Wolf Howl

Another wonderful event at the Wild Canid Research Center. Jonathon and I arrived a little late because I spent too much time sitting on the couch watching a video with Trinity. Her father was picking her up, and we curled up on the couch and watched THE THREE MUSKETEERS, the new Disney version with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. The beginning is very slow, and predictable doesn't cover it, but it picks up in the second half. Frankly, the entire video is worth watching for me for just two scenes. First Clara Bell, the cow, is a villain, and does a great job at it. Second, she and Goofy have a wonderful scene together on a bridge where she's come to kill Goofy. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that I just never new Goofy swung that way. The scene with Mickey in the dungeon where there is a sign on the wall that says you must be this tall to survive this dungeon will have anyone that's ever been to Disney, or any amusement park laughing.

Jonathon and I arrived after almost everyone else was already at the Wild Canid Center. We parked and walked to the bonfire they had made for us in a clearing. They had carved some very cool pumpkins to act as a back drop. It was our second wolf howl event, and the second where that night was a lunar eclipse, and I believe the second where the moon is what is called a blood moon. Where the moon turns red, or orange like a sunset from reflected light. And it was the second time it was too cloudy to see much of the moon, eclipsed or otherwise. It was also great weather, light jacket weather. I read the first two chapters of the next Merry book, A STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. It's release date is spring, I believe April. We did some questions and answers, then I got to see if any of my stage training was still hanging around because I read for half an hour, or so, with no mike. Apparently, everyone could still hear me. Mr. Huber, my drama teacher, would be so pleased.

Then off to walk the half mile, or so, to see if the wolves would talk to us. We stood in the dark, surrounded by autumn woods, and the first long, lonely howl cut the darkness. Then a second howl answered, and suddenly the night was filled with wolf song, and the African wild dogs joined in, so that we stood in the dark and were surrounded by the sounds. The volunteers at the Center had feared the wolves wouldn't sing for us, because they'd been silent for weeks, but they simply outdid themselves last night. I stood in the dark, holding Jonathon's hand, and thought I'm so glad I'm here at this moment. It was magical. The wolves were as generous last time with their beautiful singing. Maybe it's the eclipse?

Then we all walked to the building that looks like a giant igloo, for hot chocolate and cookies, and the book signing. We did a few more questions and answers, then we signed books. Thanks to everyone who came out. We had 110 people, because they limit the number of tickets, so the wolves don't get nervous. We raised 1,600 dollars. Yea! More people wanted tickets, but you just can't get too many more people around the wolves, if we want them to howl for us. So thanks again to everyone that helped make it a great event. Gotta go make pages.

This and That

Hi! It's Darla. First I wanted to say thank you to all the folks who came out last night to the wolf howl. Again, all the wolves howled. Even the African Dogs got in on it by barking. A dog, is a dog is a dog. :)

It was terrific to see familiar faces and so many new ones too. Always a delight to chat with everyone. The crowd numbered 110, slightly more than usual. Apparently Pam has trouble saying no to someone who really wanted to come. :) Our many thanks to her, Wendy and the rest of the staff for making everyones evening enjoyable. They are working hard at raising money for the move. The fencing alone will run a million dollars so every penny helps.

Here is a small reminder, the Wolf Sanctuary is having it's Holiday Sale December 4th and 5th from 10Am - 4PM. You can shop the gift shop for all kinds of goodies. Think presents. Also, there will be a tour available of the sanctuary for $5 per person, no reservation necessary. You can get details or even shop online at www.wolfsancturay.org.

Other things that are happening now:
NEW AUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------
Actually, we are running dual auctions! CT Adams and Cathy Clamp have sent a signed arc copy of Hunters Moon to auction. This is a terrific werewolf book! It will be out in December but you can jump on it and get a copy now!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2497938443

Check out the first chapter at http://www.ciecatrunpubs.com
Also, Teanette Majors bought a signed copy of Incubus Dreams for us to auction. Thanks so much Teanette! Laurell will personalize it too at the request of the high bidder.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2497939480

As always, all monies generated will go to Granite City APA! Think a wonderful Xmas gift for someone.
MESSAGE BOARD-------------------------------------------------------------
I know, we have been having major problems with message board. So for the time being (as in till we fix it) public posting is re-enabled. You do not have to have an account to post. You may go ahead and register for one, will save time when I turn it back on, which hopefully will be soon. Sorry for all the hassles.

