Enjoy an elegant evening at the Winnetka Community House with best-selling author, Simon Van Booy, including a cocktail reception and the author's discussion on writing a novel, followed by a book signing. The event is part of the Winnetka-Northfield District Library's One Book Two Villages celebration, which featured Van Booy's book, "The Illusion of Separateness," as the selected title for this year.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception with the author at 6:00 p.m., including open bar and appetizers. Van Booy's presentation begins at 7:30p.m. The author will discuss the secrets of building a novel from the ground up--sometimes on as little as a single impulse or idea. Mr. Van Booy will reveal the mysteries of how authors bring characters to life, and address how research, childhood, and one's own personal failures play a part in writing a book.

A Lecture-only ticket option is also available for $15. The Lecture portion of the evening begins at 7:30 pm. Reception tickets are $65, and include reserved seating for the 7:30 p.m. writing discussion and book signing. Van Booy's books will be available at the event for purchase and signing from The Book Stall. Winnetka is located just 18 miles from Chicago and is home to many dining and drink options within walking distance of the event. Make a night of it!

Simon Van Booy's books have been translated into 15 languages, and he has written for the stage, screen, NPR, and the BBC. He has also written for the New York Times and writes the monthly New Yorker column for the Chinese edition of Elle Men. He has spoken internationally on the subject of writing and the writing life.