tour 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011


Aloha everyone!

As you know, I always like to begin my posts from magical Hawaii in the same way, with an e-gift of flowers from my yard. So here there are. I'll admit it's a small bouquet, not exactly stunning or eye catching, but these are among my favorite plants over here. And well, not eveything has to be top drawer, does it? Sometimes the very best things are those that are more often overlooked. Not that I mean to get philosophical. Frankly, after the last two weeks, I don't think I have enough brains cells left to philosophize well. :) For those of you that have been following me on facebook, you know how crazy busy I've been. What was it eight cities in ten days? For a girl who spends most of her life in sweats and flip flops, it was a blistering pace, that's what I know. The good news, no, the GREAT news is that I got to meet two Fireflies--Patricia and Linda. It was so great to meet them; after all the exchanges on the blog over the years, I felt instantly as if I'd know them forever. Thanks for showing up, girls! Patricia---post a pic on facebook!

Here are a few photos from along the way. This shot to the left is from Anderson's Book store in Naperville, Illinois. As usual, I had a wonderful time at this store. The staff is fabulous and so supportive, and of course, my good buddy, Susan Elizabeth Phillips lives not too far away, so she and her charming husband took me in and fed me until I couldn't eat another bite. Spending time with her was really one of the highlights of the trip. This is me at the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta. How cool is that? Me...at the Margaret Mitchell House. Like most of you, I grew up with Gone with the Wind. It was one of the most influential books of my teen years, and the movie was equally special. My mom took me to see it when I was thirteen--we had to drive over two hours to see it on the big screen. Of course, because I was a teenager, I'm sure I complained the whole way... She knew, as always, what was best. I know that somehow, she knew I was there...

This was one of my favorite stops. Raleigh Durham, North Carolina. First off, it was the first place I saw sunshine (maybe the ONLY place I saw sunshine) for the whole tour. But even more than that, I experienced a ton of good old fashioned Southern hospitality. The crowd was lively and friendly. We had a great time. At least, I did! Here I am in the Big Apple. As you all know, New York is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I had an absolute ball here...



Especially because I got to see my wonderful, darling, beloved agent, Andrea Cirillo (left), and her partner, Meg Ruley. What book signing event isn't just a little more fun after a glass of nice champagne with girlfriends?


And now, after all of that travel, I am back in paradise. I just finished reading Harlan Coben's new book, LIVE WIRE, which, of course, I loved. He just never disappoints.


Tonight I have a luau/birthday party to attend, and then it's back to work. I have--hopefully--one more draft to do for the 2012 book. (I say hopefully, but in fact I have no hope at all--it will definitely take two drafts at least). The good news: I heard back from my agent and she loved it. The bad news: she could like it better. :) I can't wait to dig into her edit letter and get started. I think this really has the potential to be a special book and I don't want to let you all down!


Thanks again to everyone who visited me on tour. You can't know how much I love meeting all of you, and hearing from you. And to those who lived in places far from where I landed--I hope to meet you next year. Keep posting here and on facebook!


Aloha and all my best,

Kristin


8 Comments:

Blogger Patricia T. said...

Kristin,
I am so pleased your book tour was so successful! And, I'm happy you can take a long deserved break on your favorite island.

It was so much fun watching you in action in Columbus. You made a point of personally greeting everyone at the dinner at the Thurber House. You are so warm and friendly! And, it was very nice to finally meet you after all of these years of chatting with you in this special Firefly place. I felt like I was meeting my friend. I'm sure Linda felt the same way. My husband, Ward, really enjoyed the evening -- and you have him reading "The Passage." My friend Gayle also had the best time! I'm only sad the photo my photo with you turned out blurry.:(

You talk with such ease and self confidence, and your presentation was excellent at the Columbus Performing Arts Center! I couldn't believe there were over 200 people there. Everyone wanted to ask you a question! Columbus loved you!

I sent about five photos to you via your e-mail. Thought it too many to post. But, after seeing your message and your post, I posted a couple tonight on your FB.

Will look forward to your 2012 book -- and good luck with the drafts.

I'm leaving for Siesta Key in two weeks. Ward and I are celebrating three milestones this year with birthdays and our 30th wedding anniversary! Can't wait to go to our favorite villa.

Hello to all my blog friends! I miss the conversations with you.

Warmly,
Patricia

April 16, 2011 at 11:30 PM  
Blogger Tracie Lynne Hall said...

Hi Patricia! How cool that you got to meet Kristin! Was Ward with you, that he got persuaded to read "Passage"?
Congratulations on your successful book tour Kristin! I bet Hawaii is a wonderful place to transition back to a comfortable pace.
Best of luck with your draft(s)!
I'm still near the beginning of "Night Road". I was so happy for the place all of the characters were in at the end of chapter 2 that I was reluctant to keep reading, knowing that Jude's worries will most likely come to fruition in some manner that will require a fresh box of tissues. But the hesitation didn't last long.
Take care and blessings,
Tracie

April 17, 2011 at 8:56 AM  
Blogger princessapr said...

Jealous! I am thankful that I got to meet Kristin in Dallas a couple of years ago though. By default, I suppose Little Miss did as well. I like to think next time I won't be so shy and will remember to take a picture.

I haven't finished The Passage yet. I read the first section and cried so I put it down. :) I'm such a sap with books.

I'm reading Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin right now. I have many of her books and met her once, but I haven't yet read one of hers so I thought it was about time.

Congrats on the 30th wedding anniversay! That's quite an accomplishment.

I have been following the tour on Facebook and, of course, Susan Elizabeth Phillips has posted photos and posts on Facebook as well as gushed on her bulletin board. Some of the SEPPIES were in Naperville as well.

April 18, 2011 at 9:46 AM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

I was thrilled to meet you in Red Bank NJ. I'm Firefly Michelle. My mom liked meeting you too. As previously mentioned, she told you of my sister's pregnancy during Senior year in high school. Definitely a time of change.

All of your books are special, Kristin! I'm currently re-reading On Mystic Lake and wondering how i could have overlooked so many important scenes the first time around.

April 18, 2011 at 4:02 PM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

Hi Kristin!

Fun meeting you in Red Bank! I would have loved more time to chat obviously. And I wanted to ask about Night Road, but couldn't get specific. So many questions. But...

Grace is now my favorite KH character of all time. Just, you know, everything about her. Can't get over the concept... of Grace.

True Colors remains my fave book, though.

Off to read Woman in Red by Eileen Goudge...and VERY excited!

April 25, 2011 at 12:43 PM  
Blogger Tracie Lynne Hall said...

Something that struck me when I took a class in writing for children was what a strong instinct for psychology and morality a writer must have. Night Road is evidence of your instinct Kristin. You're fearless in tackling the tough stuff--don't stop!
Tracie

May 8, 2011 at 7:39 PM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

Tracie! Doesn't Kristin do "Kid" better than anyone? From Izzy to Alice to Grace... Amazing! The only thing that bothers me is that these books don't go right to the top of the best seller lists.

May 20, 2011 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Thanks, everyone!!!! I do love writing the kids, I must say. Alice and Izzy, as you know, are two of my fav characters of all time... :)

Now, I'm off to write a new post! Bet you can't believe it.

May 20, 2011 at 4:42 PM  

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