The Good Fall

So, I caught the morning train to Toronto on Tuesday for an evening event at the Downsview Branch of the TPL. Dawn, my good buddy from university days, met me and we found our way to a patio downtown for lunch. Then, the subway to her place in North York and some relaxing time before we made it to the library before seven. The two librarians on the front desk had no idea about the event, so that was slightly disconcerting, but soon sorted. About thirty people were in the audience - adult learners, tutors, librarians and a couple more of my friends, Pat and Susan, who made the trek in from Mississauga. I have such great friends :-)

I read from My Sister's Keeper and then spent about forty minutes answering questions from the audience, everything from where I get my characters and ideas to how long it took to become published to my favourite authors. Lots of laughter and very relaxed time. I 'd like to thank Rachelle Gooden, Adult Literacy Services Specialist, for setting up such a lovely evening.

Today, I'm heading to Brittons in the Ottawa Glebe to sign copies of My Sister's Keeper and The Hard Fall. I already have several orders from people who can't make it and know some more friends will be stopping by. I'm thinking this could be fun, especially since Linda Wiken will be in the store. I'm not doing an Ottawa launch for these ones and am doing the signing to give friends and the public a chance to pick up the books. They've each gotten a five-star review on Goodreads! 

Here's a bit of one:

The second book in the Anna Sweet series is another great little mystery that is easily read in one sitting . . .  I found The Hard Fall to be slightly edgier than My Sister's Keeper. I enjoyed the quick build-up of suspense and interesting, complex characters. Brenda Chapman has created a very likable and clever heroine in Anna Sweet and it would be great to see her continue solving mysteries in future books.    
It will be a busy weekend ahead since we are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow evening. I'm skipping my second coffee now to go buy some wine and ingredients for apple and pumpkin pies. Family, friends, books and good food . . . does life get any better than this?