Shelley Shepard Gray's Blog, page 14
February 25, 2013
Local Library Visit!
As past of Clermont County’s All Access Author Series, I’ll be visiting the Union Twp. Branch this coming Saturday at 2:00 pm! I’ll be reading from Daybreak, talking about writing, and signing books! I’ll have lots of giveaways, too. Below is all the information…hope you can join us if you’re in the area!
All Access Author Series: Shelley Shepard Gray
Join us at the Union Twp. Branch on Saturday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. as author Shelley Shepard Gray reads from her work. She’ll also be signing her books.
Fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet our southern Ohio homegrown author. Ms. Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several series. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of author’s newest book, Daybreak, after the program.
Sign Up Now! Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by visiting the branch, calling 528-1744, or registering online. This program is for ages 12+.
February 22, 2013
Back Home
Ever since I woke up this morning, I’ve been having a bit of trouble deciding what to do. I guess I’ve gotten used to carrying around my tour schedule! Every morning, I’d look at it, then would usually be in a mad rush to get dressed and head off to the next event. This morning? I woke up in my own bed, drank a few cups of coffee, then went back to bed with a book. I guess I’m a little tired!
On Monday, I’ll write a little recap about the tour. I know what I’ll treasure the most were the opportunities I had to visit with readers. I was so thankful and amazed that so many folks came out to the events to say hello in person!
Today, I’m dressed in old jeans and an older sweatshirt. I’m going to pick up our dogs from the kennel and try out a new recipe from one of the many cookbooks I bought on tour. Tonight, it’s low-fat macaroni and cheese from Bobby Dean’s new cookbook. I was able to get a signed one at the Page & Palette in Alabama and I’m so excited about that.
I’ve also got lots of writing to do, Peace is due in six days!
For now, here is another photo from the tour. This is in front of Ingram, the very large book distributor. They were so kind to invite me out to lunch yesterday~it was a perfect way to end a really remarkable week.
Thank you for stopping by!
February 20, 2013
Charlotte last night, Nashville today
This morning, Tom and I said good bye to each other for a few days. He had to go back to his ‘real’ job, though he said touring with me was pretty fun. He definitely made things easy for me, and we discovered that we can still have a lot of fun together, even though we’re empty nesters.
While he flew home, I flew to Nashville, and Sharon, my incredible media escort picked me up. We’ve spent the day visiting bookstores and signing stock. Oh, and eating a delicious lunch. 
. Now I’m finally in my hotel for a few hours, getting ready for the last booksigning of my little tour! It’s hard to believe it’s almost time for me to head home.
Tonight at 7:00, I’ll be signing at the Barnes & Noble, Vanderbilt University. 2501 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN.
Below is a photo from last night’s event. I spoke at the South County Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. I was so thankful to have some of my best friends in the world there, as well as my husband’s aunt and uncle. We also had a guest with us~Lisa from NPR Charlotte. It was great fun having her there-she interviewed everyone in the room about Amish fiction!
Thank you to everyone who’s made this tour so special!
Shelley and Jana
February 18, 2013
Jacksonville and Greenville
Yesterday we woke up late in Orange Park. After working for a bit, we packed up and met Beth at the mall. Beth and I had never met, but she very kindly has been helping organize things in Jacksonville for the booksigning. Beth and her husband met us for lunch then we all went to Books A Million at the mall.
There, I had the pleasure of seeing Linda and her husband, who came all the way from Orlando to say hello. Several other ladies made the effort to stop by, too. Before I knew it, the 90 minutes was up and we had to rush to the airport.
We arrived in Greenville, SC late last night. Greenville is truly one of my favorite cities, and so I was so happy to be back. This morning I spoke at a Presbyterian Church’s book club, then hustled over to The Lazy Goat Restaurant for a book talk, lunch, and signing. There, I saw Ellen, who used to be our next door neighbor in Ohio! She and her husband moved about about 6 years ago and we’ve truly missed them. It was fun to chat with an old friend before standing up and giving my little book talk.
Tonight we have a night off! I’m looking forward to walking around Greenville and exploring the shops. Tomorrow morning we’re off to Charlotte!
Ellen and Shelley at Lunch!
February 17, 2013
Day 3!
