One of the very best things about publishing a book is being invited to events where one can meet readers and other writers.  I’m particularly excited for this weekend, which is the Gaithersburg Book Festival, a hugely popular event in Maryland which brings dozens of writers from across the country to talk about and read from their books.  The line-up of authors is dazzling (if also a little daunting,) but I cannot wait to go and be a part of all the festivities.  From 3.20 to 4.00 on Saturday I get to stand on a stage (in the F. Scott Fitzgerald tent, which I heartily approve of) and talk about my book and then take questions from the audience.  Not long ago the prospect would have filled me with apprehension but after the past few months I’ve come to really relish these gigs.  Nobody has thrown tomatoes – not yet, anyway.

I’m especially looking forward to meeting my fellow Amy Einhorn Books stablemate Siobhan Fallon, whose book, the rapturously received You Know When the Men Are Gone, was one of my favorites from last year.  And I also can’t wait to see my friend Eleanor Brown, whose debut The Weird Sisters has been on the New York Times bestseller list since it came out in paperback in February.  In addition there are lots of other wonderful writers whom I have become friends with on twitter and Facebook, whom I am anxious to meet – Sarah McCoy, Madeline Miller, and Erika Robuck, to name just three.

If you live in the Maryland/D.C. area, please come along and say hi.  I’d love to meet you.

PS:  While we’re on the subject of literary festivals, I’ll also be appearing at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge this October.  If you’ve read A GOOD AMERICAN you’ll understand why this makes sense… more details to come as I get them.