I love having the opportunity to gather with fellow readers and writers. Last November, I was able to do just that at Reader Rendezvous in Chicago. I’m not going to be able to attend this fall. But they’re hosting it in St. Louis in November. If you live near there, I recommend it! Click here for details.

I also gathered with readers and writers via the Texas book tour back in April that Dani Pettrey and I organized. I’d never attempted a book tour before. It was tiring–involving lots of events and lots of driving. But I’m very glad we did it because it was a joy to spend time with so many people in the bookish community.

I’ll have the chance to hang out with readers again later this month…

On a day trip to Waxahachie two years ago, my mom and I ambled into O’Brien’s Book Shop back when it used to be housed inside a larger antiques store.

My mom mentioned to Lisa O’Brien, the shop owner, that I was an author. Lisa asked, “What type of books do you write?” When I answered with, “Christian romance,” she was enthusiastic. (Often times when I tell people my genre, they’re befuddled or carefully polite.) Lisa then kindly hosted me for a book signing that December.

Lisa now has a shop of her own in Midlothian. When she reached out to invite me back for another signing, I jumped at the chance. She’s lovely and I have a special place in my heart for indie book stores. If you live in North Texas, I’d love to see you at Lisa’s shop on September 27th!

Finally, I’ll be traveling to Georgia in February to serve as the luncheon speaker for this wonderful event…

I chatted with Beckie Burnham, a long-time Christian fiction reader, at Reader Rendezvous. She told me about the book festival that she’s involved with in Georgia and asked if I’d be interested in attending and speaking. I said that I would, she followed up, and I’m looking forward to taking part! If you live in Georgia, please join us. Registration isn’t yet open, but when it is, you’ll find that here.

What do you love best about interacting with readers and writers in person?