Yup, there’s a B&N right on the ground of Opry Land USA in Nashville and I’m there, well, my book is. I was actually at the Grand Ol’ Opry once as a kid on a family vacation. I think we saw Waylon Jennings in concert.

The southern swing of the RV tour continued today through Tennessee and Kentucky. No report on rib joints, but once again my folks were greeted warmly. Special thanks to:

Valerie at B&N in Chattanooga; Store Manager Stephen at BAM in Chattanooga (2020 Gun Barrel Road); Community Relations Manager Leslie Walker at B&N in Murfreesboro; Merchandising Manager Pat W. at B&N in Nashville (at the Grand Ol’ Opry); Store Manager Shelia Burden at Waldens in Bowling Green; Assistant Store Manager Jennifer Bailey and Community Relations Manager Melissa Rush at B&N in Bowling Green Scottsville Road); Merchandising Manager Robyn Senior at B&N in Elizabethtown

I was at a going away party tonight for a friend of mine here in the city. It was a bit bittersweet, but I’m thrilled for her and the new adventure she’s embarking on. It reminded me that everyday is an adventure, and you need to make the most of it…and now I sound like a big fortune cookie, but there you are.

There is a rib joint in Macon, Georgia called Sticky Fingers that makes a mean dead pig, or possibly cow (I didn’t get the specifics). My parents assured me, however, that they washed their hands before going into any bookstores (you’d be surprised at the condition of some of the returned books we get in our warehouse…or maybe you wouldn’t if you’re one of those coffee sipping, muffin eating, gum chewing types or worse, a page corner folder) but I digress. The south was charming as two northerners and their RV marched across Dixie. Thanks today go to:

Betty at BAM in Savannah; Community Relations Manager David Hill at B&N in Savannah; Katie at B&N in Macon; Assistant Store Manager Maureen and Bookseller Victor at B&N in Atlanta (3685 Marketplace Blvd); Bookseller Amber and Merchandising Manager Yem at B&N in Atlanta (2952 Cobb Pkwy); Mark Porter Bookseller and Manager Lee Yeager at Borders in Kennesaw 605 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW)

In running news, I did manage a decent run on the treadmill today without appearing to aggravate my shin splints. I’m working in a new pair of shoes and they, along with heavy icing and liberal quantities of NSAIDs seem to be helping. Of course, I’m not out pounding the pavement yet which will be the real test.

I’m thrilled to announce that The Light of Burning Shadows will be the featured alternate selection in the month of August for the SF Book Club. A Darkness Forged in Fire was picked last year for the club, too. This is a pattern I could get used to.

I’m not sure, but I think the way it works is if the featured selection is unable to perform its duties (or risque photos appear of the book without its cover) my novel steps in and fulfills the role of main selection. I am prepared for the swimsuit competition, and my talent is answering questions without thanking a deity of any kind. Oh, and I like puppies and world peace…unless the puppies start something and then it’s game on.

My mom called from the road to give me an update earlier today, and our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hello?
Mom: Hello, Christopher. We’re in Gainesville right now- Bob! Watch out for that truck.
Dad: I see it and he sees me.
Mom: You just cut him off.
Dad: No I didn’t, besides, my rig is bigger than his rig.
Mom: That’s hardly the point.
Dad: He saw me, it’s fine. What did that sign say?
Mom: What sign?
Dad: Back there. Was that the turnoff?
Mom: I don’t know, I was looking at the truck.
Dad: I saw the truck. What I didn’t see was the sign for our turn off.
Mom: You have to watch where you’re going.
Dad: I thought you were doing that.
Mom: What? Maybe we should pull over and check the GPS.
Dad: We don’t need to pull over. We’ll take the next exit.
Mom: Ok, but watch out for trucks. Christopher, we’ll talk to you later.
Me: Who is this?

A subsequent phone call informed me that they have made it safely to Brunswick, Georgia after having visited another seven stores. Again, many thanks to everyone they met along the way. I suppose it’s long past the point where I should be surprised, but everywhere they go they are greeted warmly and treated with respect by the staff. It’s also wonderful to hear that not only have they heard of my book, but they know many of the books I’ve edited including the Stackpole Military History Series. So to everyone who met Bob & Barb Evans today, thanks:

Community Relations Manager Jamie and Bookseller Joe at B&N in Ocala; General Manager Jason Strauss and Bookseller Susan at BAM in Ocala; Dot at B&N in Gainesville; Sales Manager Martha and Bookseller Derek at Borders in Gainesville; Manager Amanda at BAM in Gainesville; Manager Paul Beck at BAM in Jacksonville; Assistant Store Manager Jim at B&N in Jacksonville (10280 Midtown Parkway)

Day 2 of the RV Tour in Florida is now over, but not before expanding the parameters a bit. In addition to bookstores, my father has now branched out and is talking to people carrying books, in one case, on a motorcycle. Turns out the gentleman is a big fan of my military history series so it worked out well.

Thanks to all the friendly folks they met today:

Wilhelm at BAM in Kissimmee; CRM Mary Ramsey at B&N in Orlando (Orange Blossom Trail); Assistant Manager Yolanda at Walden’s in Orlando (Orange Blossom Trail); Store Manager Kenneth Curillo at BAM in Orlando (Kirkman Road South); Store Manager Tracy at Borders in Orlando (Sand Lake Road); Merchandise Manager Debbie at B&N in Orlando (West Sand Lake Road);
Marianne and Linda at Borders in Ocoee (West Colonial Drive); and last but not least, some guy on a motorcycle.

And for those patiently waiting, the cover for The Light of Burning Shadows and the world map are coming soon to my website. In the meantime, there are a lot of great books about to hit the scene, like CC Finlay’s new historical fantasy series which launches next week. I was chatting with CC’s editor today who told me Del Rey are really excited about it, and rightly so. Go get ’em Charlie!