ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The 2024 Luncheon with the Authors brought together an enthusiastic crowd at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Allentown on Oct. 10.
It offered a day of conversation, literary insights, and a shared passion for storytelling.
The Society of the Arts (SOTA) hosted the event, which featured authors Shelley Noble, Amy Jo Burns, and Meg Shaffer.
They discussed their creative processes, the inspiration behind their work, and their journeys as writers.
“Whether you’re a long-time attendee or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to welcome you,” said SOTA President Peggy Herman. “This event has been months in the making, and we’re delighted to bring such extraordinary authors to our community.”
Shelley Noble, the author of “The Tiffany Girls,” shared her unique path from professional dancer to best-selling author.
Reflecting on her start in the literary world, she said, “I kind of stumbled into writing; it was never an aspiration I thought I’d do.”
Noble’s career has spanned both mystery and women’s fiction genres, a balance she appreciates for its variety.
“Women’s fiction is really about what we do next in our lives,” she explained, emphasizing the reflective themes that often permeate her work.
Meg Shaffer’s debut novel, “The Wishing Game,“ has garnered widespread acclaim. The story behind her book intrigued the audience.
“I had this idea to do a book that was sort of a grown-up version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but instead of a factory for chocolate, it was a book factory,” she said.
Shaffer described her writing process as one of perseverance. She often discards vast amounts of work before arriving at a finished product. “I probably wrote half a million words to get 90,000, and the rest are just in the trash,” she laughed.
Amy Jo Burns, a Pennsylvania native, shared her deep connection to the small-town environments that inspire her work.
Her novel “Mercury” reflects her roots in Western Pennsylvania, capturing the complexities of life in close-knit communities. “If you’ve ever visited [a small town], or you grew up in one, it feels like a place that is hard to get to and even harder to leave,” Burns remarked.
She also highlighted her belief in Pennsylvania’s creative wealth: “I truly believe in the wealth of creativity, life, and talent in Pennsylvania.”
In addition to the luncheon, the 2024 event introduced a new feature: Cocktails with the Authors.
Held the evening before, this cocktail reception allowed guests to mingle with the authors in a relaxed setting.
SOTA President Peggy Herman praised the expansion, made possible with support from the Allentown Art Museum and its staff. “We’re especially thankful for the support of Max Weintraub, Laurie McGahey, Irene Smith, and Chris Potash, who have helped us expand this event.”
Luncheon with the Authors has been a vital fundraiser for the Allentown Art Museum for over a decade.
Since its inception in 1964, SOTA has contributed more than $1.5 million to support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
This year’s event was no exception, with funds raised through ticket sales and raffles going directly to support the museum’s mission.
As the event concluded, attendees left with signed books and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling.
“We hope you find this year’s Luncheon with the Authors as extraordinary as ever,” said Herman, expressing her gratitude for the community’s continued support of SOTA and the Allentown Art Museum.
For more information on upcoming events or to support the Society of the Arts, visit their website at sotapa.org.
