Book Tour Daze 16-18

The last time you heard from me I posted a hasty note then dove into the depths of late last week. Now it’s Week 4 and I’m writing this from my hotel room in Atlanta. Today and tomorrow are busy with schools and stock signings. Wednesday and Thursday will be slower paced as I participate in the Miami Book Festival, then it’ll be off to New Orleans, which I am very excited about!

And next week will be even wilder, but I’ll talk about that later…..

This BookPage interview with me explores the way I researched CHAINS.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic I was interviewed at the DC-area public TV station for a website aimed at teachers and parents. When the tape goes live, I’ll let you know.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Then it was off to Politics and Prose for a stock signing – they have an incredible selection of books and cool non-book items.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic This is what the last three days of last week looked like: thousands of enthusiastic kids in cafetauriums and libraries. It was awesome.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic My evening events were mostly attended by teachers and writers, including my friend Kimmie.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic In South Hadley, MA, we had a library full of high school students listening to me in person, and another group participating via Skype connection on the computer. That was fun.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic When I was signing stock at Odyssey Bookshop, one of their local authors wandered in – Leslea Newman.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Thank you, Rebecca of Odyssey for a tremendous day!

TONIGHT’S EVENT: Monday, November 10 at 7:00 pm: Little Shop of Stories, Decatur 404-373-6300

TOMORROW’S EVENT is not an event, but you can find my signed books at The Reading Tree, Alpharetta, 770-740-7171

Book Tour Day ? – What’s My Name?

I haven’t had Internet access recently, hence the lack of posts. That, and by the end of today, I will have spoken to 3,000 students in 3 days. But they were nice kids and I had a blast. I’m just a little…. disoriented. Befuddled.

But not so confused that I can’t remember good news!

CHAINS has been named one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2008.

CHAINS has also been named to the Amazon Top Ten of 2008 List.

This is the end of Week Three of the Tour and I need to do laundry. And I miss my husband. And, yes, the dog. So after my South Hadley, MA events today, I’ll be driving home for a couple of days. I head back on the road Sunday evening. (I’ll post the rest of this week’s photos this weekend, I promise.)

Next week: THE SOUTH – Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Apparently, the Creature With Fangs misses me, too, that’s why she sent me this picture.

Book Tour Day 14 – Have You Voted Yet?

Yesterday was three interviews, six or seven stock signings (they started to blur together at the end) and an evening event where people from all different phases of my life showed up.

But I’d really rather talk about the election.

I voted for Barack Obama by absentee ballot before I left on this tour. It was my proudest moment as an American. I figured that my job was done at that point. Most people I’ve met on tour have been supporting Obama, except for a guy who worked for the McCain campaign I ran into in an elevator, who made the mistake of remarking that I must be pleased about McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate because I am a woman.

That was a fun conversation.

I figured that after yesterday’s hectic schedule, I’d sleep like a rock. I did not factor in how much I am worried about America. I woke up about every half hour, praying for Obama’s victory, for his health and safety and that of his family, and for the future of our country. I don’t think I have ever prayed in my sleep before.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Back to the Tour Updates…. Photos of the Day

Book Tour Days 12 & 13 – Festival and Friends

Before I get to the Festival photos, I have a few announcements and links.

My email address, laurie AT writerlady DOT com is all messed up and apparently has been for a week. I am very sorry about this. OfficeMouse is going to try and fix it tomorrow. I’ll let you know what happens.

Bookavore sent an awesome link, the story of the daughter of a slave who is voting for Obama.

A moment of silence, please, for the death of Studs Terkel.

Publishers Weekly has a nice article about me and my fellow National Book Award Finalists.

The state of Delaware arranged for perfect weather for the Book Festival and the crowds responded. There were several familiar faces….

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Me and my best friend from high school, Kim Fisher, who drove up from Richmond, VA to hang out for the day.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Ambassador Jon Scieszka spoke to adoring crowds.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic This is Wesley, who has been a huge fan for years. It was such fun to finally meet him!!!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Kathena is a new old fan who is planning on becoming an English teacher.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic I got to meet a hero of my own, The Stinky Cheese Man!

I’ve saved the best for last. I had two special visitors this weekend.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic my Beloved Husband and Daughter #3, aka the OfficeMouse visited!!! Yay for family reunions!

MONDAY’S EVENT: November 3 at 7:00 pm: Barnes & Noble, McLean, VA 703-506-2937

TUESDAY’S EVENT, November 4: Politics & Prose, Wash. DC – this is not a formal event, because it’s election day and that would be nuts. But I should be signing stock there around 12:30, if you want to come out and chat. 202-364-1919

Book Tour Day 11 – Recombobulation

Friday was mostly a travel day. At the Milwaukee airport I went through security and came across the best airport sign I’ve seen in a long time.

The Recombobulation Area is where you pull yourself together after having been discombobulated (removing shoes, jacket, laptop from your backpack, etc.). Brilliant!

Two more quick shots. I found this in my hotel room.

Pretty, right? It gets better.

A chocolate box! Loaded with M&Ms! Thank you, Delaware!

TODAY’S EVENT: Saturday, November 1: several appearances during the day: Delaware Book Festival, Dover, DE.

MONDAY’S EVENT: November 3 at 7:00 pm: Barnes & Noble, McLean, VA 703-506-2937