I forgot to mention something cool that happened. A few week-ends ago, while Becka and I were doing a book signing table in Flint, a reader asked to have a picture taken with me. Thank you, Rae Lynn! This is my first ever requested photo with a fan.

I wouldn’t have guessed it a year ago, introverted as I am, that I would come to really enjoy book signings. I love meeting these brave souls who’ve offered me the chance to entertain them. And every once in a while, a reader or two comes up just to tell me how much they enjoyed the books, or how good it felt to see themselves represented, or to ask where the characters and story lines are going next. And that just makes my day.

By the way, the Flint Farmer’s Market was terrific, and I plan to do it at least one more time this year. December, maybe. I’m not just talking about my turnout — the market itself is exceptional, in my opinion. It’s got some of the best food vendors I’ve seen at any local market, plus a few shops with interesting arrays of kitsch, memorabilia, and just cool swag. Worth the drive up from Motown, or maybe as a stop along the way on a daytrip to Frankenmuth.