Wednesday morning Ted and I boarded the shuttle from our hotel to the convention center where we met up with Bryan’s van and Christopher and Jennifer’s car. Since Bryan is a prolific author of a half-dozen books, and travels with boxes of all of them, I was impressed that he was able to wedge my suitcases in the back as well (one for clothes and books, one for door prizes, gifts, cards to store staff, bookmarks, etc.) I also had a bag of food along for in-car snacking. For some reason, none of the guys seemed excited about rice cakes or raisins or granola bars. Cheetos and Pepsi and double-stuffed Oreos were the nutrition of choice. However, Bryan VERY kindly demonstrated his ecumenical heart by also stocking the cooler with Coke for me. I decided to encourage young Amanda in healthy eating – and later in the trip was rewarded with moderate success when she informed me she had included a leaf of lettuce on her cheeseburger. Veggies! Yes!

Saying goodbye to my hubby was difficult, but there was no time to dawdle. Soon we were navigating out of Atlanta on our way to our first booking in Manchester, Tennessee. In the car (and via cellphone with Christopher) we discussed the topics each of us planned to cover in our 22.5 minutes each.

Happy spiritual goosebumps rose on my arms as I listened to my teammates at that Heart and Hearth Home Education Support Group event. Bryan spoke with great logic and shared useful information and a beautifully constructed PowerPoint presentation about making choices in literature. Wayne delighted the audience with his dramatic reading and fake accent. Christopher poured out his passion for each young person and his conviction that God would empower them to make heroic choices. I spoke to the parents about the heroic role they fill, and how God is able to pour grace out to others through even weak and broken vessels. I think we all felt impressed with the way God had woven our messages together.

Soon we were packing up and back on the road to Nashville. We began to share our “God stories” and on the way to grab supper, I learned that Christopher grew up as part of a Christian community that had profoundly influenced me during my high school days. We were delighted to find this kinship and shared spiritual heritage.

Also, at a large Christian conference back in the mid 1970s, I’d watched Dawn Sandquist dance to the song “Courts of the King” which was when God first inspired me to want to use my training and love for dance as a way to worship Him. Christopher said, “Oh, that’s my ‘Uncle Ted and Aunt Dawn’.” He had more surprises for me, when he invited “Uncle Phil” to stop by. Legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy came to the signing that night. It was SUCH an honor to meet him.

My impressions after our first day on the road? Christopher and Wayne were a non-stop Saturday Night Live sketch. Jennifer and Amanda’s gentle presences were a huge blessing. Bryan was an organized navigator with a wealth of patience and a sense of humor that continued to surprise me.

We pulled in late to Christopher’s editor’s home. I collapsed onto the air mattress on the living room floor and the next thing I knew it was morning. Jodie made us a wonderful breakfast, and then it was time to hit the road again. This first night of hospitality demonstrated what we would experience each night of our journey – warm and wonderful people opening their homes to us, feeding us, encouraging us, and just loving on us.

Another full day at ICRS with media interviews, cheering on my friends, and a Fantasy Fiction Tour group signing. This was a bit of a surprise, since we’d been told to show up for a photo-op and didn’t realize we had been scheduled for a group signing. We scrambled to find books – some publishers had extras we were able to use (although I ran out about half-way through the signing and just signed bookmarks for folk). Good reminder for me (the type A gal) to roll with things and be adaptable – something I need more practice at.

I had another fun moment that afternoon. NavPress was featuring The Restorer’s Son at their booth – so copies were propped up on shelves as a display. I was curious since I knew the book hadn’t gone to press yet, and I peeked inside one. Blank pages. 🙂

I decided it was a new version of the old “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. Or a companion journal for the book. LOL! Actually, it was very exciting seeing the mock-ups. The cover is gorgeous. I also loved meeting NavPress staff from sales, marketing, and editorial. They are all warm, enthusiastic, and gracious and I was glad for a chance to thank them for all they do.

Late in the afternoon, I was asked to mingle with CBA members in a lounge area and had wonderful chats with several couples who own stores. From there, my hubby and I followed Bryan Davis as he and his daughter whisked us away (seriously, Bryan walks VERY fast) to his van. He had lined up a book signing in nearby Douglasville, GA for that evening.

