Lucky Number Alert!!

Yes, I'm one of "those" people. A person with a lucky number. Four has always been my marker. Like a giant arrow when there are no other factors, the choice with a 4 always proves to be the right one.

Now this blog's hit counter approaches 4444. I wonder what will happen?

In My Hot Little Hands

Yesterday I got another UPS delivery. (While fully clothed, thank you. See previous post.) It was a box from Jonathan at Turner, full of books! Unlike the previous review copies, these have my photo on the back. I didn't notice anything about it, but apparently others saw something right away that was...........unexpected. Seems I have a dot between my eyes that isn't on the actual photo. I told the noticer, "Just rub it off. Must be a speck on the book." Didn't work. I slowly walked back to the box and looked at another copy. Yep, it's there too. And the next one, and the next one....... There was nothing to do but laugh. I mean, really. This is NOT a problem, bit it IS funny!

Maybe it will sell well in Hindu communities?

Landmark Booksellers Signing

Here we go! The good people at Turner just set up a signing at my favorite bookstore, Landmark Booksellers, in Franklin. (114 E Main, just off the Square across from St. Phillip's.)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5th*

5:30PM

I'm excited to get going, and can think of no better place to start!

*I'm sure it's a good omen that this day is also our 22nd wedding anniversary, and the 26th anniversary of our first date (gag, gag, I know).

Great Day

Yesterday was the signing/book giveaway at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. It was a gorgeous day, and the plaza was packed. I had a chance to look around and buy some books before my signing, and was glad to see so many people there.

Also there was fellow Turner author Sam Davidson, author of 50 Things Your Life Doesn't Need. Sam's the founder of Cool People Care, and a very funny guy.

I met several people who shared their grief stories with me. One woman who lost her young daughter told me about a thoughtless comment made by a well-meaning friend. "She could have used your book", she told me. A young woman who is a divinity student took a copy and talked about how she hopes she'll be able to comfort people who come to her for help. Several took copies to give as gifts to those who need it.

It was humbling, and wonderful.

Thanks to my friends who stopped by (you know who you are), and special thanks to everyone at Turner.

Just 18 more days.....!

Southern Festival of Books

Each year Nashville hosts all things literary and throws a big old party on the War Memorial Plaza.

The reasons I love this festival (started in '89) are many, but let's hit the highlights, shall we?

*Author sessions are held in the Legislative Plaza hearing rooms underneath the Plaza and in the Senate and House Chambers of the State Capitol. Is it just me, or is that pretty cool?

*It's free.

*This year the festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird.

*The authors of the new Mark Twain biography will be there. As Rachel Zoe would say, "I die."

*I defy anyone to look at the jam-packed 3-day schedule and not find someone/something that interests them. From Irene Kelley singing in the plaza to a reading from Dracula's Guest in the Old Supreme Court Room, you can just walk in and take a seat. And it's here, in Nashville! Free!

I am especially excited to be signing advance copies of Sorry For Your Loss: What People Who Are Grieving Wish You Knew on Saturday! Yep, October 9th, from 2-3PM, I'll be in booth 40 just waiting for you. See you there!