Balance

If you are a slightly shy person with introvert tendencies, publishing a book will not change that.  You will simply become a slightly shy person with a book to sell (and, if you are lucky, a large poster of that book to hide behind).  IF you are really, really lucky, you'll get to take that poster and your book to an event like last Friday's author night at Zorvino Vineyards, one of the most fun author signings I've ever been to.  (And I can hear you thinking, by the way. That isn't the wine talking – the only bottle I bought was the one I took home.)

Pear Tree Publishing pulled together what must have been the nicest collection of authors ever.  I saw some familiar faces, met lots of new ones, and had the best of times with my two table mates, who kept me laughing and plied me with sugar cookies.  The talented Daniel Palmer (he plays in a band, too — my family bopped around Saturday  morning to his cd) has a new thriller out, Helpless, that's so good, my MIL swiped it a day after it was in my house.  (Ahem — if you are reading this, oh MIL dear, it's a loan.  I was clear on that, right?)

And Allan Leverone's book, The Lonely Mile, has made it to the top of my to-read list next.  (The books I cleaned out last week?  They multiplied and brought their friends.) It looks spooky and scary and it's not one I'll be saving for a night when I'm alone. For a horror writer, Allan certainly is a nice guy, and he has a lovely family.  (It's gotta be an act, right?)

Finally, I devoured Tara Masih's Where the Dog Star Never Glows in one sitting.  Her collection of short stories is lovely and subtle and stayed with me all weekend.

And then, after so much social time, it was time to go somewhere quiet, also with good company.  We hiked for two hours, and the falling snow felt like a benediction. However your weekend was spent, I hope you found your balance, too.

Quiet time