tour 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