
4:48
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
That's great, Laura! Wish I was going to be at ALA to meet you in person.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:48 VNesting
4:48
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Dollbaby got her name because her mother thought she looked like a little king cake doll. King cakes are something we have during the Mardi Gras Season. They have a small doll hidden in them. Whoever gets the doll is King (or Queen) for the day
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:48 Laura Lane McNeal
4:49
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
ALA attendees have a real treat waiting for them. Wish I could be there, too.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:49 bookclubreader
4:49
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Sue
Viking has planned an initial Southern Tour. I hope to have another after this initial one. If you want me to come to your area just have one of the reps request it. I'd love to come see all of you!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:49 Laura Lane McNeal
4:49
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thank you bookclubreader!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:49 Laura Lane McNeal
4:49
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Also my tour schedule is on my website
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:49 Laura Lane McNeal
4:50
Nora - EarlyWord: 
If libraries want to book you for a program, how can they do that?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:50 Nora - EarlyWord
4:50
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Vicki
Perhaps you could come to my first book signing on July 10!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:50 Laura Lane McNeal
4:50
Nora - EarlyWord: 
We're getting close to the end, so get your questions in.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:50 Nora - EarlyWord
4:51
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Laura, you got a great blurb from Walter Isaacson – we think of him as the writer of big, deeply research, serious bios., so it might be suprising that he reads, let alone appreciates fiction:

"This flavorful and enthralling novel brilliantly captures New Orleans during the civil rights era. It's a deeply personal tale about growing up and searching for family as well as a provocative exploration of race and kinship. I found it both thrilling and poignant."
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:51 Nora - EarlyWord
4:51
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora
I'd love to visit librariesFeel free to contact my publicist with any inquiries:

Kristin Matzen, Publicist
Viking/ Penguin
212-366-2226
Kristin.Matzen@us.penguingroup.com
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:51 Laura Lane McNeal
4:52
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora
He liked my book because he said it brought back great memories of growing up in New Orleans! I didn't ask for the blurb. He offered it. I was humbled!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:52 Laura Lane McNeal
4:52
Nora - EarlyWord: 
That must have been VERY gratifying!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:52 Nora - EarlyWord
4:52
Laura Lane McNeal: 
To say the least!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:52 Laura Lane McNeal
4:53
Nora - EarlyWord: 
On your site, you mention you're working on another book -- can you tell us anything about it?
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord
4:55
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora. yes, it's somewhat about my family. It takes place during the Depression on an old plantation on River Road outside of Baton Rouge. No one has a job, and people keep showing up to stay at the home. There is no electricity, no running water, and a lot of spare time and uncertainty. It will bring in a lot of history at that time, like when big oil was first making an appearance and Huey Long became governor. I see it as a cross between Downton abbey and Gone with the Wind some 60 years later
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:55 Laura Lane McNeal
4:56
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Great references!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:56 Nora - EarlyWord
4:56
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Thanks so much, Laura and Nora! It's been a pleasure chatting with you all.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:56 VNesting
4:56
[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ] 
Thank you for taking time with us this afternoon. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:56 Jennifer W.
4:56
[Comment From Kelly CKelly C: ] 
Thanks Laura and Nora!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:56 Kelly C
4:56
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Nora and everyone.. it has been a pleasure for sure!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:56 Laura Lane McNeal
4:57
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Yes; thank you so much, Laura. We're so please your book is a LibraryReads pick and are looking forward to great things for it.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 Nora - EarlyWord
4:57
[Comment From AnneAnne: ] 
Thank you for talking with you. Good luck on your book tour and I look forward to reading your next novel - sounds really interesting.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 Anne
4:57
[Comment From bookclubreaderbookclubreader: ] 
I'll be recommending Dollbaby to readers and look forward to your next novel, Laura. It sounds like another great read!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 bookclubreader
4:57
[Comment From VNestingVNesting: ] 
Ooooo, can't wait to read the next one!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 VNesting
4:57
[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ] 
that sounds very intriguing! thank you for chatting with us, and look forward to seeing you at ALA.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 Dominique
4:57
Laura Lane McNeal: 
Thank you everyone! It was a real treat!
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:57 Laura Lane McNeal
4:58
Nora - EarlyWord: 
Bye everyone -- thanks for making this so lively.
Wednesday June 18, 2014 4:58 Nora - EarlyWord
 
 

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