GIFT CERTIFICATES--------------------------------------------------------------
We have gift certificates! http://www.laurellkhamilton.org/Goodies.html They come in increments of $5.00. So if you cannot decide what you want, or need something to tell someone else to get you, how about a GC? Good for all the fan club merchandie.
NEW MERCHANDISE--------------------------------------------------------------
The holidays are here and we have our Anita and Merry holiday ornaments up for 2004 at www.cafeshops.com/lkhprem. Check em out.

That's all I have to say. Bye! Darla

Fighting the good fight

Jonathon and I have been fighting the good fight today. He's been struggling with computer network problems. I can't explain them, because I don't understand them, but I know that my new computer cannot print without much time and effort. Darla, too, has been struggling with computer problems this week. The cable company is outside working on the main line. I think our business complaints may have forced them to fix some long standing problems. We're hoping that that will fix at least the problems that Darla's been having with the message board. But who knows?

I have an outline of the rest of the Merry book. We are in the end game, but its a damned long end game. When the books I wrote were five hundred pages or under, I could bull my way through the end game. I could simply do brute strength of will on the last fifty, or hundred pages, but when you're end game is more like three hundred pages, there's just no way to simply tough that one out. It's like trying to run three marathons back to back to back. Just not doable. So, I have this outline. Six pages, single space, numbered thirty-two points. I know almost exactly what's happening until the end of the book. So close I can taste it, but I can't get there from here, because hundreds of pages separate me from it. I finished the outline last night to sort my mind through the plot, and it seemed so simple, so straight-forward. I planned on getting through the first six pages on the outline today. I have worked all day with only a break for lunch, and one personal phone call, and I have not finished with point 1. Yeah, that's right, pages and pages and point 1 is still kicking my butt. Good pages, fun pages, but I feel stalled anyway, because I know I'm not even on point 2 of the outline. This is one of the reasons I don't usually do detailed outlines. It always takes an amazing amount of pages to get through any point, that it feels like I'm not making progress even when I am.

For those of you who have been reading the blog. I have decided to ignore some of the personal stuff for awhile in the blog, at least. I can't really ignore it in real life, but I do not need to rehash it here, nor do I need to inflict it on you nice people. So until I get my emotional crap sorted out, the blog will be about the writing, and business. Oh, maybe one or two political blogs as the vote gets closer, but for the most part I'm going to try and tone down the personal stuff. Too painful.

Speaking of business, we're doing the wolf howl tonight at the Wild Canid Center. Me reading in the dark by firelight, with some questions and answers, then we get to walk through the dark in the woods to see if we can get the wolves to howl to us. No promises, sometimes they don't talk back, but last time we were really blessed. All the wolves chorused through the dark, like being bathed in the singing of wolves. We'll see what happens this time. Then back to the gift shop area for a signing. Limited tickets, and too my knowledge they are all sold. The proceeds go to support wild canid research, rehabilitation, and breeding programs, with an eye to re-release into the wild. It's a very cool place, and a very cool cause. See some of you tonight.

Last Road Blog

Mysterious Galaxy. One of the few independent bookstores we did on tour, and always a pleasure to be there. A big crowd that held more familiar faces, some people who were engaged last time, are now getting married. People graduating and making plans for the future. We’re always amazed at the number of people that come back signing after signing and stand in line for hours each time. Several people gave us gifts, but the one that sticks out to us, is the young lady who made a stuffed Jean-Claude penguin to replace some of the Sigmunds that went missing. She made a poofy shirt for him, complete with jeweled collar, and a cross-shaped mark on his chest. She said that the hardest thing to do was find blue buttons for the eyes. There have been other cool gifts that we’ve received at other signings, everything from Jewelry to posters to stuffed animals, t-shirts to buttons and so much else. But seeing a floppy stuffed penguin with long black yarn hair, was just too cool.

Death

Sometime a go I know I mentioned that one of my uncles had been diagnosed with cancer. When we visited him, he'd seemed to be doing well, but as can happen . . . I got the news yesterday that he died of complications. Funeral is next week, and now I get to decide if I'm going or not. Several states away, and will I be any help to anyone?

Yesterday when I got the news I felt nothing. Empty, totally empty. Peaceful even. Then I found one of the hermit crabs had died, and suddenly I was upset. Displacement is a weird thing to do with your emotions, but I fixated on that damned crab. That was what I was upset about, right? It turns out that when I went to remove the crab today, it wasn't dead. We did some emergency crab care and the crab may pull through. It's either Zoidberg, or Rainbow, really without Trinity here to tell me I can't keep track of which crab has moved into which shell. I think we're down to three or four crabs, from eight. Easy care pets, yeah, right. I have worst luck with anything that is supposedly easy care. Give me something that people say is hard, or you can't keep alive, and that will thrive for me. Orchids grow better for me than spider plants or philendendrons.

