Dozens of women, both young and old, gathered Sunday afternoon at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., to get a glimpse of popular ‘chick lit’ author Jennifer Weiner as she stopped by to promote her latest book, “Fly Away Home.”

Weiner is known for novels such as “Good In Bed” and “In Her Shoes” — the latter of which was adapted into a film starring Toni Collette, Cameron Diaz and Shirley MacLaine.

The author spoke for an hour to the audience about meeting Rosie O’Donnell, political sex scandals, her lesbian mother and the humor that surrounds her own surname, which is pronounced differently than what many think.

“It rocked,” Christine Rials, Champaign resident and fan of the author, said of Weiner’s talk. “It was hilarious. She’s funny, down-to-earth.”

The event was sponsored by Friends of the Champaign Public Library, a support group that helps provide materials and services in addition to what the library’s regular budget provides

The Library Friends were on hand at the event to sell both paperback and hardback copies of Weiner’s novels for fans to purchase and have the author sign.

All proceeds from the sales of the books will benefit the Champaign Public Library.

Weiner’s latest effort “Fly Away Home” revolves around the women in a senator’s family whose lives change dramatically after news of the senator’s extramarital affair breaks out.

“It’s a story ripped from the headlines,” Weiner said of the familiar setup.

The author said she was inspired to write after reading scandal after scandal involving prominent men such as former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards and golfer Tiger Woods.

“I would watch these press conferences and these women standing up there, and I wouldn’t understand them at all,” Weiner said.

“That was sort of the challenge of the book, to create a character that would have motivations that I would understand,” she added. “It wasn’t easy.”

Weiner is a graduate of Princeton University, where she majored in English and took classes with renowned authors such as Joyce Carol Oates.

“I loved being a student,” Weiner said. “I loved all the reading I did, all the writing I did.”

From the start, Weiner always knew she wanted to write.

Before publishing her first novel, “Good In Bed” in 2001, Weiner also worked for 10 years as a journalist.

“I figured, you know, I have to find a way to write and get paid to do it,” Weiner said.

Next up for the author is a four-book deal she recently signed with her publisher. Weiner hopes to have a new book out every summer for the next four years, a plan that should have fans far and wide excited.

One such fan, Kendra Murphy, actually drove to Champaign from St. Louis, Mo. with her mother for the day, both hoping to meet one of their favorite authors.

“I’m a huge fan and I have all the books,” the younger Murphy said. “We were worried we wouldn’t be able to get to see her today, but it all worked out in the end.”