Just a quick post to let everyone know that we survived the first leg of the The May Queen book tour. In a few weeks there will be readings in Philadelphia (more info to come), Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. 
Monday night was my first author reading ever (on that side of the podium anyway) and it was an exhilarating experience. So many of my friends were there to cheer me on and that was absolutely the best part, though I really didn't hit my stride until Wednesday night's reading in Palo Alto. There were only three of us reading, so I had time to read my whole essay (with a couple paragraphs deleted so as not to put the spectators to sleep). I really relaxed and had fun with it. It's a powerful--and possibly addictive-- feeling to be able to make people laugh when you want them to. The staff at Books, Inc. in Palo Alto were absolutely wonderful and made us feel so welcome. 
The highlight of Tuesday night's reading in Santa Cruz had to be Winky, an eighty-year old woman in the audience with a twinkle in her eye, a busier schedule than my own (but probably not as busy as Ed's or Richard's), and some wordly wisdom to share with us. Lots of great stuff coming up, including a podcast with Ed Champion discussing the book and more with me, Michelle Richmond, Nicki, Erin Erginbright, Megan Daum, and Heather Juergensen. Also, keep an eye on The Happy Booker next week, where you'll be able to read my interview with Heather and find out more about her current and upcoming film projects.
For a detailed play-by-play of Monday night's reading--A Clean Well-Lighted Place's largest panel ever--head to Return of the Reluctant.
(Thanks to Jim and Linda for the photos of Monday's reading and the podcast recording at Hotel Rex!)
Update: Thought I should probably identify everyone in the photos. (Top from l-r) Carla Kihlstedt (of the band Sleepytime Gorilla Museum), Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, the screenplay), Michelle Richmond, Heather Juergensen, Erin Ergenbright, and Meghan Daum. (Bottom) Meghan Daum and Erin Ergenbright.
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