The last one, I swear

I couldn’t stop posting in LJ today without first thanking everyone who helped make the signing at Murder By the Book so wonderful last night, including:

Those who e-mailed me beforehand to wish me luck.

Those who attended and purchased books. I have to make special note of the lovely woman who was sent by her friend, whytraven; some wonderful people who work with Tom; Trish, who’s been busy for a while getting her play ready to debut in February (there’ll be MUCH more news on that as the date approaches); and the usual suspects including Amy, Nora, Jason, Lindsey, and Rhonda.

Everything beyond the first row was pretty much a blur, and afterward, I squinted at a woman who held out a book for me to sign. “Who shall I sign it to?” I asked. “Princess Patti!” she answered. OMG. This is the lovely Pat, who I met when I worked at Bookstop and who is one of the greatest friends, teachers, and advisors I ever had. As she pointed out, we haven’t seen each other for nearly ten years, but still… I vow that from now on, I will wear my glasses. I can lie about being 35, but my eyes haven’t seen 35 in–uh, a long time. Pat will probably never read my LJ, but just in case, THANK YOU for coming, and that’s it. I’m coming to visit you SOON.

Here’s another nice surprise from the night.

Alan, who I first met at Crossroads, the now-closed Houston bookstore, showed up to be sweet to me and pick on Tim. Which is how we all like it.

Afterward, Lynne treated a few of us to dinner at Baba Yega. Here you see my mom, Lynne, me, and Tom, standing behind The Brides (because I still call them that), Rhonda and Lindsey.

Since I’m spoiled by having my writing partners sit next to me at signings, it was a tremendous relief to sign with two bright, funny, talented women whose new novels are set in Houston.

Me with Colleen Thompson, author of several books including Heat Lightning, and L.A. Starks, author of 13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy. Please click on their names to visit their web sites.

Thank you to everyone at Murder By the Book, especially David and McKenna, for putting together a great event. And finally, I have to once again give props to the fantastic Dean James. Dean used to manage Murder By the Book. Though he’s now teaching and writing full time, he still made the effort to connect me to the store. It was good of them to host me as a local author even though I don’t write suspense or mystery. Dean has always been one of the most encouraging, positive, helpful authors I’ve ever met, as well as a delightful person.

Dean, writing as Jimmie Ruth Evans, will be signing his third Trailer Park Mystery, Best Served Cold, at Murder By the Book on January 6. I can’t wait!