It’s that rare thing in the middle of a book tour—a relatively quiet morning on the book tour. I’m sitting here in my chair in Tucson with the lap top on my lap and a dog cuddled up next to me in a chair that was measured for that very purpose—big enough to hold both a dog and a human at the same time. It’s gray and overcast outside, the kind of day my childhood friend, Pat McAdams Hall, and I used to call “dill and lustless.” (My auto-correct truly didn’t like that one!) In half an hour or so, it will be time to go wash and iron my hair and set off for the next event.
Yesterday I did an interview for the local ABC affiliate, KGUN. It was a fun interview. I watched a taped version of it on our big screen TV last night and I can tell you High Definition TV isn’t kind to women north of seventy. But there you are. Let’s see, how does that old limerick go?
As a beauty I’m not a great star.
There are others more handsome by far,
But my face—I don’t mind it
For I am behind it.
It’s the people out front that I jar.
My publicist in New York just sent me a link to the interview. Given what I said above, you’ll probably be surprised that I’m going to include it here, but seeing it will give people who don’t have a chance to come to book tour events the opportunity to see the kinds of things they’re missing. And if you watch the clip on a small screen as opposed to a big one, those pesky and very visible signs of aging aren’t quite so apparent. Here’s the link:
https://www.kgun9.com/morning-blend/bestselling-mystery-author-ja-jance-talks-about-her-new-book
At events I try to give attendees some idea about who I am and some insight into the origins of some of my characters. I try to make it fun—more like a visit with a friend as opposed to a lecture.
I’ve been sitting here for a very long time, staring at the computer screen and wondering what to write. If that’s not the very definition of writer’s block, I don’t know what is. Since I’ve evidently got nothing pithy or bright or cheery to say, I’m better off saying nothing at all—a version of Thumper’s father’s sage advice.
So I’m signing off for now. Obviously the Tucson Festival of Books (four panels and six signings over two days) left me needing two robe days this week rather than just one.
See you on the road.
Thank you for putting that link to the Morning Blend interview. I’m sorry I didn’t know about you being at the SV Library beforehand, or I would have gone! I must say, no matter what you say about how you look between being of “a certain age” and the toll the book tours take, you are looking great since you’ve been walking! Keep up the great work!
You are such a treat to see and hear in person. Saw you Savannah, GA a couple of weeks ago. So much fun!
I so enjoyed your talk in Casa Grande on Wednesday. It was my first book signing ever, but not the last. I am really enjoying Duel to the Death.
Thank you for for all the years of entertainment you have provided me.
Your faithful reader
You know they say “Consider the alternative.” when talking about aging. I love that limerick.
I also believe that song “I’m Glad I’m Not Young Anymore”. You can find a clip of it on line.
I also be
What a nice interview!!
You look wonderful don’t ever bemoan those beautiful wrinkles because they show you have lived and learned and loved!
Thank you for all your wonderful books!
As I sit here reading your latest Ali Reynolds adventure, I can now see you and your family and friends on these pages. I had the privilege to se and hear you in Sierra Vista on Tuesday. It was an honor to be near you and learn if your journey to the written word. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
I’m a huge fan of your books and I really enjoy reading your blogs. You seem like such a grounded woman. I think that’s a lot of the reason I love your writing. Keep them coming, please!
Thank you for sharing the link, it was great to see you in person, sort of. I still plan to see you in real time someday, but I truly enjoyed seeing and hearing the person behind the name of my favorite author. Hope the rest of your tour is successful and you have some fun.
J.A
I know many people tell you about their experience with your books.
I wanted to tell you the same. My tale maybe a little different.
My first husband, Ron, taught me to drive tractor trailer, all across the continental United Sates and Canada, starting in 1979. At that time there were few luxuries. We drove company trucks and changed trucks almost every month. So I learned how to hook up my own CB and Am/Fm cassette radio. And when book on tape rental started we enrolled.
One of the very first books we found was your JP Beaumont book, Until Proven Guilty. Until his death in 2008, Ron and I would always look for one of your books to keep us company. Many long nights your books helped us drive through the night.
When I went back to driving late that year I would look for your books to make my life less lonely.
For awhile after I retired, I quit reading. I have started reading once again. Tonight I finished reading Until Proven Guilty. And I enjoyed it almost as much as the first time, 30+ years ago.
Thank you for keeping me company, safe and and almost sane for all these years!
The ancient sacred charge of the storyteller is to beguile the time, and time driving on the road is time in need of beguiling. I’m glad my stories kept you and your hubby entertained back then, and I’m glad UPG still stands on its own all these years later.
Thanks for sharing! Loved seeing you in “person” as it were, and you were so engaged (and engaging) during the interview. I can tell you are doing so well with your walking. Its made such a difference. Rest well!
coming to see you when you come to see us in Prescott Valley! BTW, our mom, who used to yell at me not to read so much (yup, addicted) is now trying to catch up for all the years she didn’t read. We will see you on Wed., March 21! Oh, and thanks for what you do!
I have never attended a book signing, but I have been a fan of your books for a long time. My mom and I were just discussing your latest JP Beaumont book the other day and how much we like all of your characters.
As far as the aging thing goes, one of the sisters (nuns) in our monastery likes to say, “The key to living longer is having more birthdays.” She’s 94, seems about 50, and loves every minute of life. Ali’s friend, Sister Ambrose, would like her very much.
It was so great to see you in Mesa Az this week, you have such a lovely voice and hearing you sing brought back such fond memories of my grandmother singing little songs to me as a child, thank you.
I just read Match Up and really enjoyed the short story you wrote with Eric Van Lustbader, I hope there are going to be more like it.
Enjoyed viewing your interview and was momentarily shocked at how you came to create Ali. I say momentarily because I’ve seen it happen here in Boston. A TV newscaster who went from morning news to evening news over the years was slowly pushed out when a younger newscaster was brought in to the point where she quit on air.
Thank you for writing such interesting books, love the policeman and computer series .
Your style is getting So interesting to read. It was always , but now it really great !
Wonderful reads for Wi winter