By Jonathan Turner, jturner@qconline.com

Photo: Des Moines author Tracey Garvis Graves

Des Moines-based author Tracey Garvis Graves will discuss how her initially self-published novel, "On the Island," sold 365,000 copies and made the New York Times bestseller list at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Outing Club, 2109 Brandy St., Davenport.

Her talk, presented by the Midwest Writing Center, will focus on how her success helped her find an agent and secure a two-book deal with Penguin. "On the Island" also has been optioned for a feature film by MGM Studios.

There will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available by calling (563) 324-1410 or visiting midwestwritingcenter.org.