New York Times Best Selling Author L. A. Banks.

I don’t know what drawn me into going to a book signing tonight. I’m not particularly interested in fiction novels. Perhaps it was the opportunity to take my camera in a different enviroment. Whatever the reason, I truly enjoyed attending L. A. Banks book signing at Border’s in Hyde Park.

As I walked in, I picked up a copy of Bank’s new book, “The Shawdows” that was displayed on the center table.

As I stood there flipping through the pages, I thought I would buy her new book as I was going to be upstairs taking pictures of her. I might as well give her some support.

Author L. A. Banks at the Hyde Park Border in Chicago.

Banks came in an immediately everyone in the room started clapping. She started off with a Q. & A. from a crowd that was mainly women.  During her talk, she shared with the audience how she began writing. She mentioned being layed off and going through a divorce while trying to raise a six year old daughter. She was going to enter an Essence short story contest for $2,500. The contest was suppose to be 10 pages maximum. Banks ended up writing about seventy-five pages after six weeks. She gave a copy to some of her girlfriends who wound up submitting it to some publishers who in turn offered her a book deal. Banks said she had no formal training as a writer.  She claims to be very good at telling stories.

Author, L. A. Banks signing new book “The Shawdows”

L. A. Banks explains her writing process at the Hyde Park Borders.

Author, L. A. Banks laughs with fan during book signing.