Anna Questerly

Anna Questerly
Bookseller and bibliophile turned author, Anna Questerly writes medieval fiction and fairy tales for smart kids and young hearts. For adults, she creates Utopian fantasy as A.J. Questerly.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

International Author!

Woo Hoo! I just sold my first book in England! That makes me an international author!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Milestone School Visit

I have just returned from Milestone School where 3 different classes are reading The Minstrel's Tale! This was a great visit, these students are smart, fun, and creative. They asked me so many interesting questions about the book, the writing process, and where I get my ideas. It is so much fun to talk about books and writing with kids that enjoy reading.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

My First Review

Could a wandering mistrel have actually shaped the fate and fortune of a future king? Step back in time with local author Anna Questerly's delightful first novel called The Minstrel's Tale.

Her story begins with 14-year-old Anna from Phoenix - and seamlessly weaves back into the 13th century through her unique storytelling ability. Using fictional and non-fictional figures in the book, The Minstrel's Tale is centered around one of the youngest kings in history. It's a clever narrative of adventure, drama and great stroy telling - with a young boy coming to rule over one of the most powerful countries in the world, during one of the most turbulent and troubled periods in medieval Europe.

Throughout the book, Questerly uses Anna's ancestor - a valuable and wise minstrel named Amos - for the pivotal figure in the young king's life as he entertains crowds from city to city. The story allows readers to feel like they are right by his side as he travels from town to town entertaining and giving the townspeople a chance to forget their troubles and get news from other places.

It's a great book, with carefully depicted characters and a wonderful plot. Questerly makes a great connection with history and today's teenage lifestyle at the same time.

Katherine Koenig CITYSunTimes May 2011 issue.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Prerelease Party

There are days in our lives that are truly special, moments of celebration shared with those we love. Yesterday was one of those days for me. I was excited about the prerelease party for my first book, The Minstrel's Tale. Thom had ordered a cake and created a beautiful display of my books in the lobby of the bookstore. Friends had called and stopped in to say they'd be there. My son assured me he and his girlfriend wouldn't miss it-and the books arrived in time. I was a little nervous, but knew it would be a fun day.

Two nights before the party, at midnight, my daughter made a surprise visit from L. A, and the weekend took on a surreal quality. My daughter is extremely busy right now with school, work, and her own business. I hadn't even asked her to come to the release party. I didn't realize how much I wanted her to be there until she showed up.

Thom treated us all to brunch on Sunday morning, and we made it to the bookstore in plenty of time to make sure everything was ready. The kids surprised me with a pink rose and asparagus (wizard's weed) bouquet for the signing table. People began arriving even before the store opened. I wrapped my minstrel's cloak around my shoulders and began signing books.

I looked across the table into the eyes of the people who came to have me sign their copy and realized how lucky I am to have friends such as these. I know how busy our lives are these days, how hard it is to make time on the weekend for an event, and with each new arrival, my heart swelled a bit more.

At one point, I looked up to see a line forming around the lobby and knew this is what it feels like to be an author. I will never forget this weekend or the people who made it such a wonderful experience. I told Thom and my kids that if I get this type of "star treatment" each time I write a book, I would certainly be writing more books.

By the end of the day, I was happily exhausted; like my daughter's wedding and my son's graduation, this day was one for the memory book, a day to be tucked safely away and drawn out from time to time to reminisce over and enjoy again.


There are more pictures on Anna's Questerly's Facebook page.