By far the busiest week I’ve had in a while: 6,412.8 miles in ten days. Whew!
Some photos from the road…as many as I remembered to take, starting at the Tucson Festival of the Book.

The view from my window in Tucson

One of the courtyards at the Lodge on the Desert

Beautiful pots all over the place

This saguaro cactus towers over you. I’m told that the “arms” don’t grow on it until it’s old…60 years or so.

The hotel is one of the oldest in Tucson and was recently remodeled. Lots of lovely alcoves and tile work

Crystal Allen, Monica Brown, Kirby Larsen, and Natalie Lloyd made up the Mighty Girls panel. I couldn’t resist sitting in on a panel with such a good title!

What a panel! With Dan Gemeinhart and Ruta Sepetys (who taught me how to say her name)

At the author dinner with Kendal Washington White, Ass’t VP of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Arizona (and her son Robert)

The juniors and seniors from Tucson High School who interviewed me about Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass and Burn Baby Burn

Some teenagers really know how to win me over!
On to the Virginia Festival of the Book…

The students’ country of origin are celebrated on the ceiling tiles of Jack Jouett MS in Charlottesville VA

Great VA Book Fest panel on writing family with Lamar Giles (Endangered), Kelly Fiori (Thicker Than Water) Hannah Barnaby (Some of the Parts)
And wrapping up in Fort Myers Florida for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival.

Eric Elfman (who was my writing coach) and Neal Shusterman (Challenger Deep) I bought their whole Accelerati Trilogy. Here they are at the statue of Edison who had a winter residence in Ft. Myers

Mere moments after I got fully drenched by a sheet of water that slid off the tent. See puddle at my feet. No. I am not amused.

With the lovely Cuban American author, Chantel Acevedo. Pick up A Falling Star or The Distant Marvels!

So fun to meet Trish Doller (The Devil You Know), who also writes strong girls

Trish Doller carries this little one around.

Just managed to finish reading Mango, Abuela and Me before the skies opened up and lightning forced everyone inside!

I am not Meg Cabot (although it would be nice.) Perhaps this photo can help you tell us apart.
That’s a lot of miles! Glad you had such a wonderful time with friends. I loved your photos. Just got a copy of your book Burn Baby Burn and look forward to reading and reviewing it!
Thanks for making time for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival!
Had a blast! So sorry it rained for the very last part!
Love this post!
Just read Ruta’s book—oh man, it’s a heartbreaker.
x-
K