Eleven years ago, I stood at the front of a sultry New York lounge called Madame X and gave my very first reading at Lady Jane’s Salon, founded by Hope Tarr. It was equal parts thrilling and terrifying, and I carried the memory with me ever since.

This weekend, I had the joy of returning to Lady Jane’s — this time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the delightful Cat’s Meow. Two wonderful authors read before me: Misty Simon, with her cozy romantic mysteries, and Chantal Mer, with her witty and heart...