See, I'm talking about the crabs again, and plants, and anything but my uncle. I just got off the phone from my Aunt Juanita. She's holding up well, but then, I had no doubt she would. She's just that kind of person. I'm not the only strong woman in my family, no big surprise there, I guess. I thought I could write about how I feel, but I guess I can't, or rather don't want to. I guess I'll stop, and get back to work. When all else falls to hell there is still the books. Still the words. Still Merry cuddled in the floor with Frost and Doyle. Many of you tell me that my books help you get through horrible things in your life, well, me, too, sometimes. Other people have trouble concentrating when things go wrong, the more wrong things are, sometimes the more pure my concentration becomes.

Back at work

Yesterday was my first day back at the computer. I'd been making notes on the computer, because, frankly, my arm was still too sore to write long hand. Yesterday my arm allowed me to finally start making some long hand notes without too much pain. Yea. But also, I finally made actually pages at the point that I left the Merry book. Today I woke with the scene still strongly in my mind and ready to go. Very cool.

I've divided my work day up between THORNLEY, and THREE DAYS GRACE, both I believe have only their debut albums. Thornley for morning, and Three Days Grace for later, it's a touch harder, and I need something a wee more gentle first thing in the morning. The dogs are asleep around the office. Pip and Sasquatch on the big bed; Phouka under my desk; Jimmy on his bed in the corner. So good to be home.

I can say one thing about this tour, it's made me appreciate a lot of things more. The workmen moving back and fourth outside my windows are not nearly the distraction they were before Jon and I went out across the country. We've worked out twice this week, and our trainer, Keith, says we were strong, good sessions. Every time the weights seemed too heavy, my arm hurt too much, I just thought, "I'm happy to be home." How's that for motivation. The weights helped my arm so much on this tour that we've talked to Keith about hitting them harder when we're recovered just a wee bit more. He's agreed. Like he'd ever disagree with us wanting to do more. Tour taught me that I will need to have some serious muscle development before I go out again. We'll see how it goes.

It was good to see everyone. If Jon hasn't already, he will be putting up our last blog from the road. The tour went great. I believe this week INCUBUS DREAMS is number 2 on the New York Times List. Very cool. It was all very cool, but it's even cooler to be home again.

Trinity's birthday party is tomorrow. Lots of little girls, cake, and the whole works. She won't be officially ten until after the date of the party, but we rarely seem to have the party on the actual date. She's so excited she can hardly stand it. Well, back to making pages.

LA - Huntington Beach

Once again The Huntington Beach B&N had a huge crowd and a wonderful event. To all of you that couldn’t stay through to the end, we finished at 12:15AM (six hours after the event started for those of you that are counting) and everyone that stayed got books signed. If you couldn’t stay, contact the fan club and arrange it with them to get your books signed. It won’t be a quick turnaround for this, as we’ve been telling people this across the country. If you arrange to have your books signed, we’ll sign them, but it may take us a little while to get them all done. If you send it in before mid to late November, it won’t get done any sooner. Laurell’s arm is going to need a bit of a rest and recovery period. She also has a book due and is going to be spending a lot of her time working of A Stroke of Midnight.

One of the most interesting points of this event, was that Chara, the events coordinator mentioned that we had done this store only 8 months ago. No wonder we were tired. Two tours in 8 months, 3 in just under a year, as they hosted an event for Cerulean Sins last October. Is it any wonder that this store is beginning to look like home to us? And so many of the people have become familiar faces. There were a few faces that had been at the previous events that we missed. We hope that everyone that couldn’t make it is doing well and will have a chance to catch up with us the next time we come through town.

A special shout out to the young lady who gave us the Fruits Basket and Wolf’s Rain posters. Thank You! Laurell may have to arm wrestle Trinity for who gets the Fruits Basket poster.

Oakland

Yet another great event in the San Francisco area. Jerry, the Barnes & Noble store manager once again wrote a poem to introduce Laurell. We saw a lot of familiar faces, some of them from the signing the day before at Borderlands. No one in line mentioned that they had to buy their book at that event, but on the way to Oakland, Darla phoned us that at least 6 people had already contacted her and said that they had. Our publicist is looking into what happened, and so are we.
On a more positive note, the event was once again huge, and we were able to do the Q & A. We began to run into a crowds that had more people in them that hadn't finished Incubus Dreams than had, so the spoiler questions had to be saved until they saw us in line. Even then they had to whisper, as there were a few people that had things spoiled and gave inarticulate cries.
Also, lest we forget. Thanks to Crystal who modeled the Tour Shirt that was forgotten. Without her help, a lot of people would not \have known what the shirt looks like.

