If you saw the hit movie, “Thelma and Louise,” starring Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, and Brad Pitt, you know the appeal of an adventurous road trip with the law on your tail.
But imagine that story if it was about a lazy 21-year-old college dropout and an 84-year-old woman with a rich secret.
Georgia Writers Museum will host bestselling author Colleen Oakley as its Meet the Author presenter on Nov. 5 on her book, The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.
GWM recently spent a few moments with Oakley, discussing her work and writing process.
GWM: What about the romantic mystery genre most appeals to you?
Oakley: All you need is love, according to The Beatles! I think love is one of the main things that connects us as humans. No matter your political affiliation, religious beliefs, level of schooling, or country, we all understand what it feels like to love – and the lengths we would go to for the people we love.
I want to write books that people can relate to. As far as mysteries go, a book is no fun if you know exactly what’s going to happen.
GWM: What in your background most encouraged you to become an author?
Oakley: I think most writers are voracious readers first – and I attribute my love of reading to my mom. When I was a kid, she volunteered in our local library, and I would have free rein in the place for hours. I loved getting lost in stories, and I think it sparked my imagination to create my own, which I started doing at a very young age.
My mom has boxes in the attic of my first crayon-scrawled attempts.
GWM: Who is your favorite author, and why?
Oakley: I love Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, because every time I read it, I get something different, which I think is the mark of a true classic.
And I’m a huge fan of Stephen King. His book, On Writing, is basically like my own personal Bible.
GWM: What most surprises you about your experience as an author?
Oakley: Only a small percentage of published authors are huge bestsellers, and it often takes years and multiple books to reach those heights in your career.
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting the accolades to prove that you are a successful author, and I try to remind myself why I got into the business: the love of telling a story people connect to, not to be a New York Times bestseller.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start to Oakley’s presentation on her novel, The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise. Tickets are $40 each ($35 each for two or more) and include free drinks and a dinner prepared by Chef Brent.
Visit Georgia Writers Museum online at georgiawritersmuseum.org to register and pre-order a copy of Oakley’s book for signing after her talk.