I've Gone International!

What a wonderful week it was. The amazing folks at Books & Books introduced me to some wonderful opportunities that took me to Miami, and yes, wait for it, Grand Cayman. I've gone international! The weather and the sun and sand were the perfect antidote to the cold and snow of the previous week in the Northeast.
In Grand Cayman I spoke to a group of high school students-from all over the island--assembled at the local movie theatre. They were so attentive, and respectful and I think interested. The best question I got was: what happens next? In the age that we are told kids aren't interested in reading, here was a kid who was interested in the story and wanted to know more. It was a great compliment. I did a live radio interview and then had the wonderful opportunity to talk with the local TV station. I dare say I felt like a minor celebrity. But most of all I felt very welcomed. To top it all off in Grand Cayman, I did a reading at the Books & Books outpost. What a wonderful audience they were. I can't thank Holly and Bianca enough for a wonderful few days. Can I come back when the new book is ready? Please?

Then it was on to Miami where I had the privilege of speaking to the Brickell Avenue Literary Society.  The Honorable Marcia Cooke introduced with the kindest words and I went on to speak informally to the group of 200 or so about the book.  Again, a warm and wonderful audience and another fantastic experience.  Then it was off to Palmer Trinity School where I spoke to an English class and then to the whole student body in the school gym. I am most grateful for this because I met a lovely young man, named J., who thanked me for coming--he said he felt less alone in his struggle to fit in because he had heard my story. I am thinking of him still and hope that he knows he's bigger than his struggle.
The week ended with a presentation for Northern Trust Bank organized by the smart and engaging Diane Cruz. I'd never been to Key Largo before, but I'm angling to go back.  Many in the audience had read the book so I enjoyed their questions so much.  And then, to top off the whole week there was dinner with Debra of Books & Books, my hero!  I gave her one of my I-love-you-man-calls when I heard that the book hit the NYT Bestseller list a few weeks ago. This woman is smart, and funny, and lovely, and I'm so glad to count her as a friend.  And now, it was time to travel again.  More updates on my visits to Chapel Hill, Kansas City, Wichita, Phoenix and Tempe (all this week) - stay tuned.