Four o’clock in the morning is early. Very, very early. It’s so early when the wake-up call comes, you jump out of bed shouting, “Who’s sick?” And then, when the wake-up call you scheduled for 4:05am rings, you wander the room in daze for five minutes, looking for clues in your room about what your name is, where you are, and why you are there.
Then you remember the airport shuttle leaves in fifteen minutes.
I made the shuttle, made the plane, and made it to Miami. Miami. Yes. As in Florida. As in palm trees and sunshine and…… highways. Lots and lots of highways, punctuated by construction and detours onto other highways. Traveling to new cities is one of the fun parts of book tours, but the reality is, you don’t get to see much except for the inside of the airport and the traffic.
That’s why they hire nice author escorts, because let me tell you, if I had to do the driving, this tour would have ended in disaster four days ago. Today’s friendly escort is Kathleen who is born and raised here and knows her way around. She was the one who got me to Killian High School on time.
Killian High School, Home of the Cougars, and Home to some very, very nice students who listened to me rant for an hour.
There were about 125 of them, and everyone wants to be on LJ, so I have to be fair and show them all.
They were an extremely fun audience, though few dared to sit in the front row.
The front row here is filled, but that is because they were sitting far right of me, out of the spit-zone. Sometimes I foam at the mouth when I get excited.
We have to call the ladies to either side of me “media specialists” (sorry – I do not like that title – though I like the people who have the job). On the right is Aline from Barnes & Noble. Notice the sign says “Library”. To me it will always be a library, not a media center.
After Killian, I had a break to catch my breathe, catch up on phone calls, write email, revise the manuscript I am lugging around, and maybe even nap. Did I do any of it?
Not really. I sat in the pretty lobby and drank Diet Coke and marveled at the sight of palm trees outside.
Those palm trees.
I’m leaving in a minute for the event at Books & Books in Coral Gables. For those of you trapped in the ugly part of spring; the melting, muddy snowbanks, the torrential rains, the dreary wind blowing over the plains, let me leave you with a little love from Miami.
Poolside love.
Enjoy the beauty while you’re there…I saw that you’re coming to Ohio in a few days…It’s not so pretty here!
Sounds like you’re having an absolute blast! I can’t wait to go out tomorrow and get Twisted. I wish I would have a chance to come see you while you’re here Sunday night, maybe next time around!
I emerged from my cave (the arts lab) today and got a copy of Twisted!! I read the first chapter in the bookstore. 😀 😀
you wander the room in a daze for five minutes, looking for clues in your room about what your name is, where you are, and why you are there.
you have just described my typical morning.
I think this is my first comment on here. But anyways, I loved Speak and I have Catalyst on my shelf waiting for me to read, and next time I get to a bookstore (and have money) I will get Twisted.
I am so odd that waking at 4 is not hard for me. I am really an easily morning person, I can wake up at any time, and just, go. Depending on what I do that day, I crash a few hours later. But, for the first hours, I am really just, going. I am odd.
Oh well, I enjoy reading, so, yeah.
Amazon.com told me Twisted would come in the mail roughly next Wednesday, and, in accordance with Amazon.com’s twisted scheduling, the book arrived in the mail this afternoon. It still has that dont-touch-me-because-im-precious-because-L.-only-releases-a-new-novel-like-once-every-year-,-if-that-often sheen to it, but im sure ill be reading it in no time.
I loved the Faulkner house. I hope you do trot it out for months. He makes me feel better about doodling on walls and furniture. The snow here will be all melted in another day or two and there is a cool drizzle today. I have to write to you soon. Florida looks so pretty and foreign. Hope the tour is amazing as it looks! Take care! Have fun!
I’m so glad you’re sharing your book tour on LJ! It must be amazing to meet young people who have read your wonderful books.
And thank you thank you THANK YOU for saying you don’t like the title “media specialists”. I don’t either; nor do I like information manager or any of the other monikers now foisted upon my noble profession. I am a LIBRARIAN, and I’m proud to say so!
OK. Here’s the deal: I think it’s better than Speak.
I read it. I cried. I read it again. I cried again. These people are so real.
I don’t quite get why Tyler did what he did before the story starts, but if I just accept that for what it is and go forward, everything is tight. I love the multiple levels of personal growth.
Already gave my 16 year old grandson a copy. Can hardly wait to hear what he thinks of it.
*squee!* I’m coming to see you tomorrow at the book signing at Joseph-Beth in Cinci!
Speak is one of my favorite books. I really connected, and it helped me break down some of my walls too. I can’t wait to read more!
Hoyas vs. Heels!!!
What’s the wager?
Re: Hoyas vs. Heels!!!
I think the loser has to honor the winner’s team on her blog and send a copy of her latest book to the winner’s public library.
Man, oh, man.
Ok. I have GOT to go to bed.