Home Again

We're home. Yea! We're safe. Double yea! We've seen Trinity, the dogs, family, friends. We've slept in our own bed. We are still so tired we can barely think straight. In the days to come we'll put up blogs for the last few events that we didn't get posted, but I just thought you'd all like to know we got home safe and sound. It was great seeing everybody. Now I'm going to bed.

Longer blog is there

The longer blog that I wasn't sure I should put up is up under Sunday, it's orginal date as saved in draft. I've cut it by about half. Let's just say that I'd love to find a church that was that welcoming to everyone in the mid-west, and leave it at that.

Uhhnnngghh.......

We're done.

Tour is over and we're done.

Tomorrow, home. Reports on missing events later.

Now. Sleep.

Borderlands

We have just been informed that several people were told by the staff at Borderlands that they could not even get in line to see me, unless they purchased INCUBUS DREAMS, at the store. And further more, they told people that that was our rule. No. In fact, I have refused store after store if they tell me ahead of time that they will force people to buy a book at their store before they can get anything else signed.

Jon and I are appalled. I have no words to express how upset I am about this. Please e-mail the fan club and let us know if this was indeed what everyone was told at the Borderlands signing. If it was, then we'll figure out how to deal with it. Let us know when stores do things like this. We need to know, or we won't find out, because the store didn't say anything to me, to Jon, or our publicist, Craig. He knows how I feel about this particuliar policy. We would never make you buy books when you already have them, and of course you have books, or why would be in line. I am so sorry to everyone that fell afoul of this. Write and let us know if it was everybody, or if a few people got the wrong employee at the store. Let us know.

Gotta go, we're due in Huntington Beach at the Barnes and Noble.

Its Tuesday so it must be LA

Actually this was the conversation Laurell and I had on our way to the airport this morning. I've not much time to say anything, but hi and bye. But I thought you'd all appreciate the quick virtual wave as I went running past.

Tonight is the Huntington Beach B&N. Tomorrow we do San Diego. Then Home!

later

San Francisco

I actually wrote a long blog, but I've saved it as a draft while Jonathon and I decide whether I should post it, and if I do, how much flack we'll get. Sorry, if that's sort of a tease, but it ended up being another soap box entry and we're just not sure we're up to handling anymore up close and personal reactions to things this trip. It has nothing to do with the signing, or even the tour really, so we may save it.

The event at Borderlands went wonderfully. We can't decide how many people we were told we had in line. Jon remembers around a 100. I thought 160, and someone else said 200. Take your pick. It was great to see so many familiar faces, and so many new ones. The birthday girl that flew all the way to St. Louis for her sixteenth birthday, accompanied by her father, was in line because we were close to home for her. It was very cool to see her and her father and meet more of her family. I think they were her sister and brother, but I'm not a hundred percent certain they were formally introduced, so forgive me if they were not siblings. We had a new birthday celebrated with us last night, John (yes I remember your last name, which is unusually for me, but if I give your whole name some people will try to find you in the phone book. So no full names here.). He stayed until the signing was over, so he could get more of his books signed. I am amazed and impressed that being at one of our signings is the way people want to spend such important days of their lives.

Because the signing started so early in the day, we actually were able to go eat at a nice restaurant that didn't have a hotel attached to it. Not disparaging the hotel restaurants, but it's nice to change the scenery now and again.

Tonight we're going to be at the Barnes and Noble on Broadway in Oakland. The event starts at 7:00 with a Q & A, then maybe 30 minutes later we'll be signing books.

We look forward to seeing everyone there. Lots of people told us yesterday that they'd be at the Oakland event for the Q & A, as there wasn't space for it at Borderlands.

Sunday, San Francisco

This was the longer blog that I had to think about before I posted it. I cut about half of it, because it was mostly a rant, and what this blog was about was good upbeat feelings not some of the unpleasant expereinces we've had. So here it is. We'll post about the other events later.

We forgot it was Sunday. We simply lost track of the days. But as often happens when you are feeling a little lost and more than a little out of touch with the important things in your life, you find something, or someone to renew your faith. For us, it was Grace Cathedral. First it is a beautiful church, but second, and most important it was a very welcoming church.

