Go here. Make sure to scroll down to the photo entries. Am asking Stainless Steel Droppings Carl to extend the contest for those of you who want to join in. Till the end of the week?

Gotta run.

My ride to Mac’s Backs in Cleveland should be arriving ANY moment now, but wanted to say Hi and Thanks to everyone who came out this weekend!

I’m behind on emails and so on, but know that I’m reading them and will respond.

In the mean time, if you’re in the area, I’m at Mac’s Backs in Cleveland tonight from 5-7,and at Paperback Outlet in Warren, MI, on Thurs 4:30-6ish I think.

Here are some puppy pictures…me and Mr. Frodo!

On Book Tours. When driving on one’s own.

1. Check Mapquest and actually read how long it takes to drive from Chicago to Terre Haute.

I.e., when it says “3 hours, 54 minutes” don’t forget about those 54 minutes. It makes the trip much longer than 3 hours. It helps if you notice this before you get ready to leave.

2. Note that when driving from Chicago to Terre Haute that there is a time change from Central Time back to Eastern Time when you cross back into Indiana. Take note that you lose one hour when you do so….which makes that 3 hours, 54 minutes really 4 hours and 54 minutes. Oops.

3. Despite timing snafus, when you manage to make it to the book signing event only twenty minutes late, buy yourself a Lindt Dark Chocolate bar with Caramel to celebrate. And give half of it to Jennifer Rardin, who held the fort down while you tried to get your butt there on time.

4. Take little goodies brought to previous signing by darling Kristin B. (mini bottles of Godiva liqueur and Bailey’s) back to room after signing and relax.

Sittin’ in the railway station, waitin’ for my delayed Amtrak to Chicago. Very much looking forward to seeing those of you who are coming out tonight to the Borders in Oak Brook!

I’ll be in the coffee shop, unobtrusively sipping a green tea latte, wearing my vis bulla shirt. Come find me!

I know I’ve been a slacker–bad blogger, no picture of Mr. Frodo (our preciousssssssss), and way behind on emails and Twitters–but I’m working like a fiend on my new project. Writing my fingers to the bone and really enjoying it. I still can’t give any details–mainly cuz there aren’t any yet–but soon, my pretties.

Things take a looooong time in the publishing biz, dontcha know.

Anyway, so my apologies for being a bad blogger. Trust me, when I do post the pics of Mr. Frodo puppy, it will have been worth the wait!

So I’m on my way to Chicago, will be in Terre Haute tomorrow (Sat) and will be seeing a bunch of you on Sunday in Brentwood Mo! Yay!

And then on Tuesday….over to Mac’s Backs in Cleveland. Hope to see some of you there, supporting the little independent bookstore who’s hosting my signing.

And then on Thursday, back to Warren, MI, to the Paperback Outlet–who always gives me the greatest signings. Love the ladies there!

So what’s on the agenda for this weekend? Summer’s winding down! Only a little more time to have fun.

Anyone going to see Tropic Thunder? I’m considering it…if only to see Tom Cruise in a fat suit.

MaryKate (that smart cookie) suggested I post a spoiler thread for people who want to talk about When Twilight Burns after they’ve read it. So, ask and ye shall receive: GO HERE to chat to your heart’s content.

(No spoilers here, please.)