RWA Conference

With copies of BROMPTON MANOR supplied by Avalon Books, the publisher, I enjoyed the heady experience of sitting behind one of the long tables with my book on display during the literacy autographing at the RWA Conference.

I did not have the line that Nora Roberts gets each year, nor the line Sherrilyn Kenyon attracted. But Ms. Kenyon was wearing an eye catching head dress--a life-sized (at least it appeared life-sized) replica of a black swan. I do hope the swan was a replica and not the product of a taxidermist--anyway....

To my happy surprise--always--several people picked up my book to purchase. The attractive cover is a big draw and a super sales tool.

I'm not sure of the exact number of authors who participated this year, but for earlier years I have heard the number 400. This year's event raised $56,o00 from the sale of authors books--all donated. The proceeds are given to organizations whose purpose is to promote literacy.

I feel privileged to have been a part of this wonderful event.

Come Out Of Your Shell

Observe the turtle -

He only goes forward when he sticks out his neck.

The Wild Ride Continues

American Library Association Conference--here I come. After my WOW experience at BookExpo, I am jazzing about ALA.

Monday, June 25 from 9:30 to 10:30, I will be at the Romance Writers of America booth signing BROMPTON MANOR.

Avalon Books, publisher of BROMPTON MANOR and many other wonderful books, has been supportive and generous in providing copies of BROMPTON MANOR for me to sign at both the ALA and Book Expo.

Henceforth, 2007 will be referred to as the year of my book.

Good reading and happy memories.

Me and BookExpo

A weekend in New York City--hmm. So, as a reason to make a trip to the grandaddy of big cities, I applied for an opportunity to sign BROMPTON MANOR in the Romance Writer's of America booth at BookExpo--a stupendous feast of a convention for people connected to the book business.

What a fabulous experience. A line formed in front of my table--one person in the line showed me her spreadsheet schedule with BROMPTON MANOR printed in the 9:15 box. Before my alloted signing time of forty-five minutes was up, I was out of books and my ego was struming a merry tune.

The hustle and bustle of New York City paled in comparison.

Warp Speed

When life speeds up, grab the steering wheel with two hands and enjoy the ride for a long as it lasts.

Chocolate Chip Pie

If you live in Kentucky, you might put bourban in this pie, but it is good enough without the bourban--so good in fact you might eat more than your share.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

You will need a single 9-inch pie crust--bought or homemade--unbaked--fitted into a pie tin.

Then mix together 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Stir in 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Pour mixture into the pie shell and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Let cool before diving in.

Book Signing

BookExpo in New York. I'll be there and signing BROMPTON MANOR. The book is available on Amazon for purchase or check your local library. If they don't have a copy, ask them to order a copy or two.