The moment we stepped through the doors, we felt better. The area leading up to their gift shop, yes gift shop, was bright and full of a sense of light that has nothing to do with white walls or light that only the optic nerves can see. It was a wonderful building, and we never even got all the way upstairs. We were, as always on this trip, running to a very tight schedule, but the small bit of time we were able to give to exploring the cathedral was time very well used. In the gift shop among the more traditional holy items, were Halloween things for sell. A hat with wizard written on it's pointy top, another that had boo written across it in light up letters. There was a plaque with a quote for Blake, "Imagination is proof of the divine," I may be paraphrasing by a word or, two. We didn't buy that plaque. We bought the one that read, "bidden, or not bidden, god is present." If it had only said, goddess it would have been absolutely perfect. I think by trying to assign a specific sex to deity, when limit, him, her, or them, or it. We truly don't have a good pronoun for a concept as large and amazing as deity.

There were Celtic objects actually made in Ireland. A Brid's cross, no matter that it is St. Brigdit's. The cards with the objects told not just of the Christian history, but mentioned the earlier "pagan" history, as well. Very refreshing.

Minnapolis

Another great event at Uncle Hugo’s. Good to see so many familiar faces, and the new ones, as well. Several people told us that they’d missed us in tours past at the store, and they were happy to finally be able to make an event. My publisher rushed the FAQ sheets so the people in line could have the questions we most often answer across the country. As Jon said in his New York blog, we’re trying to get the FAQ to any event where the space doesn’t allow an question and answer session.

MaryJanice Davidson took part in the signing. Uncle Hugo’s had been wanting to get her there for an event, and they asked if we’d mind if she participated in ours. Darla’s been talking to MaryJanice for awhile on e-mail and such, and says she’s good people. MaryJanice and I have now been in at least two anthologies together, so it all seemed like a good idea. She was very good people indeed, and signed quite a few of her own books for fans last night. Our publicist was a little dubious about including another writer in the signing, and admittedly it probably wouldn’t have worked out if we’d been able to do the question and answer which Jon has started calling, the traveling Laurell show. It’s sort of like stand-up, and that’s just not a group activity, at least for me. Though, those that have seen the show know that Jon joins in, and in fact is becoming indespensible. Though, truthfully people have asked us questions that we don’t know, but Darla would know. I think she’s fearful we may ask her to go on the road someday. But then who would take care of things at the house and office? We all have our jobs, and our division of labor, and Darla has told Jon she’s glad this part is his job, and not hers.

We’d had several nights of not getting to bed until after midnight then having an early morning flight, so I rushed things last night, pushed my arm more than I should have. I’m paying for it today. I tried to make a few notes long hand in the notebook, and it was too painful. My arm is noticeably swollen today and ice is only doing so much. I will sign everyone’s stuff at San Franscico at Borderlands on Sunday afternoon, but I may have to sign a little slower. As long as I take my time and don’t rush, I can do it, it’s when I start pushing trying to get that early bedtime that it starts trouble. More face time for the people as they come up to the table. Also on the plus side for both Jon and I, and everyone in line the signing on Sunday starts at like 2:00 in the afternoon, so we can sign and still all get to bed, or work, or whatever at a resonable time. Yea! Jon and I have tried to get other stores to do an afternoon time, but most choose a week night, or that’s all our schedule allows, and so they feel that afternoon won’t work because of people’s schedules with work and school. Probably right, but the evening start times make for long nights for everyone in line. The New York signing started early at the request of the store, so we could all get done sooner. We were able to start at 5:30, not always possible in the tour schedule, but lucky for that day it was. Made for an earlier night than it might have been.

We are flying to San Franscico as I write this, and this late in tour it seems wrong to be flying further away from home. Usually west coast is earlier on the schedule, so it seems a little disconcerting. But today we have no event, just the flight, so we’re hoping to get some solid down time, and rest a little. Today as we did last minute packing for the plane, I asked Jon, “What day is it?” He told me Saturday. I said, “Are you sure?” He wasn’t. We had to check the tour litnany to be certain. As we were in the car being driven to the airport, he asked me, “Where are we?” I hesitated, then said, “Minneapolis, because it was Uncle Hugo’s.” That satisfied us both. Truthfully at this point in the tour, if it had been a chain store last night, we might have had to check the paperwork to be sure where we were. Though, sometimes, the vegatation and the animal life can give you a clue. I used the trees to realize we were in Washington D. C. as we landed. Well, trees, and logic. We’d just finished our only stops in the mid-west, so it had to be eastern seaboard, and Washington was our first stop on the east coast. See, logic.

