Watch This Space

One of the best parts about writing a book is the people I get to meet. During a recent event, there were two women in the audience who stood out. During the Q&A portion of the presentation, they asked some very insightful questions, and I was glad they stuck around afterward. It wasn't until they asked me to be a guest that I discovered they hosted their own radio show! They are the kind of people who make you feel instantly comfortable, as if you've known each other for years. I'm excited to "introduce" you to Connie and Sheila, as well as a few other show hosts, so stay tuned!

I've done several interviews for HEALING lately, and will post links to four of them right here tomorrow.

.....And Security Was NOT Called

Today was Chris Bohjalian's session. He was accessible, brilliant and hilarious. He seemed genuinely grateful for his success, thanking the audience for reading his books. He actually thanked us for reading in general, citing a chilling study showing a decline in reading in this country. He then got a laugh for giving the exception- YA books about vampires.

He took questions at the end. I asked the first one, winning a t-shirt. That's right, I won a t-shirt. This is probably what I will wear with my author badge from this day forward.

Thanks, Chris. You were pressed for time, yet were gracious enough to stay for a signing. Hope to see you next year!

So........there's something I should tell you about the Southern Festival of Books. It starts today, and while I'm very excited about participating, (Noon in Senate Chambers, signing to follow in the Colonnade), there's another reason for my excitement. An author from Vermont will be there. I need to meet him.

A little background. I am a full-fledged, card carrying Fitzgeraldophile. Not just F. Scott, but Zelda too. Very much Zelda too. Well, despite my strong preference for non-fiction, I found myself in an airport store buying a Chris Bohjalian novel. Why? Because he interweaves elements of The Great Gatsby in it. I know. I got chills too.

So, cut to this year, reading about the authors who will be here and I see Chris Bohjalian's name. I am both thrilled and terrified at the prospect of meeting him. Here are my top hopes, in no particular order-

*Please let me recognize him, so as not to ask him if anyone has seen the great and powerful Bohjalian by mistake.

*Please, if given the opportunity to meet him, allow me to form words in English that make sense. Not fainting would be good too.

*Please, if after meeting him I should see him again across the plaza, keep me from yelling, "Hey, Chris!! It's me, your good friend, Alicia!" In other words, please don't let me scare the man.

I'll let you know how it goes. The panel, the signing, and any Bohjalian incidents. Unless of course, there's some sort of court order preventing me form discussing him anymore.

Potpourri For $500, Alex

Too busy to form sentences. Will hit highlights. So much happening! Excited. Must share. In no particular order:

1. There is a new website I have to tell you about. This will save so many people from much of the frustration and confusion that follows a death. It will launch in November. It's the ONE place to go, covering everything from how to plan a funeral to travel information for out-of-town relatives, to grief camps for kids, and so much more.

This is an idea whose time has come. Overdue, really. They'll even have space to pay tribute to the person who has died, sharing stories and pictures. I am thrilled to tell you I will be serving as their go-to gal for grief support. They even gave me a title. Wanna hear it? Grief Support Expert. Yep, it's official. I'm an expert.

2. Sick of that picture on the top of this page? Yeah, me too. New one happening tomorrow. Hoping for a good hair day. Stay tuned.

3. Southern Festival of Books info-

Friday Oct 14, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Nashville, TN

Senate Chambers (Senate Chambers. I mean, really. How cool is that?)

All Shall Be Well--Helping Ourselves-And Others--Grieve

Sherry Hoppe and Alicia King

Southern Festival of Books. Again!

Last year I was thrilled to be signing advance copies at Turner Publishing's booth at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. This year I have been invited to be a panelist, followed by a book signing! It starts Friday, Oct. 14th through Sunday, Oct. 16th. My family loves this FREE event. Over 200 authors are coming to speak, sign, and sell their books. Take a look at this year's line-up.

There's so much going on each day. Check out the schedule here (note that 1st panel:)

They have live music, children's activities, readings, etc., all in the beautiful setting of Legislative Plaza and the state Capitol Building.

Stop by and say hi. I'd love to meet you.

Talking to Kids About Death

I have a chapter in HEALING about supporting children and teenagers while grieving. Still, there's so much more to explore on this subject.

Every age presents its own challenges and unique needs. From a toddler's confusion over a missing parent to a high schooler's rebellion after the death of a sibling, the response of a caregiver will change dramatically. It's not just age that dictates how you should deal with their pain, though. As every parent knows, personality determines your approach. From how you break the news to how you observe birthdays, you will likely handle every child differently.

I would like to hear from you now. Tell me about your experiences. Did someone close to you die when you were young? Are you the parent of a grieving child?

If so, what has/has not worked for you? What do you say or do for other young people now after a death? What you NOT say or do?

Thanks so much. Your honest answers will help others know how to best comfort another child, and to avoid saying those words that haunt you still.

Shout Outs

This is going to be a great big thank you post. To many people, for many reasons. I've only done four book signings for HEALING, and already, there are so many people I want to recognize. Because of their help, this book is getting out there. Most of them have suffered a loss and understand what it means to grieve. Whatever their reasons for helping, I want to thank them here for their contributions. I appreciate you all!

Turner Publishing

Thank you for believing in my project and giving HEALING a chance.

I want to thank everyone at Turner, including Caroline Garner, Lauren Kerensky, Frankie Danly, and, of course, Todd Bottorff who have done so much to support HEALING. I'm thankful for all your hard work!

Caris Healthcare

I wanted to partner with hospice at every event, so I called Alyson Cutshall of Caris Healthcare. She went above and beyond to help me reach patients, caregivers, and the communities I visited. Because of her efforts, I was able to meet some remarkable hospice workers. I loved getting to talk with them about the families they served (no names!) and the services they provide. They answered questions at every event, and even signed up a few volunteers!

Here I am with the Caris reps at the Knoxville signing at Barnes and Noble-

Colagrossi Wines

Craig Colagrossi and Michael Cox make amazing wine. Period. The fact they sent wine for HEALING's Franklin signing only made me love it more! It was an incredibly generous gift, and everyone raved about their L'inizio. Pictured are Landmark Booksellers owners, Joel and Carol Tomlin, myself, and Craig and Beth Colagrossi.

You

If you're reading this, then I want to thank you. When I started this book, I knew the odds of getting published were dismal. I was told new writers have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than getting a book deal. I was also told that no one wanted to read about death and grief. Thankfully, I'm too stubborn to listen to reason:) The truth is that those who have dealt with a personal loss or the grief of others DO want to read about it. You sat for interviews, you read the blog, the tweets, the facebook conversations, and you commented often! You bought the books and emailed me about your own pain. You shared your stories with me and with each other, and I thank all of you for your bravery, honesty, and vulnerability.

You honored the memories of those who died, and in turn, maybe healed a little yourself.

Thank you.