FRIENDS and BOOK TOUR

What a wonderful time I had on my book tour. At the first stop in Clinton, New Jersey I saw people I hadn't seen in years who came out in sweltering weather with thunderstorms threatened, just to say hello. Eminent domain was a hot topic. I also learned that they are reading my blogs! It's nice to know someone is out there. Welcome, welcome friends. Please comment and let me know what you think. This is a great place for a dialog.

The next stop was at my sister's library in Barnegat, New Jersey. The only people I knew there were my sister, Nancy Gallagher, writer extraordinaire of mystery novels, and her friend Lorraine. But the room filled with people and the questions flew. Another great discussion of eminent domain and various writing issues ensued.

The next morning Nancy and I headed for Pittsburgh -- our two stops being Neville Island where my ancestors lived and lost, and Carnegie Library. We were meeting some of my cousins and their spouses for the celebration of STOLEN FIELDS.

Some of the others were already at the hotel when we arrived and I distributed t-shirts with the book cover on the back that everyone would wear to the concert in the park on the island that evening. We did, and while we were there we finally met Denise in person after all the help she has given, and Chief Micklos of the local constabulary who promised the support of his officers. Unfortunately, Officer Kevin Thornburg was not able to be scheduled for the next day, but those who were would be of great assistance by their presence (and cute, too). We also met a descendant of the Hamilton family and pointed out that we were related.

After the concert the family went to dinner at an Outback near the hotel and gorged ourselves on steak.

The next day it poured rain. I was certain no one would come to the celebration of the book, but we went forward anyway. We ended up holding the celebration in the Municipal Building instead of the gazebo, and everyone found their way there. There was standing room only and all were eager to meet us and ask questions. A contingency from Neville Green was there to let us know about their new book coming out in the fall -- a pictorial history of Neville Island that dovetails with STOLEN FIELDS. We had a warm welcome from not only the people from the island, but from surrounding areas as well. And of course, several officers were in attendance. We hated to see the afternoon end.

It was a different audience at Carnegie Library. Several students came from the nearby colleges along with a more mature audience. This group was more subdued and less inclined to ask questions and discuss, but they did listen intently to what I had to say about eminent domain and the Cole family. Cindy the librarian was very welcoming and helpful.

All in all it was a very gratifying experience, and tomorrow I'll tell you about the car!

Jean