Lot's Happening...

There are so many cool things going on with the book. A load of book fairs and a holiday bazaar, not to mention all VCU homegames - the book is going to be in the Narnia bookstore (such a cornerstone in children's literature in Richmond). A big development yesterday - we may be able to have an event at Barnes and Noble (which would be a national connection if it works out) - keep your fingers crossed - that would be huge! There is such a buzz around the book - it's great. We have gotten such great feedback already and I really can't wait to start getting some messages about kids reading the book. I've only heard from adults. The team working on promoting the book down at VCU has been doing such a good job with coming up with creative ways to make it move - I'm trying to concentrate on community things for right now.

My son - a whole other topic! He's such an original and does things his own way - for a control freak of a mom; not such a fun thing! He marches to his own beat, that's for sure. He loves all of the Rodney Ram stuff, but I don't think he really gets it. Hopefully when he sees Rodney at some events with the book it will all seem to make sense - he does refer to me as an author -which is so cute. When we went to the pumpkin patch with his class, he told me to write "author" on my pumpkin since I was the only one I would know which pumpkin was mine. :) He was very sweet with his friends there... there was a little boy who got lost in the hay maze and went back in to help him (twice). It's definitely more like fall around here

What a week!

This week has been a little crazy and I'm really glad to settle into the swing of things. It's a little nuts to think of people emailing me asking me to sign a copy of the book for them or talking to bookstore owners with them telling me how many books they want in their store. It's what I definitely hoped for and continue to hope for. The best compliment I get is when a child tells me that they enjoyed the book - so far it's been my son, nieces, and nephews - but hopefully that will increase! I went back to the Franklin Covey system of organizing my life - I used it when I worked and it was awesome - I highly recommend it to anyone who is pulled in different directions. Now that I would consider myself really freelance (2 more stories in the works from magazines), I don't want to let any contacts or notes slip through the cracks - my system of multiple sticky notes and a notepad weren't cutting it. I love the planner and really missed it! I was living off of my calendar in the kitchen for family things (my son's activities, school activities, my husband's travel schedule and family obligations) and then sticky notes for everything else. This past week was very much sticky notes galore! I finally (tonight) cleaned all of that up and rewrote things into my organizer and cleaned out some cabinets by the computer and some files from manuscripts and ideas past. I am really starting to feel like things are going to happen - now all I have to do is make sure they do :)

And We're Off!

The book launched today! It all seems a little surreal still, but it was very exciting. My mom and Chip both went with me - my mom was my PR agent as usual... she can't help herself! Coach Grant was such a great guy - so humble and soft spoken but his words definitely pack a punch with the kids. They were a little awe struck with him - so was I :). The promotions group from the Sports Center did such a great job with this - it was so well put together and went off without a hitch. The children really seemed to enjoy the book and grasped what was going on. It is always cool to see kids getting into the book and talking about the characters. They asked if I could come back and do some workshops with the kids on writing - I would love that. Kids' minds are so creative and flow so naturally - it should be fun. Chip was so great today - he did so much for me to make me feel like it was the big day that I forget sometimes. I really look forward to promoting this book and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I have.

1st Reading...

I had my first "appearance" today :) I went to my son's elementary school and the librarian interviewed me on the morning announcements - I then read it to his class and we chatted about it. One little boy gave me a thumbs up when I finished reading - pretty cute. It was really neat to look over at Parker and see him so proud. He was very proud of me and the story which was an amazing feeling. Tomorrow is the book launch and I'm very excited about it at the same time nervous. I'm sure it will go off without a hitch, I will just be ready for it to be out there already.

Best date ever, but don't tell my husband!

My son and I had the best date tonight - great relaxing dinner... we got dressed up and went to a nice restaurant in a neat area -just the two of us. After dinner we shopped - my son's suggestion and he absolutely detests shopping - but he suggested it because he knows it's something I enjoy. I guess you can't really understand the enormity of the sweetness behind that gesture unless you know how much he can't stand shopping! I have been instructed to run all errands and do all shopping while he's at school... This was perfect timing. I've been really stressed with too many thoughts of the book and launching and what I can do separately for my friends and family who have been so supportive through everything - not to mention worrying about if people are going to like it - so this evening was so perfect on so many levels. It really went straight to my heart. Also the fact that there was a little while there where he would rather pull his arm off than talk to me let alone go somewhere with me. Great night!! I'll treasure it always...

The Book is In!

The book finally came back from the printer - patience is not my strong trait... but the book is in and I am so excited about it. It looks great although it is all still pretty surreal to be able to hold my book in my hand and actually have people look at it. This whole ride is going to be very unique, and I can't wait for it to start. It still isn't for sale, we are going to launch it at a local elementary school in about a week and a half and I'm guessing after that it will be for sale. Very cool...