Dispatch: Gulf Coast
The Books Alive event at Florida’s Gulf Coast Community College got underway @ 9 a.m. on a windy morning. Book lovers were already in class by the time I arrived.
There was a room full of gleeful people waiting on me. Some had been arm-twisted into attending. Some came thinking I was giving out free lottery tickets. But some came of their own free will.
I know that because Virginia Dixon, the moderator, asked, “How many of you are here because of the title of this book?” Hands shot up all across the room.
Most everybody likes to be read to, so I read them several pieces from the book but the one I think they liked best was the piece I read about The Ambassador. They laughed and laughed. Then they turned around and cried along with me when I read from The Missionary.
Lori, a regular blog reader, missed the morning presentation but she came by to say hello and to buy some books. She missed the session because she wasn’t feeling well but she was gracious enough to let me take a photo with her anyway so you regular blog readers can get to know each other. Thank you, Lori!
The afternoon session was more of a comedy routine with Daniel Wallace and Patti Callahan Henry. We spoke about how it was we came to get published and other tales out of school. Daniel said when he wants to get in a funny mood he puts baloney in his shoes and walks around.
Of course if anyone needed proof of his sense of humor all they had to do is look at the white board behind us. Virginia had put up my web site and Daniel came along with these editorial comments, which I didn’t know about until the class was over.
Last night we all showered and put on our fanciest get-ups and went to a party at this beautiful home on the bayou. The woman who lives in this home is the daughter of a very famous football coach. I won’t tell you his name but he used to coach in Florida and now is coaching in South Carolina.
I had time to catch up with Miz Milinda Jay, my cohort from Florida State workships. We shared some good stories, some laughs, and I’ll be heading off to church with Miz Milinda this morning. I hope you have a good day. I can’t think of any better day for the Saints to be victorious than on a Sunday, can you? (Sorry Peyton).
Books Alive, Daniel Wallace, Florida State, Gulf Coast Community College, Patti Calllahan Henry, Will Jesus Buy Me a Doublewide
It was wonderful to meet you yesterday! I’m still regretting not dragging myself off my “sick bed” earlier that morning so I wouldn’t have missed your book presentation. I’ll have to try and track down the video through the library. I’m spreading the word about your book on my blog … check it out if you get a minute on your travels. I need to get to know Milinda Jay … I could tell she’s a big fan of yours like me. Glad you got to go to church with her today. Blessings on your journey!
I reckon Jesus wants us to be victorious everyday but that is another topic.
I cannot wait to read your book Karen, I may need to wait longer than most because of where I live and no funds for internet buying yet I will wait with eagerness.
Karen, you look lovely, and the book event looks like it went well! I’m so glad! Your journey has been amazing so far, and I’m excited to hear about the rest of it. Lots of love to you!