During book tour leg two, I had an amazing opportunity while stuck on the tarmac in Chicago. Behind me sat Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor winner Ron Rosser. He is a true American hero. Read his story. The impact he has had on history is immeasurable. It was an honor to sit near him. With continued thanks to all of those who risked - and risk - their lives for us on this Memorial Day.
I'm just about two weeks into my whirlwind Book Tour for HERE, HOME, HOPE so I thought it would be a great time to blog about the exciting adventures on the road. So far, stops have included: Malibu, West Hollywood, Capitola, Piedmont, Sacramento - and tonight, San Francisco. Here's what I've learned so far: 1. You can never guage how many people will show up at a book tour stop, nor can you tell if those who show up will buy the book. BUT, you will meet fun, new friends. 2. Turkeys are wild in Sacramento. Yes, in the neighborhoods, gobbling and the like. And they're huge. And they scare me. 3. Bill The Oyster Man from Santa Cruz has a huge heart and more stories about oyster and catfish farming than anyone on the planet. True. 4. It doesn't matter how many announcements the [...]
Really, I am. Tonight I'm doing a signing and reading of HERE, HOME, HOPE in Larchmont Village - very close to Hollywood. Which got me thinking about the town where dreams are made...which then got me thinking about dreams coming true. All those years ago, when I dreamed of seeing a novel of mine on a bookstore shelf, I never dreamed that I'd be in Hollywood for a book signing! I know, I'm showing my Midwestern sensibilities here, but pinch me, please! So if you cannot make it to Chevalier's Books tonight, imagine me, with a huge grin, soaking it all in. These are those moments when I thank God for all my blessings. And I thank you for supporting me. And if your dreams still haven't yet come true, don't give up. Your pinchable moment is on the horizon. Keep believing!
This week has been a whirlwind of activity. It was the week of the launch of my dream, my first novel, HERE, HOME, HOPE. The best part of the week has been the support of friends like you, online and off, who have talked, blogged, purchased, attended readings and supported me. Amazing. I'm still pinching myself. But that's not all. My editor asked a while back if I had written a short story ~ and I had one, but I hadn't shared it. The story is about the different stages of motherhood - told from the point of view of three mothers who each experience the same, life-altering event. It's the story of their reactions, and by reflection, the love each of them has for her son. That love, the love of a mother and a son, is at the heart of [...]
As I watch the news tonight of Osama Bin Laden's demise, I'm struck by the power of this historic moment. It's almost if tonight we won a war. It's been such a long time since we've all come together to celebrate. As Americans. United. It's awe inspiring, watching it all unfold. I'm proud of our country, of our guts and perserverance. Of the bravery of our armed forces, and the heroes of 9/11. It seems so trivial, at this moment, to be celebrating my debut novel's launch. But I am. It's a warm and special feeling and now that feeling is joining in the spirit of positive thoughts and emotions filling our country tonight. USA. USA.