Jane/Susannah/Sadie here, making a last-minute switch on the post she was planning to write…
I had something else in mind to write about for today’s post, but having just come back from an event, I changed my mind. These days it takes a lot to really impress my jaded heart, but I’m happy to report I’ve found something!
You’ve all heard us show and tell how writers support one another (and truly, there is no other business I know of where competitors regularly assist each other to make their products better–and have loads of fun doing it). One of the ways we do this is by attending each other’s events if we are able. Because it can be a bit of a crapshoot whether readers will show up or not–I’ve had events where 60 people attended, and an event where a single, solitary soul came to see me–if I can go and make sure a friend will have at least one familiar face, I will do it.
So last night I went to an author reading at a place I have been hearing and seeing so much about: The Storyteller’s Cottage in Simsbury, Connecticut. Just the Victorian exterior was enough to make me long to see the inside.
And when I did? The place FAR exceeded my expectations. The interior is stunning, with gorgeous period décor and glorious original woodwork. But it’s the activities available that really got that aforementioned heart of mine racing. In addition to a number of writing classes and children’s programming, writers can rent out rooms, or even a whole floor, by the hour. I was practically salivating, thinking about grabbing a few writer friends and writing in the Jane Austen or Jules Verne Steampunk room for a few hours some Sunday afternoon. But wait, there’s more!
There are also two mystery escape rooms, with a third one being fitted out–and one of them is based on Agatha Christie. Honestly, it was all I could do not to ditch the readings downstairs and insist that the owner lock me in immediately. But delayed satisfaction is good for the character, right? So yet another reason to return.
The owner has thought of everything, including book groups like The Great British Baking Club, where participants read culinary mysteries and then bake in the gorgeous kitchen–um, where do I sign up?
So, in case you weren’t sure, I am highly recommending a trip to the Storyteller’s Cottage. Let me know if you go!
Do you know of any businesses that think outside the box in such an impressive way? Have you ever done a mystery escape room–and lived to tell about it?
Oh, this sounds wonderful! I don’t think I’d ever leave.
I wanted to move in immediately, I really did. The gorgeous (modern) kitchen alone sealed that particular deal for me.
Waving my hand – field trip! This sounds delightful and with so much potential.Thanks for sharing with us.
There is a huge amount of potential for fun stuff to do. I’m sending info privately!
Gosh, Susannah, I’d love to read a series by you that takes place at a venue like this! Protagonist is the cook? The innkeeper? Hope you’ll do it!!
Well now you’ve got me thinking…
It would be a great series!
What a terrific idea! I’d be there in a heartbeat were it not so far away.
You could make a stop on your way to or home from Crime Bake!
What an amazing place! And I’ve never done and escape room — I’m afraid I wouldn’t and where would my street creed as a mystery writer be?
I have the same fear! There are two options: go with a bunch of other mystery writers, and claim you got it a split second after somebody else figures it out, or go with other people and say you didn’t want to spoil their fun by figuring it out too early for them.
🙂
Laughing! Love that! You are one smart cookie!
I’m just a reader but that actually sounds really cool. I love the escape rooms and the baking club idea. Neat idea!
There is no such thing as “just a reader.” And this place is really about stories–so whether you are a reader, a writer, or both, there is something for any story lover there.
I had a wonderful time with you last night, Jane, and Katy, and Kim and Lisa. I’ve already planned a trip with my nieces there, and another author friend. Can’t wait to write there.
Right back atcha, Marian! We need to schedule a writing day there soon.
Oh my goodness, sign me up! Field trip!
I know, right? I am making programming suggestions to a couple of writers’ groups!
How about a CTRWA field trip? Sounds like such fun. Do they serve tea and crumpets in the Agatha Christie room?
Workin’ on it, Kathy. And I didn’t see any crumpets, but there were some pretty delicious oatmeal/raisin/chocolate chip cookies and some wine there!
What a wonderful place! Except I’d go for an afternoon and never want to leave.
I’ve never done an escape room. Hmm, field trip?
I did NOT want to leave, seriously.
I definitely want to visit. My kids are no longer in CT, so I’m there less, but it’s not that far.
A Wicked Cozys field trip!
Let’s do it! Let me know and I’ll set it up.
That sounds like a fun place to visit for sure. If only CT weren’t on the other side of the country from me.
You must come and visit us some day, Mark!
I would love to go and gawk. Could I just go and sit in one of the rooms and read all day? it all sounds so cozy. I like the idea of tea and crumpets in the Agatha Christie room!
Yes–they do let you come and hang out and read!