So, Like, I Was On This, Like, AMAZING Book Tour...

Jessica Anderson, Cherry Adair, Kathryn Caskie and Moi

Colleen Coble, Jade Lee's arm, Monica McInerney, Jordan Dane, Susan Mallery, Me, Elizabeth Hoyt and Kathryn Caskie

I shouldn't have to explain this one. I mean really, there's a nametag and everything.

Two cute guys who, surprisingly, were very excited to see me

Last weekend was one of the best weekends of my whole, entire, life! My publisher sent me on a book tour with 26 other authors across the state of Michigan! And look! Cute guys wanted their picture with me! Woo hoo!

Actually (and this will take the wind out of the proverbial sails a bit) the guys saw me and got all excited. One of them said, "My mom loves you! I can't believe you're here!" Anyway, these two adorable guys were so excited to have a photo with me (and apparently my chins) on their phone to send "mom," it was almost okay when they told me they were on their way to a wrestling meet. "High school or college meet?" I idiotically asked. The tall, cute guy said, and I quote, "Oh no, all ages. There will even be some old guys who are 40 there."

Oh well. Hey! Cute guys were excited to see me! Yay!

Once I got past the icky idea I was behaving like a Kougar, life went on. And it was wonderful. The Levy people who sponsor the tour of nine Meijer stores in three days spoiled us ROTTEN. Everything was taken care of from the hotels to the food to the transportation. I had a great time meeting so many wonderful authors. My kids and husband, however, are not so amused when I call out for my luxury bus or gourmet food. They still expect me to cook Spaghettios and clean toilets. Can you believe the nerve?

Probably the best part of the whole tour was talking to these brilliant, award-winning authors about the business. I'm still fairly new and am beginning to believe there is no way I'll ever learn it all. And yet these incredibly generous women (and a few fabulous men who put up with us) patiently answered my questions and didn't make fun of my wide-eyed, mouth open curiousity. And no one even tried to put a "Kick Me" sticker on my back. Not even once.

It's good to be home (at least, the guinea pigs think so - but they may just be after food) but I'd go back out with these writers any day, any time, anywhere.

The Assassin