Join VMWP’s Karen Murray and the WDC at Book Society with Ellen Baker

WDC at Book Society with Ellen Barker
Wednesday September 23, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT

Join us at Book Society in Berkeley for an evening of wine and conversation with Bay Area author Ellen Barker, who began her career as an urban planner and spent many years working for large consulting firms as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Ellen is the author of Nothing North of Delmar and three earlier novels: East of Troost, Still Needs Work, and The Breaks — books that merge her passion for urban issues with her lived experience in corporate America. Having grown up in Missouri during a period of demographic upheaval, she returns there in her novels.

Karen Murray of VMWP will lead a conversation with Ellen to explore her journey as an author and discuss Still Needs Work, a story of resilience, fortitude, and industriousness, told from a no-nonsense, can-do perspective, featuring protagonist Marianne, who is laid off abruptly while attending a conference in San Francisco.

Wine and light bites will be served, and copies of Still Needs Work will be available for purchase and signing. Seating is limited at this unique event so register early!

Book Society is a bookstore and wine bar in Berkeley, CA founded by Laura Guzman, who drew on her AEC industry background to build a community gathering hub for bibliophiles and wine lovers.

Photos will be taken at this event and may be used on social media and in WDC marketing communications. Please email [email protected] if you do not wish to have your photo used in WDC social media and marketing communications.

You must be 21 or older to attend.

New to WDC? This is a great opportunity to join members of our WDC community to make meaningful connections, share industry insights, and forge partnerships.