One Month Later

I don't know where to begin.  The thrill of April 14, 2016 has remained in my thoughts, as reminders continue to pass through my daily life, usually through emails—invitations to author fairs and book clubs, requests for appearances and interviews, a press release, a Q&A document.  I'm still in amazement that this literary interest is being pointed at ... me!  I printed up new "STBF 2016 Winner" stickers for the books that are sold directly through me. I had business cards designed to show my new title.  I met with the movers and shakers of the STBF committee and RAILS reps at a social event in the city, and it is there that I learned about the vision and plan to bring this contest to other states and encourage publishing companies to get on board.  Someone pinch me!

And did I mention that the RAILS (Reading Across Illinois Library Systems) organization ordered a ton of my books to give out at Book Expo America at McCormick Place last week, and they passed them out as promotional gifts to spread the word about the STBF project?  I'm blown away!

So, it's one month later, and summertime is a breath away. I look forward to visiting as many libraries as possible, participating in the Printer's Row Lit Fest, meeting with the Berwyn Library book clubs, and getting back to my table at Friendly Coffee Lounge to start sketching out all the character and plot ideas that are waking me up at night... Yes, Livia is talking to me again, and apparently, the more I learn about the history of the towns down Route 66 (I've got a couple of road trips in mind), my protagonist is guiding me in directions I never knew existed!  Stay tuned!