I feel like I’m rambling, so I’m going to sign off, and try to work on Merry a little. We still have at least two more hours in the plane, and I’m trying to pretend it’s a really crowded bus. Not really easy to do when I look out the widow. I should remember to give Jon the window seat, I guess.

New York

OK, here’s the run down on the NYC event.

First of all, thank to everyone for coming out to see us. It was a great feeling to see the line wrap around the corner of the store and continue down the block. And they said we couldn’t draw a crowd in the New York. Well, about 150 to 200 of you proved that wrong.

All in all it was a wonderful event, with no complaints from anyone in line, or with the staff. I think that the FAQ Sheet that we did up for people to read while in line helped keep everyone in a good mood. We’re going to try to continue using the handout at any event where we don’t have the space to do the Q & A.

The most pleasing part of the event was when one of the Marines from Captain Littion’s unit came through the line. We were glad to put a face with some of the soldiers that we have been supporting while they are stationed overseas. I got a big grin when instead of “Cheese!” I said “Semper Fi!” when I took the picture. He said that he was glad I got it right, I almost asked if he expected me to say “Airborne leads the way?” I’ve got too many relatives in the branches of the Armed Services to not know better. If I get it wrong, it is on purpose to bait one of my family.

But right now we’re in the air, on our way to San Fransciso, and the events there. I honestly don’t remember if we have one tonight or not.. I’d have to check the itinerary to be sure, and its not that important at the moment. I’ll check it once we’re on the ground.

Peace out y’all.

Early

A new definition of early. You know it's too damned early when the man who brings your breakfast tray asks, "Did you get any sleep at all?" For a second, I thought how did he know to ask, then I realized he was the waiter that brought us our soup and tea after the New York signing last night. We'd gotten so little sleep that we were still on his shift.

Jon's asleep as I write this. We're in the air and on our way to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Event tonight at Uncle Hugo's. See you there.

Philadelphia

Jon’s first trip to the city of brotherly love, my second. The event was the smallest to date, between a 107 and 130 people. Line numbers said 107, my arm, and our escort’s estimate said 120 to 130. Opinions differ as they say. The drive from Philly to Bryn Mawyr was both picturesque and valuable. I saw an old cemetery, just a glimpse through the trees. The tombs seemed to be clinging to the side of the cliffs over the river. I have no idea what it was about that one brief glimpse, but it sparked something. People are always asking how do you get your ideas, well here’s how I got this one. That one glimpse, I didn’t even make a note, because I notice cemeteries all the time, sort of an occupational hazard. We went onto the event, and I didn’t really think anything more about it.

The event was good. We actually saw some faces fro the Maryland and Virginia signings, but most of the faces were new ones. We got to meet John Passerella and his entire family; wife, sons, and daughter. Very cool. His son, Matthew, looked wonderful. Thanks again to everyone who bid on our goodie basket for the Matthew’s Miles.

The next day we took the train to New York. Well, first off let me just say if I hadn’t said it about the train ride from Washington D. C. to Philly, I may finally have found a mode of transportation that doesn’t terrify me. Yea! But on the train ride to New York I started making notes. I’ve had an Anita idea set in D. C. for years, where Anita gets to talk to the senate subcommittee on undead rights. I’ve just got to find time to do the research for it, and time on the ground in our capitol. Hard to find with my schedule. About the time I was ready to try, we had 9/11 and I figured that everyone had more important things to do than answer my questions. So I thought the Philly idea would tie into the Washington idea, but I realized somewhere in the train ride that there was too much plot in the new idea to combine it with the D. C. idea. That one glimpse of a cemetery through the trees, and our brief ride through the Philly area had given me an idea so complete, I’ve got the first chapter in rough form. I’ve made notes about the first third of the book. I think we’ll get to invite Edward to come play on this one. We might even get to see him use his flame thrower on stage. Cool, and scary.

I know the Philly idea is sometime after Anita 13 because at least one character that’s going to be introduceded on stage in Anita 13 will be in the Philly idea. I know the idea is good because it’s already attracted other characters to come play. An entire new book idea for Anita, and it’s all from one brief glimpse through trees from a speeding car, of an old cemetery clinging to the side of a bluff. I can’t explain to you why that one brief glimpse sparked so much in me, but it did. I think getting ideas is like a muscle, the more you work it, the more you can lift. The more you work at being open to ideas, the more ideas you get.

I also made some serious notes on the Washington D. C. book, as well. Some pretty scary stuff in that one, personally for Anita.
Sorry if this is like serious teasing, but I don’t share ideas until they’re really ready. But for all those who ask how do I get my ideas, I thought you’d find it interesting.

