Author Karen Quinn's visit to Wilmington is just one week away! In preparation for her reading from Holly Would Dream at the Mayfaire Barnes & Noble (Thursday, July 10th), I've been doing a little research on the actress who inspired the novel, Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey spoke 5 languages (English, French, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish), had size 10 feet that made her very self-conscious, and she was trained as a dental assistant before making it big. She loved chocolate (I'm sure she would have adored our gourmet chocolate bon bons), and it is said that each day following her afternoon nap Audrey would have one piece of chocolate to "chase away the blues".

Karen Quinn likes chocolate too, but right now she doesn't need to chase away the blues! Fair ladies everywhere are hailing her comic genius. Actress Heather Graham (of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me fame) said this about Holly Would Dream: "Funny, romantic, and absolutely charming like the classic Audrey Hepburn movies of the 1950s." And, the rumor in Hollywood is that Sarah Jessica Parker is now eyeing the lead role in the screen version of Karen's first novel, The Ivy Chronicles. 

What do all of these women (Karen, Heather, Sarah Jessica) have in common? Just as Audrey was in her day, they are smart, funny, gorgeous, stylish, modern women. And I'm sure that you are too (unless of course, you are a smart, funny, gorgeous, stylish man reading this blog - George Clooney, I know you're out there...). So what are you waiting for? Dust off your little black dress (suit or tuxedo), polish up those pearls, and join us next week for a celebration of all things Audrey. Meanwhile, for inspiration, remember to do as Audrey did. Take a break this afternoon and eat a piece of chocolate while enjoying some of her timeless wit and wisdom in the following quotes:

I am by nature neat, rather particular about my person. I like to look my best, not only for those around me, but for myself. I'm more casual at home than the public might think, but part of being a working movie star is maintaining a glamour and polish that set one apart.

I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel.

I don't think a woman's measurements are what make her sexy. For example, sex alone won't make for a good marriage. It's important to keep excitement in marriage, to have happiness born of the wish to please each other.

My mother is Dutch, my father is Irish and I was born in Belgium, if I was a dog I'd be in a right mess.

Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you're exactly the same.

People associate me with a time when movies were pleasant, when women wore pretty dresses in films and you heard beautiful music. I always love it when people write me and say "I was having a rotten time, and I walked into a cinema and saw one of your movies, and it made such a difference."

My own life has been much more than a fairy tale. I've had my share of difficult moments, but whatever difficulties I've gone through, I've always gotten the prize at the end.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.