Greetings from lovely Maine, where my wife and I (and the dog) are spending a few blissful days reading, writing, and relaxing before we return to Missouri and face the madness that is the start of the new academic year. In addition to all the fun and games that having four children in four different schools entails (= military-precision planning that Rommel would have been proud of) and training for the New York Marathon, I also have some book events to look forward to in the next couple of months, because, you know, we weren’t going to be busy enough.

First up, I’ll be in Chicagoland on Sunday, August 27, at the Book Bin in Northbrook, IL. This is a fun event called Books n Bottles, the idea being that people will be able to drink wine while they listen to me talk about SETTING FREE THE KITES. My hunch is that the addition of wine will make me far more interesting. I’m certainly hoping so. There are actually two events scheduled, the first at 3.00 p.m. and the second at 5.00 p.m.  This will be my only appearance in the area, and I’d love to see you there.

Next up, I’ll be in Topeka, KS on Saturday, September 9, for the Kansas Book Festival. I love book festivals. (I love them so much I started one.) They’re always a wonderful opportunity to meet new readers and connect with authors. I’ll be discussing the book at noon, with a book signing afterwards, at 1 p.m.

On the subject of book festivals, St. Louis is launching a new one, Bookfest St. Louis, on September 23, and I’m thrilled to have been invited to participate in the inaugural event. Presented by the wonderful Left Bank Books, there are all sorts of fabulous writers attending, including my friends George Hodgman and Whitney Terrell (both of whom have written spell-binding, unmissable books which you should absolutely go out and read now.) And, oh yes, Sherman Alexie will be kicking things off the night before with what I know will be a wonderful event at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

I’d love to see you on the road!