Blog for Bailey’s Crossroads Virginia:

Another great event. We saw a lot of familiar faces. We were especially happy to see David and his mommy, and his grandma. Last time we did this Borders, David wasn’t quite born. But he was definitely on his way. Jonathon and I were called out from a magazine interview because someone had gone into labor in line, and could I sign her books before she had to go to the hospital. Of course. I thought maybe she had just started labor, but no, she was in very serious labor. I had images of baby delivery dancing before my eyes. Luckily she and her mother made it to the hospital, and Grandfather David e-mailed us picturs of little David later. I was happy my books had meant so much during her pregnancy. She said I helped her stay sane while she was doing forced bed rest for her pregnancy. Baby David is a very big boy now, and quite adorable. Thanks so much for the picture and the flowers.

Nothing quite that exciting happened this time, thank goodness.

We had about two hundred people. The wonderful staff made a homemade cake with little bats around the edges and a plastic werewolf almost as big as a Barbie doll on it. The icing was like greyish, but the interior was red velvet, very appropriate.

We’re on a train to Philadelphia as I write this. I haven’t been on a train since England. The thought makes me homesick for Trinity, and Jon’s parents, Art and Mary. We had such a lovely vacation. Next summer I’m hoping we can do it again.

I miss my kid. The sound of her voice, chattering about everything. Making friends wherever she goes.

The event was good, as always at this store. It was nice to see everybody; new faces, and familiar ones. I heard again how my books had helped people through deaths of close friends, illnesses of family members, grad school, bad jobs, so many things that my books have been a refuge from. We’ve reached that point in the tour where I am so homesick that I can barely stand it. I want my kid, my dogs, my own bed, my own routinue, my office, our house, our friends. I asked myself this morning why am I doing this? Why am I dragging Jon and I across the country? For my publisher, no. To help us get higher on the New York Times list, well, yeah. At lest that’s the theory my publisher has. To sell more books, well yeah. But last night none of that seemed enough to be so far away from home. Last night it was baby David’s picture I looked at, and all the fans that say how much the books have met to them that I thought about. For me, it has to be about meeting the fans. It has to be about seeing all those people that are reading my books. It has to be about talking to people that talk about my characters in a way that I do, like they are real and should be in the next room if we could just find the right door. I truly do love putting faces to all of you. I love hearing how much the books have meant to you. I’m frankly amazed how deeply some of you have taken the books to heart.

Enough for now. I’m going to try and write on the fourth Merry book now. I’ve never tried to write on a train. Wish me luck.

Glen Burnie

Well, once again I was close to the Games Workshop US Headquarters, and once again I was unable to visit. So close, yet so far away.

I don’t mind though. I got to see a great many people I saw last time, again. Including Amy, who is now out of her wheelchair, which made the trip completely worth while.

We had about 171 people go through the line and get stuff signed. This Waldenbooks is the only mall store we do, and it is because both the store staff and the Marley Station Mall security are so good at making everything move smoothly. The next time we come here, there is talk of doing a Q & A in the center court of the mall. Suddenly I have images of a Debbie Gibson concert dancing through my head.

I’m on the train to Philadelphia right now, and I’m listening to some of the more odd music I have in my MP3 collection. Currently its “Sentimental Journey” by Barry Manilow. Next up is Gregorian Music’s “Dear Daniel” which is a song about being in love with Hello Kitty. What can I say, I’m just not right.

Cheers!

Cincinnati

Hey everybody, this is me trying to recreate the post that the computer ate yesterday. Sigh. Here goes. We had a minimum of 200 people at the store. Estimates range from 230 to 250 depending on who was making the estimate. They didn't give out line numbers so it was a little hard to tell. But line numbers are certainly no guarantee of accuracy. We've found that one line number may be held for two to five people. Interprising fans have been sending one person ahead to secure a place in line, then calling and letting the rest know. Or people are joining their friends after work or school ends. We are also getting people coming late at the end of the line after their shift or class is over. So whatever we hit the door with, you can at least add thirty to fifty, or even every once in an exciting while a hundred. Pretty cool.

We are staying until everybody gets something signed. We left two stores at about 1 AM. Yeah, you read that right. We, my husband Jonathon is with me of course, do the Q and A, then sign, then do more Q and A when I ice my arm about half or three quarters through. My arm is much better than it was last tour. The exercise is helping, darnit. In fact Jonathon and I just finished a twenty minute run on the tread mill at the hotel. And I ran, not jogged, for quite a bit of it. I find that two things help with the nervous energy and the mental exhaustion on tour -- running or a heavy bag. Weights help, but not as quickly and not as well when the tension is high. We're doing thirteen events in fourteen days. We love seeing everybody, but that is a lot in a short space. Exercise and an occasional nap helps.

