Here it is the end of November already, and only today did I realize I didn’t do a wrap-up of events for the publication of The Abandoned Heart and the paperback of Charlotte’s Story. Can I blame wanting to get back to work on the next book? I did have a fabulous time bringing out The Abandoned Heart. The tour for it was protracted, and covered four states (five, if you count Bouchercon in Louisiana in September). There were lots of friends to see and lots of new people to meet.
Going backwards…
The last time I went to the Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort, KY, (Nov. 5) was in 2008 (or 9?) Way back then I hung out with my then-new bestie, J.T. Ellison, and this time around we shared a table. Except neither of us managed to get a picture! There were many lovely readers there, many of whom brought their adorable fur babies.
I lived in Roanoke, VA, for eight years–up until 2006. With each book I try to get back for an event. This year, I read at the Vinton Branch of the Roanoke County Public Library.What a gorgeous facility it is. I was thrilled to see Marni Smith (that’s her on the right), who worked at the Vinton Branch until recently. We became friends when she worked at the branch near my house, right before my debut novel, ISABELLA MOON, came out. On the left is the wonderful Kimberly Burnette-Dean, who was my host for the November 3rd event.
The Barnes and Noble Store in Carbondale, IL, does a Horror signing in late October every year. This was my third year to attend, this time with the third book in the Bliss House series. The event doubled in size this year, which was a lot of fun. My partners in crime were zombie novelist Hugh Williams, John F.D. Taff, author of a number of horror novels, and a debut horror author. I loved seeing local friends, including Paula, who makes me smile every time I see her behind the desk at the post office.
On October 15th, I attended my second Books by the Banks Festival in my hometown, Cincinnati, OH. The festival has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. It’s hard to believe it started out in the small but fabulous Mercantile Library (pictured), and has graduated to the convention center. I was thrilled to hang out with the literary power couple David Bell and Molly McCaffrey at the Mercantile Library reception, as well as the festival. Not only did I meet hundreds of new readers at the festival, but also the irrepressible Amy Reichert, who was there with her latest novel, Love, Luck & Lemon Pie.
My touring season began with Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, in New Orleans, LA, in September. But the official release took place at Left Bank Books in St. Louis on October 11. Here I am with my nieces, and good friends Tom and Judy Daniels. Oh, and check out the treats! My dear friend (who also happens to be a blogger and outstanding baker/candy maker), Carin Thumm, brought made-just-for-me Bliss House biscotti and homemade Rosemary-Pecan brittle! It could not have been a sweeter evening.
Are you podcast-minded? On October 7, I appeared on the hourlong Thorne & Cross Haunted Nights Live! show. We talked haunting books, films, tv shows, influences, and, of course, THE ABANDONED HEART.
And look–Reviews, Interviews, and Blogs!
Thanks for coming on my mini wrap-up tour. Hope to see you out and about very soon!
