It is late Wednesday afternoon. We are sitting in a parking lot in Fountain Hills, Arizona. For the first time I am dictating my blog on the iPad, because my computer is back at the hotel.
The next event, the fourth one of the day will be starting soon. The question is will I be able to do it again for the fourth time? The truth is, I probably will. Two weeks ago I saw my friend Janis Ian, bone weary after being awake for almost 24 hours, stand up and do a dynamite performance. If she can do it, I suppose I can too.
If you have been following my travels you know that I’ve done 10 events in the past four days. Not bad for an old girl. But I just want to say before I give out and so does my battery, a sincere thank you to all of those of you who have bought Cold Betrayal during its first few days on sale. We won’t know until sometime next week whether or not we made the bestseller list, but if we do you can bet your sweet bippy that I will let you know.
Now where is that microphone? Let’s go do a sound check.
That was a VERY tired and whiney blog. Sorry about that. So here’s a PS.
Yesterday was a long day with the first appearance at 9 AM, an hour from our hotel, and a 7 PM talk an hour from the same hotel in the OTHER direction, plus two more apperances and hundreds of books signed in between. All told we drove 143 miles and did four events that day. No wonder I was tired. We staggered into the hotel at 9:30, had two full bowls of chicken soup, and fell into bed. Zonked.
Today was a light day. The first event was at 10 AM—same direction as yesterday’s 9 AM but a little farther away from the hotel. The next signing was at 2 PM and an hour plus away in the completely opposite direction. Contrast that with yesterday: we went from central Phoenix to Sun City, Sun City to Tempe, Tempe to Mesa, and finally Mesa to Fountain Hills. I can tell you that’s a whale of a commute.
So today was a LIGHT day—only two signings and 243 miles in the car. It’s a good thing Bill and I are a pair of tough old birds, and Bella was very fortunate to be home here in Tucson in her own yard instead of out with us burning up our steel-belted radials.
The events have been crowded but fun. I’ve met so many wonderful people in the last several days. Yes, I do the talking and the signing while Bill does the driving, and that totals 903 miles driven so far, Saturday to Thursday.
So tonight we’re home in Tucson, sitting in chairs that aren’t moving, watching a TV set that has fast forward and our own recordings waiting for us. When we got out of the car, we received an unexpected but incredible gift—orange blossoms. The orange trees in our back yard are blooming, and there nothing that compares with evening air perfumed with orange blossoms.
Once again, I appreciate all the people who have shown up at events this week. It means so much when I’m able to speak to a roomful of laughing, appreciative, applauding people. That’s what holds me up, folks, the energy that comes back to me from the people sitting out front. When I’m tired beyond belief, when my voice sounds as though I’ve been a life long smoker—which I’m not—there nothing like an energetic audience to keep me up and at ‘em.
Thank you.
Love the book. I can’t imagine all that driving in the Phoenix area. It’s like rush hour all day long down there. Nothing better than having someone else do the driving. I’m sorry I was already home by the time your wifi go started.
Sorry about the typo. I meant I’m sorry about missing your signings in the Phoenix area!
Got the book — half way through. Excellent as usual!
You are most Welcome. I sat down and read Cold Betrayal. I read it in one sitting .. Only breaking for food preparation… (my husband rather eat than read) I love your books. Someday I hope to be in the audience at one of your readings. I have no doubts that you will be on the bestsellers list. At least #1..
My husband is recovering from a reversed shoulder replacement surgery. Reading one of your books and going into one of Ali’s adventures or off to Seattle with Beau for 4 hours or so is a real pleasure for me. Soon he’ll be back to his busy self and I will hopefully still have my sanity. . Have a great week and enjoy the tours… Jan
I have never been much of a reader. Until I feel upon your books. I love each and every one. Thank you for giving me so much enjoyment.
Good heavens, that’s a lot of miles, and a whole lot of “public face” hours. I fully understand your weariness, and hope you have a few well-earned breaks in your promo tour. And coming home to orange blossoms almost made it all worthwhile, no?
Are the publicists for your publisher on vacation? This is a lot of work even for a young gal. Being an empty nester (except for the dog helps) but what a pain. Looking at your schedule for the PSW, it seems to be as hectic with a lot of commuting. Take care of yourself please!
Just downloaded your latest – so anxious to get started reading, want to find time to curl up in a corner and just enjoy for the next 5 hours 🙂
I had a flashback reading this blog regarding orange blossoms. Did orange blossoms play a part of one of your books? Maybe “Queen of the Night?” I don’t remember how, but seem to remember them being in a prologue or something. Just wondering. I’m looking forward to reading your newest book. I don’t have it yet, but will soon.
I saw you Thursday morning and you didn’t look weary! Enjoyed your presentation thoroughly! As I predicted the signed copy of Cold Betrayal arrived in mail yesterday. The bookmark you signed is marking the first page. I’ll begin reading this afternoon. I know I will enjoy it as much as all your other books. Thank you for sharing your storytelling!
I got worn out just reading your schedule. I hope you are pacing yourself and not getting too tired. It must be gratifying to meet and greet so many people who enjoy your books. You must feel it is worth all of the work when you see them.
I write letters to editors on the state of affairs in my area. I try to point out the humor of the situations. I am not deadly serious. I’ve had a few comments from folks who say they enjoy the letters so I know how you feel when you get positive feedback. I think a lot of authors never know what their readers think. You are so lucky.
Just finished Cold Betrayal, loved it as usual. I don’t know how you do it all, not only writing great books, but meeting and greeting your fans on the tours. I’m very much looking forward to the next time you can come to Spokane. I promise that , if at all possible, I will be in the audience!
I am sad that I missed your book signing in Mesa yesterday. Work takes priority….Hopefully, I will be able to attend the next one. I plan to start reading Cold Betrayal this weekend.
I enjoyed meeting you in person in Oklahoma City after visiting with you online. You inspire me.
Orange blossoms reminds me of when Sherbie and I used to go to Aunt Chilada’s at the Pointe @ South Mountain in Phoenix. We would request to sit outside where the orange trees were all around us and the smell was unbelievable. Sometime in the evening we would have trouble getting someone to serve outside as it was cold, but it was well worth it. An occasional blossom would fall on the food and if unnoticed would be very sweet.
It’s late. I should be asleep, but I’m not sleepy. I guess wound up is the word. Thank you for all your kind comments. And for the record, the Tucson Festival of Books is AMAZING.
I was one of the “book-signing virgins” at the Sierra Vista library today, and enjoyed your presentation very much! I’m glad I had a rare day off work and that a friend’s mom posted information about the event. I’m looking forward to reading Cold Betrayal, and I now have another way to identify myself–I’m a DTR! 🙂
I enjoyed your talk at The Tucson Festival of Books so much. I got hooked first on your Joanna Brady series because I love spending time in Bisbee. One of the things that makes you such a great writer is that by the end of the first chapter the reader already likes the main character and cares what happens to them. Some books lose me because I don’t really care what happens to the character because they are boring. Great meeting you and I’ll cherish my signed copy of Second Watch which i’ve just started to read. Can’t wait to read Cold Betrayal!
Just wanted to send you a note that my husband and I are currently on our way to Bisbee. We are traveling across the U.S. and we couldn’t be is close to Bisbee with out stoping by because of your books.
We haven’t had time to read your newest book but it has already been purchased. Good luck on the Bestseller list.
Denise
Be sure to read tomorrow’s blog. It will have a lot of Bisbee specific suggestions.