We actually got out of two stores before the store closed. Yeah. It just depends on the size of the crowds. Largest has been over four hundred, but not to five, I don't think. Smallest has been two hundred. Good crowds.

We'd done last night's Borders before. So we saw some familiar faces. One, was our youngest fan. He came last time when he was only 10 or 11 days old. Yes, days, not weeks. This time round he was a very big boy, and very charming. We also saw a couple that had been at this store last time. My understanding is that they met in line at the signing, got acquainted, and are now married. They invited us to the wedding, but due to scheduling conflicts we couldn't make it. They are the second couple that has met at a signing and gotten married. I never really thought of my signings as a dating service, but hey, if it works.

I know that a lot of people have made good friends at the signings, and on the website, and the fan club. As many people have remarked to me across the country, it's so nice to be in a group where you know no one will think you're weird. As if because we all like the same books, we know we all have something in common. If the fans I'm meeting are typical, then I have some very good people reading my books.

Jonathon and I got to see dogs yesterday, too. We'd recently helped out Dalmation rescue. The local Ohio rescue made plans to introduce us to one of the dogs we helped. His name was Hummer, and he was beautiful. He was very wiggly for me, but when Jonathon pet him, he got very calm. Both of the nice ladies, whose name I've blanked on, remarked how much Hummer liked Jonathon. As a special treat to us one of them had their son bring his pug puppy. Her name was Spice, and she was wonderful. I hadn't realized how dog deprived I'd been, until I got to pet wriggly, furred, puppies. I was wearing mostly black, so I was rapidly covered in dog hair, because both breeds shed. Fawn pug and mostly white Dalmation all over me, but I didn't mind, it reminded me of home.

We met some people from Transylvania University in Kentucky. We got shirts and book marks. I love the name of the place, don't you? We also got to meet some real ghosthunters. They also gave us a shirt, but we shipped it home so I don't have their info in front of me, so I can't say what area they hunt in. Sorry about that. We're shipping more and more stuff home as the tour continues. Sort of like the pioneers who started out with pianos and grandfather clocks but gradually shed them along the road side. I mean, do we really need that many pairs of jeans? No. But lucky for us we have Fed-Ex and don't have to make hard choices. Now I have this image in my head of a commerical. You have a Fed-Ex truck drive up to a wagon train, and the Fed-Ex guy says, "Don't choose between the things you love, let us take care of it." Or something like that. Then the truck drives off into the sunset with one of the pioneers saying, "Why didn't we ship ourselves to the coast?"

It's not Fed-Ex I'm waiting for; it's teleportation, or aparation. I'd settle for either. See some of you tonight in Baily's Crossroads, Borders, Virginia.

Missing post and faulty tech

Laurell wrote a great post about last nights even, but the computer ate it, and now it is gone to that place where all missing bits on the internet go.

We'll see about trying to do it agin tomorrow.

Now I have to go to sleep

later

Tech support and missing t's

We were just reading over some of the earlier posts, and saw that a few of mine were missing some interesting details.

Like how I didn't explain why I was on the phone doing tech support. It was because the network went down just after we switched to a static IP address. That is now fixed and we are back up and running. Next step is to fix a few DNS entries so that some pages we own will go live.

Then we saw my post about the kick off.. I could have sworn that there was a "t" in that sentence that makes me a lot less boastful. Oh well, it was supposed to be "It was phenomenal" not "I was phenomenal". I've got a big ego, but usually I can keep it hidden a little better than that.

One of us will fill you in about the event tonight probably tomorrow.

Until then,
Cheers!

Books & Company in Dayton

Hey everybody. It's me trying to blog from the road. Is blog a verb? Anyway, the event was great. Saw a lot of people that we'd seen before. Hi to Anne, sorry you couldn't be there in person. People have graduated from both high school, undergrad, and grade school. Babies born, kids getting older. Old friends bringing new faces to the event. Some of the stores we got to regularly it's becoming like old home week.

Someone brought me roses. A dozen white with a single red. Cool. They sit on the desk as I type this.

We're a day behind, so we just got in from a different event. We'll put something up about that tomorrow, hopefully. But I gotta go to bed now. We're on a plane tomorrow for Washington D. C. We'll see some of you in the area on Monday at the Borders in Baileys Crossroads, VA. Bye for now.