Tuesday my new book hit the stands. TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN. I’ve been waiting a year for everyone to see it. Kathy Baker at the Legacy Bookstore in Plano called to tell me she loved it and thought it was my best. That meant a great deal to me. Writers, no matter how many books always worry about each book.
Now, the frightening part, stepping out of my office and into the world to autograph. I love it when friends come by to visit with me during an autographing. I also love it when readers stop by to talk about my work.
What frightens me are people who just happen to come by, usually drinking a cup of coffee while their children or spouse shop, and look at my books. They ask questions like, ‘What’s going on here?’ or ‘What’s this book about?’ or ‘How’d you get this published.’ They are not buying, they are just passing time. After I tell them about the book, they put it down and say, ‘Let me tell you a real story…” This is about the time I feel trapped. But, I can’t run. It’s my party.

I had a great weekend at a Writers Retreat in Red River, New Mexico. This is what I saw as I drove home.

I had a perfect day of writing this week and one day sometimes is all I can get. It’s amazing how good a writer feels when for a few hours they step out of the real world and into fiction. I got in a bar fight, landing on the coast in 1859 and was bit by a snake—I’m not sure what kind yet, I’m still looking at pictures.

When the writing comes, you forget all about what you have to do or what time dinner is or where your back hurts. Once in a while a writer just writes and on those rare days I know why it is I do this for a living.

I had a great time in Richardson at the Buns and Roses Tea. There is truly no better place for a writer to be than with readers. We may be writers, but we’re readers also and just as nuts about finding new books as any reader.

I came home Sunday night and read over the rewrites I was working on. Finished Monday afternoon and put them in the mail. I hope readers like REWRITING MONDAY as much as I do. We’ll see in April 09.

Tall, Dark, and Texan will hit the stands in less then two weeks. I can’t wait. The reviews are starting to come in and I’m very happy. It’s time to start working full time on the next story.

I spent the weekend in New Mexico. After spending so many hours in front of a computer it was delightful to relax and look at nature. Good friends, good food and a killer view.

The double rainbow was unbelievable against the stormy sky.

The changing leaves were so grand it looked like some of the trees were brushed with gold dust.

Three more weeks until TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN hits the stands. I can’t wait. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve loved characters so much. Teagen is going to make you laugh and cry and dream.

I just got back from the West Texas Book and Music Festival in Abilene. Great fun!
I enjoyed Don Graham’s remarks at the luncheon. If I lived near Austin, I’d take his class at UT on Texas Culture.

Several readers have asked what I listen to when I’m writing. Often nothing.
I enjoy the silence when the story is coming to me. Just like I always face the wall when I’m first creating.
Then, when I’m rewriting and polishing, I turn out the world and listen to music. The music changes by what I’m working on.
Sometimes, a line from a song inspires an entire scene or even book.

Here I am speaking at the festival…

And here I am with friends and fellow authors, Jeffery McClanahan & Pam Cumbie