Depending on the Kindness of Strangers, or Stumping For Ashes

Last week, while you were sweltering in our new global climate, I was in Seattle and Portland, wearing a light jacket and feeling God in each cool breeze. I'm told September is particularly gorgeous in this partof the country. For me, that would be a bad thing. I would probably swoon alot in public, and be removed for my own safety.
My first signing event was at the Seattle Mystery Book Shop. I knew my name wasn't going to pull people into the store, so I assailed unsuspecting tourists (and...