Saturday Signing

Our latest book, Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle, continues to work its magic. I think we're on our 5th week on the New York Times bestseller list, which is fabulous -- but even more fabulous are the connections this book is making with readers. I can't tell you how many times I've opened an email and found myself in tears as a reader describes what Nubs' and Brians story has meant to them. Sniff.

Saturday, however, took me by complete surprise. First of all -- have you ever heard of a book signing on an Army base? I certainly had not. But my driver told me she takes about 4 or 5 authors a year to Fort Lewis, south of Seattle. It is home to three Stryker units, among others. And it is HUGE! One person told me there are 104 stores on base and 175,000 people. Wow. Who knew? I certainly didn't.

I also didn't have a clue as to what a great experience I was going to have. My signing was set for 1200-1400 hours (noon to 2 for you non-military folks). We arrived about 10 minutes early and my heart sank when I saw that I would be signing at the same time as hugely popular mystery writer, J.A. Jance. (anybody else out there ever sat at a signing watching another author sign a bajillion books while you signed maybe one?) I stiffened my upper lip.

Then my driver said -- "Look at your line!"

Holey moley.

For the next 90 minutes, I signed and chatted and held back tears as person after person thanked us for writing this story. And for coming to the base. All I could think was: I need to be thanking you!

At some point, our individual lines slowed and Judy had me sign a book for her daughter and grandson and I had her sign a book for my dad (act surprised, Dad, on Christmas).














It was an amazing day. One I am still processing.

Oh, and on top of everything else, the manager of the PX gave me an amazing thank you gift bag, complete with very cute Army t-shirt, which I will wear as soon as the weather warms up. Photo to come!