Rocky Mountain High

Off to Denver tomorrow for the Associated Writing Programs conference. I’m not speaking, reading, or contributing to a panel. Nope. I’m on a junket with my girlfriend who IS on a panel. I get a spouse discount, plus free hotel. Oh, and a free frequent flyer ticket on Southwest. Okay, I’m thrifty.

Looking forward to hanging out with all my pals from the Macondo Writing Workshop—that hotbed of talent and good-time Charlies that meets once a year in San Antonio. Excited about seeing what’s going on in the reading and writing world and being part of the swarm of writers from all over the country.

From Someone Who Knows

Readers have told me that the atmosphere of The Palisades, the nursing home where my book is set, is remarkably similar to where their relative or friend lives—right down to the people who share Cora’s table and the aides who mop the floors. Last week I got a note from a woman who actually lives there herself:

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book. I currently live in a nursing home and the way you wrote it, it felt like you had been in my room with me! In fact, some of my aides were reading it and we took turns reading it together. I wish there were more books written like yours. Do you know of any? It sure helped passed the time away!”

The Wireless

I did three live radio interviews last month. Hit the prime time on Sunday morning: 1:00 am until 2:00 am. Who’s up then? People driving home after a night on the town, insomniacs, speed freaks, shift workers? Well, it could be anyone. Pat Thurston was a great host. She was informed and enthusiastic about Bedlam. It was fun. The hour flew by.

The other two hosts—Liz St. John and Jeff Schechtman were just as engaged and engaging. They take the art of chatting to the max and convey the intimacy of a two-way conversation to an audience of unknowns. They directed the interview to both the social aspects of Bedlam—where will we spend the latter part of our lives, who will make decisions for us, what are our options?—and to the actual writing. What’s my routine, how did Cora Sledge take shape in my mind, who is my intended audience?

Reminded me again of the great reach and potential of radio.