He has a huge fan base in the area, and it was so fun seeing young people come in to meet him – some near tears at meeting an author they loved so much. My hubby shared later how impressed he was with Bryan’s heart for service. He spends hours each day responding to emails and posts on his forums, reaching out to his young readers.

I still had only “on the fly” impressions of my other tour mates, but a certain knowledge that God had a good adventure planned for us.

My husband sometimes rolls his eyes when I greet my “friends” in the local bookstore.

“Oh, look! There’s Patti. They have two of her. Oh, and there’s Susie. I got an email from her yesterday.”

Hubby looks around, confused, until he realizes I’m talking about the books of my friends – which I greet with great enthusiasm when I see them on store shelves.

At a big chain store along the Fantasy Fiction Tour, we spotted a table of new releases up front. “Oh, look! Robin is here with the big boys!” Yep, Robin’s new book was NOT in the “Christian fiction” or “Religion” section, but alongside other general market (ABA) book releases by the front of the store. Robin and I both had our debut ICRS book signings last year and enjoyed being the “new kids on the block” and part of the “Bethany House class of 2006.” I was thrilled to see him (okay, his BOOK – although I also saw him in person at ICRS….the kind man came to my Restorer book signing, even though I missed his signing because of an interview).

I loved Relentless for all the same reasons I liked X-men and Heroes. I can’t wait to read Fearless. It will be my treat to myself after turning in copy edits on one book and revisions on another.

The CSFF Blog Tour is featuring Robin this month, so be sure to check out the many reviews and interviews!

Sharon

In addition to the great conversations, the book signing, and the meet and greet with the Fantasy Fiction Tour group, I also had some media appointments during the first day of ICRS. Here’s a photo of a television interview with Kim Gravel of WATC television. She was so warm and enthusiastic about Christian fiction, and absolutely lit up when I mentioned how the biblical story of Deborah had been an inspiration for The Restorer. I felt like I was chatting with an old friend.

The day ended with a dinner with American Christian Fiction Writers. The best part of these ICRS days? My dear hubby flew down to Atlanta to be with me for this middle section of the trip. (After some meetings and a writing retreat, and before the tour hit the road). Without him, I’m sure I would never have gotten to each appointment on time or found my way around the huge convention center. His comforting presence, along with lots of Halls Honey & Lemon cough drops, kept me going in spite of a sore throat and voice that kept giving out.

Tomorrow – Day Two of ICRS (and another Fantasy Fiction Tour moment).

Today I’m happy to announce a new release by Minnesota author Traci DePree.

A State of Grace
book #2 in Mystery and the Minister’s Wife
by Traci DePree

Unveiling her deepest secret could save her daughter’s life.

Kate Hanlon is at it again. Minister’s wife, stained-glass artist, and sometimes sleuth, Kate Hanlon discovers more than she bargained for when she visits a woman whose daughter is battling leukemia. Before she knows it she’s on the road uncovering clues that could be the girl’s very survival.

Book #2 in Mystery and the Minister’s Wife, A State of Grace picks up where Through the Fire left off as Kate and Paul Hanlon learn about life in small town Tennessee. Follow Kate as she comes to know the town and its inhabitants. Admire her persistence, intelligence, and strength of character as she slowly, but surely, begins to unlock the town’s secrets.
About the author: Traci DePree is the author of four novels, including the Lake Emily series by WaterBrook Press. She, her husband, and their five children make their home in a small town in rural Minnesota.

About the series: Each novel in the MYSTERY AND THE MINISTER’S WIFE series is a page-turner, a good old-fashioned “whodunit.” They’re books that bring truth to light, that reveal dreams, and that show that trust in God always trumps fear and anxiety.
Learn more about Traci DePree at her website.

These books are part of a Guideposts book club. Readers have two options for ordering this book or the series. They can join the series online or they can call the customer service number, which is 1-800-431-2344. There, they can sign up for the series, in which case they will get every book (a new shipment every six weeks), or they can request specific books in the series (i.e. A State of Grace).

Another photo of the signing for The Restorer at the NavPress booth first thing Monday July 9, from 10-11 am.

But still going back a few steps, before ICRS began, I was VERY privileged to share a morning devotion with members of the Logos retreat on July 6th.

These are independent Christian bookstore owners – and I felt so at home with them. My husband’s parents owned an independent Christian bookstore for many many years, and I spent some vacations working there.

I was able hear their stories, and speak from the heart about what a difference their efforts are making. My faith journey was deeply nourished by the books of Christian authors over the years.

