On the Town: Book’d in Burbank hosts its first event of year

If people aren’t reading books these days, no one told that to the attendees that filled Theatre Banshee on Magnolia Boulevard for the first Book’d in Burbank event of 2015 this past week.

The brainchild of Liz Donatelli, a Burbank resident who owns and operates a publicity and promotion company that specializes in working with authors, Book’d in Burbank gives book lovers the opportunity to enjoy author readings and get firsthand insight from writers on their books, characters, inspirations and craft.

The events, that include mix-and-mingle dessert receptions, also provide readers with the unique chance to meet and question the evening’s featured writers on numerous topics.

A self-proclaimed book lover, Donatelli, who founded Book’d in Burbank two years ago, has since carved out a popular niche where she hosts quarterly for the local literary community and bibliophiles. At the event last week, they were treated to an evening featuring six authors.

With the always-popular genres of eroticism and romance garnering even more interest with the forthcoming release of “50 Shades of Grey,” the feature film based on author E.L. James’ erotic trilogy, last week’s event featured two local women who have made a mark in the genre — KB Alan, whose latest book is “Perfect Alignment,” and Ruth Clampett, author of “The Inspiration.”

The evening also featured mystery writer Diane Vallere, who read from her latest work, “Suede to Rest;” fantasy writer Michele Wolfe, author of “The Three Graces;” young adult writer Nicole Maggi, who penned “Winter Falls,” and steampunk writer Benny Zelkowicz, who talked about his latest tome, “The First Book of Ore: The Foundry’s Edge.”

“I love that authors are so willing to really interact with people who attend these events,” said Alicia Bien, a comedy writer, actress and wine lover whose book, “Evolution of a Wine Drinker,” will be featured at the next Book’d in Burbank event.

“At many of these events, authors just do a reading, talk about their book and maybe take some questions from the audience,” Bien said. “But here, they are right there and you can talk to them. It’s really great.”

Propelled by the notion that the bookish enjoy social interaction just as much as they like curling up with a good read, Donatelli encourages local book lovers to visit www.bookdevent.com for more information on the next Book’d in Burbank event that will take place at Theatre Banshee on April 23.

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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.