A week ago, as I write this, I was preparing for my first book signing. By preparing, I mean dreading, worrying, and preparing for the worst. I've seen too many wrestlers do signings that no one attended or gave a damn about and I'm talking about wrestlers who were on national TV for years, not some nobody mystery writer (being me). You might say I did not have high hopes.
Boy, was I wrong? Now, it wasn't on the level with the Beatles, but I did have a steady stream of folks for the entire 2 hour session. It was a humbling reminder that I have some amazing friends and a great group of supporters. I cannot say Thank you enough to everyone who came out.
I took a few days off for a trip to New Orleans and the gulf coast of Mississippi. Mississippi is on the short list of places I would like to retire to in the near future and this trip enhanced its standing. Eating some amazing BBQ, swimming in the gulf, and just relaxing is my idea of a perfect day.
New Orleans is a city I enjoy, but I will admit it has went downhill over the last three years. You expect a certain level of debauchery in NOLA, but it was pretty rough this time. What you don't expect is to see a man defecating on the street. Four wheelers drag racing down Canal Street, the stench of marijuana and garbage everywhere, and being accosted by panhandlers and grifters every ten feet took a bit of enjoyment out of this particular excursion.
The city has some of the best food I've ever had, great music, beautiful buildings, rich history, and some really decent people. I hope they can get things back on track. I had hopes of returning to New Orleans in August for Bouchercon, but I don't know if that will happen.
I had a couple of rough flights to get there and home, but I was able to knock out writing a short story on the flight there. I like it, but will let it breathe for a while before submitting it anywhere.
I also knocked out reading an entire issue of Mystery Weekly on the way back. Both of these are significant, because I have had reader's and writer's block for a couple of months and it was nice to break through on both.
With the weather getting nice and concerts coming back, I realize I will need to force myself to write this summer. Time will tell if I'm successful or not.
Thank you for reading and I'll see you soon!