A few days later, I was walking in to the Baker dinner, and met Brother Andrew. I heard him speak in the 1970s in Minneapolis, and followed and supported his work for years. Another chance to greet someone whom God used in my life.

Then the day of my signing for the Restorer, a sweet woman chatted while I signed her book. “My husband also has written some fantasy,” she said quietly.

“What’s his name?”

“Calvin,” she answered.

I stared at her name badge. Her last name was Miller.

I gulped. “THE Calvin Miller?”

I began to sputter and hyperventilate and try to express how much his books have meant to me over the years. She accepted my hysteria (and her copy of The Restorer) graciously. A little while later she returned. Calvin Miller was signing his new book at the same time as my signing, so she had him sign one for me and she delivered it to me. Wow.

The line continued steadily, but at eleven, I was supposed to head to a different booth for the Fantasy Fiction Tour meet and greet. Ted went to let them know I was still deep into the NavPress signing. They’d all forgotten I was doing that event, and had been leaving worried messages on my cell-phone as they were carrying in the swords and costumes and getting prepared. Ted explained my dilemma and they schmoozed the crowd without me for awhile until I could get there. More on the team, our swords, and the initial tour events in my next blog! But you can also see highlights on the video diary page of the Fantasy Fiction Tour website.

The photo shows me at my ICRS booksigning for The Restorer, at the NavPress booth, with friend Amy Wallace.

How marvelous to be back at home and have access to my computer! Before I begin sharing all the cool “God stories” of the book tour, I need to back up to the awesome experiences and wonderful people in Atlanta.

I flew from Minnesota to Atlanta on July 5th. My first treat was running into writer friends at the airport who were on my flight. Wonderful chats prepared me for the weeks ahead. 🙂

That evening I had the opportunity to visit with a sales rep from my publisher. She had read The Restorer and loved it. I consider it a HUGE honor when any of the super-busy folk at a publishing house have time to read one of my books. They are all hard at work promoting the many books produced by the publishing house, and could never possibly read them all. That’s just the realities. So it was a wonderful gift to hear her enthusiasm and passion. I felt very blessed.

I was also doubly blessed by my two amazing roomates, Susie Larson and Susie Meissner. I asked if I could be an “honorary Susie” for the week. These deep, strong, powerful women of God are the kind I love to hang out with, hoping a little of their wit and wisdom will rub off on me. 🙂 More about ICRS in my next blog post…

If you haven’t seen it, the last several days of the video diaries from the tour are now up – all organized in order on a special page at the Fantasy Fiction Tour site.

When I was a choreographer and ballet teacher, I sometimes taught a class for stretching and strengthening. The Fantasy Fiction Tour has done for my soul what those classes did for dancers’ muscles.

I had hoped to post frequently along the way, but the experiences have been so amazing, that many small encounters deserve their own post. So I’m planning a day-by-day recap, complete with the terrific video diary (produced by Grandath Films for us).

Yesterday I had several hours to relax at LaGuardia airport waiting for my flight home to Minnesota. As I pondered the tour, I realized how bonded I feel to my tourmates after this experience. Statesman-like Bryan, gentle Wayne, and energizer-bunny Christopher have been part of my every waking moment for the past eight days, along with sweet Amanda, deep Jennifer, and relentless Kayla. I hope I’ve absorbed some of the amazing greatness of each of them.

There are wonderful practical and tangible things to report about the success of the tour (great press coverage, enthusiastic crowds, etc). But I’m especially rejoicing in the intangibles, and hope to share that in the coming days. Here are a few hints of some moments that warmed my heart along the way:

God-moments. Praying and crying with a man who has committed his life to caring for his son with autism – and him saying my description of The Restorer IS his life. Oh, how I long for the book to bring encouragement to those pulled into adventures they didn’t expect! Prayer service at the Brooklyn tabernacle (we did an event for their bookstore). Hearing from readers how deeply they appreciate our efforts to write a genre that has been under-represented in CBA in the past. Bonding with three other authors who are deeply committed to sharing Christ through their books, but also in their conversations. Our prayer times together – sometimes snatched in a bookstore parking lot. Telling a group of homeschool families that their efforts for Christ matter. Sharing with a youth group at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. That they CAN be heroes for Christ as they follow Him. Hearing from book store owners and managers how The Restorer has impacted their lives. Or the woman who was reading it on a Manhattan subway and said her heart was beating so fast she had to stop to breathe before diving back in…

… and much more.