Hello from Jacksonville, Florida! I’m sipping coffee and getting ready to check out of our hotel room. This morning we’re going to explore Jacksonville and Orange Park a tiny bit before heading over to today’s book signing at BOOKS A MILLION in Orange Park, FL. The signing is from 2:00 to 3:30 today. If you are in the area, I hope you’ll stop by!
Tonight we’ll fly to Greenville, South Carolina, one of my favorite cities. I’ll be part of Fiction Addiction bookstore’s Book Your Lunch series. Lunch will be at the Lazy Goat Restaurant at noon. Please look at the appearances section of the website for all the information.
Tuesday, I’ll be in Charlotte, speaking at the South County Regional Library 5801 Rea Road at 6:00 pm.
Here’s a quick photo from Fairhope. For now, Tom says it’s time for me to get a move on!
February 14, 2013
February 13, 2013
What A Night!
What a time we had last night at the Barnes & Noble in Westchester, OH! We had a crowd of at least 60 people, some who came from as far away as Indianapolis and Lexington! It was so nice to meet ladies I’ve been ‘friends’ with for years on Facebook, and so nice to meet ladies who would be trying one of my books for the very first time. The store made our space so inviting~copies of Daybreak lined the wall behind me, we had cookies and coffee, too. We even were serving tea out of lovely teapots! We had three give-aways…and even a dozen of the coveted paperback edition of Christmas for Katie available.
My husband came, brought out chairs, then helped bring out even MORE chairs as more people than expected came. Neighbors, church friends, and even a crew from my husband’s monthly poker game showed up, too! After it was all cleaned up, some dear friends joined us for dinner to help celebrate such a successful evening. It was definitely quite a night! Thank you to everyone who made last night’s event so memorable!
February 12, 2013
Book Release Day!
Early this morning, I did a phone interview with Dr. Alvin Jones. Dr. Alvin and I figure this was either his fourth or fifth time interviewing me-neither of us were exactly sure. That made me smile! When I began this journey about six years ago, I never would have imagined I’d have the opportunity to meet so many people, and to develop relationships with radio interviewers! It’s simply amazing to me.
I was thrilled to start my day with Dr. Alvin because he is so positive, one can’t help but be put in a good mood while talking to him. His enthusiasm is just what I need today!
Tonight, the book tour officially begins. I bought a new red dress to wear, and I’ll be baking some cookies, too. Later, I’ll go get my nails done and pick up some balloons. Then my husband and I will head over to Barnes & Noble in West Chester. Some of our neighbors and church friends are joining us tonight, and even some of my husband’s poker-playing buddies! I’m also looking forward to meeting some long-time reader friends who I’ve only met here or on FaceBook. My husband’s ‘job’ for the tour is to take lots of pictures, so we’ll post some tomorrow!
Now, though, I actually have to work. My revisions still aren’t done for Eventide. This is not good, I even worked much of the weekend on them! However, working on revisons is as much of a part of my writing world as celebrating when a finished book appears on the shelves. It’s all part of the process, and I give thanks everyday that I get to spend my days working on books.
I owe much of this to you all. Thank you!
Below is a photo from yesterday…I made a quick trip to the bookstore to drop off a poster! I’ll be signing it today and giving it away tonight.
Thank you for stopping by, and thanks for helping me celebrate the release of DAYBREAK, my 16th novel for Harper Collins! It wouldn’t be the same without you!
February 11, 2013
For The Love of a Good Book
Bemis Promotions, the folks who design my website, have been highlighting their authors for their Love of a Good Book promotion. Today is their inspirational day! Please feel free to visit their website, www.bemispromotions.com, read about me, Cathy Liggett and Jane Meyers Perrine, and enter to win a free signed book!
February 8, 2013
Anticipation
It’s back!
I’ve got that excited, nervous, tingly feeling in the pit of my stomach once again. After weeks and months of planning and emailing, a new series is about to launch…and in just one week, Tom and I will be off on the book tour! Suddenly, I’ve been consumed by details. I’ve been double-checking bookmarks and pens and schedules and speeches. And sweaters and dresses, too!
All of these things are good, though. They really are the things that writers dream about, and I never imagined they’d be happening to me.
Thank you, readers, for your continued support and for your enthusiasm. I’m so grateful, and I’m really looking forward to meeting many of you in person very soon!
blessings,
Shelley
