By Lavanya Sunkara
The best way to attain what you seek is to make the effort and take that first step. At last night’s Speed Shrinking for Love party at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, organized by bestselling author and journalism professor Susan Shapiro, New Yorkers of all ages and walks of life flocked to find what they were in search of, whether it was love, a book deal, or psychoanalysis.
Enthusiastic participants lined up for their speed meeting – think speed dating, but with literary agents and relationship experts. The jam packed space buzzed with curious newcomers, mingling friends, therapists dolling out advice three minutes at a time, and literary gurus advising writers on pitches. Free wine and Valentine’s Day chocolate cupcakes were plentiful.
But Speed Shrinking isn’t just a witty name for a networking event. It is also the title of Shapiro’s debut novel about a self-help author who sees eight therapists in eight days to deal with her cupcake addiction after her best friend, as well as her shrink, suddenly move away. What started out as a one-time party idea to promote her book, Speed Shrinking has become a social phenomenon, entertaining a series of television appearances and parties on both coasts. Last night’s event was Shapiro’s 10th party, and she said a producer is interested in turning it into a reality show.