Please pray for Wayne as he prepares to do an interview for Fox network tomorrow about Christians writing fantasy fiction! He is the most good-hearted, humble, and earnest guy, and needs our support.

More as soon as I get unpacked. 🙂
Sharon

For clear and chronilogical updates on our east coast book tour, visit the Fantasy Fiction Tour website. You can also view the video diary for each day (Christopher and Jennifer have been editing on-the-fly and posting everytime they have a hook-up).

Today I have a moment at my host home’s computer and want to share some delightful surprises in all-mixed-up order. Since I’ve been living out of suitcase since July 5th, and have been in more cities than I can count, “mixed up” is my middle name. 🙂

Last night we were at a Barnes and Noble in Ellicott City (Wayne’s hometown) and a huge crowd gathered to chat with the authors and get books signed. As a woman approached the tables, I reached out my hand and said, “Hi! I’m Sharon. I’m from Minnesota.”

Her grin was full of mischief as she said, “I’m Gail, from New Jersey. Your cousin.” Then my Aunt Helen stepped out from behind her. HOW COOL!!!!! I haven’t seen them since my wedding 28 years ago. Of course we had a good laugh about me introducing myself to Gail.

What’s extra cool was that it had been a long day and I’d been missing family a lot. When we pulled up at the store, Bryan’s daughter and Christopher’s wife (who have been traveling with us and had spent the day relaxing) came out to meet them, and Wayne’s wife got out of her car to hug him. I stood in the parking lot feeling one of those “poor me” waves of lonliness. How amazing that God had an uplifting surprise only minutes away for me. I knew that my east-coast relatives were at a Bible camp this week and none could make any of the events. But Gail made arrangements and surprised me.

Speaking of mixed up, at a store in Richmond, I was chatting with a woman and asked where she was from. She said, “Richmond.” and I said, “How cool! We’re going there next.” She gave me a funny look and said, “um, that’s where you are NOW.” Sigh.

Saturday night was another one of those gifts from God. We’d been stuck in horrendous traffic coming up from Richmond (I think) and arrived at the store late. When we got there, dozens and dozens of children who are fans of Bryan and Wayne were waiting in line with their books in hand. I didn’t spot anyone needing me to sign a book, so I asked Michelle and Donna where the restroom was. They took me back into the employee area, and when I came out, they each hugged me and told me they’d read The Restorer and how much it meant to them. I’ve been feeling fairly upbeat most of the tour – excited by the folks I met, the enthusiasm we were all seeing for Christian fantasy, the fellowship of the amazing tour members, and God’s many treats along the way. But that night my head was throbbing, I was beyond exhausted, and I needed those encouraging words more than I can say.

The staff had created a rack behind our signing table for our swords to hang while we signed, had a row of endcaps from one end of the store to another featuring our books (TONS of them!!!) swords on the floor to lead people to the signing, and four beautiful banners created just for us (which they gave us each to keep). But more than that, they spoke to me about the value of what I’m doing and that they saw and appreciated the sacrifice involved and were supporting me through prayer. It ministered to my heart in an incredibly deep way.

Just a few glimpses of the amazing surprises that have been meeting us at every turn. There’s so much more to tell, but I need time to sort out all my impressions and organize my thoughts. My sinus infection thingy is ALL better and my throat has stopped hurting. Considering the primary food groups in our van have been Cheetos and Pepsi, and that sleep has been a rare commodity, it’s amazing how quickly I’ve recovered. Last night I was up off and on through the night with some stomach probs…so those of you praying for my health, please direct prayers that direction. 🙂

I think the best thing about the tour has been feeling a refreshing in my spirit and new strength in my faith. The vagabond life is rich with opportunities to need to trust God in new ways, and it has rattled me out of my comfort zone in good ways. I’ve also enjoyed being in a setting of “community” with our tour group. Hearing each of them speak Sunday morning to a youth group in Washington D.C., I marveled at the beautiful souls and diverse gifts that God created in them, and felt so honored to be having this adventure with them.

Today we have three events before we finish the day in Delaware (I think)and tomorrow we’re in New York city. Keep praying! Thank you to all who’ve prayed. I’m so grateful.
Hugs, SHaron