I’ve been running a sort of trivia game on my daily joke page in which I defy my readers to tell me the source of various song lyrics. In the process of wandering through my music collection for inspiration I realized how positive most rock and roll is. For example, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith prompts us to try something new once in a while, especially if life is disappointing. In his song, "Get a Grip" he makes the reason clear - "If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." Could it be stated any more clearly?

Both a flat tire and horrendous traffic tried to keep me away from the Virginia Festival of the Book this weekend. They did manage to make me miss Friday evening’s author’s soiree, but Saturday was such a good time I almost forgot about it. David Ignatius gave a superb luncheon presentation, I saw some great writers on panels and chatted up a few more on the floor. Of course the highpoint was the panel on which I sat with old pals Libby Hellmann and Andy Straka, and new friends Frank Muir and James Born. There were a few familiar faces in the audience, which made it even better! My only disappointment was that I never made contact with blog queen Bella Stander, who was scheduled to moderate several panels. Oh, well, there’s always next year.

BTW, although I can’t plug everyone’s book I have to at least tell you that Libby Hellman’s new book, "Easy Innocence" comes out this month and if you rush over to Amazon.com right now you can pick up the hardcover at one-third off. I’m just saying…

It’s been a pretty pleasant couple of weeks from this writer’s standpoint. First, I met with the Chantilly Writers Group at their regular meeting and took part in a lively discussion about getting published and marketing books once you are. The folks present were both receptive and enthusiastic. It was a great time and I think I made some new friends.

Then I had a very successful book signing at the Borders in

Sterling

,

VA.

I had all four of my mysteries present, and the readers in that area just gobbled them up! And there was a cool bonus - the fellow who originally invited me to speak to the

Chantilly

group stopped by to introduce me to his lovely lady, and picked up another signed book. It was great to see you, Dana!

My book signing at The Hard Bean Coffee & Booksellers in

Annapolis

wasn’t quite as financially rewarding, but it was still a lot of fun and again I got to chat with some great folks. The manager is trying to do a great thing for local authors by having a book signing every single Sunday. So if you live in the

Annapolis

area I encourage you to stop by the Hard Bean every Sunday afternoon. There is certain to be someone there worth meeting, with a book worth reading.

My other great news this week was a positive review from an old friend. Pam Moats was the membership coordinator for the Maryland Writers Association last year when I was president. She bought my novel, Blood and Bone, quite a while ago, but her life has been more exciting than she would like lately and she hadn’t had a chance to read it. In fact, she gave the book to a friend who she knew was a mystery fan.

Well, all’s well that ends well and Pam wrote to let me know that she subsequently purchased another copy and finally did enjoy the read. Thanks for your kind words, Pam, and belated thanks for your service to the Association too. I’ve made your remarks the featured review on my web site!

When readers review my books I like to share the news.  Today I’d like to introduce you to Ann Simon.

I met Ann at a writer’s event last month in Washington DC. She was struggling to find chunks of time to write. I suggested that instead she commit to doing some writing every day. She later e-mailed me to confirm that not only was she able to find time to write two pages every day, but that she felt energized because she could see she was making progress.

She also made time to read, and after completing my novel, Blood and Bone, was kind enough to post a very kind review on Amazon.com entitled "Satsfying Suspense."  You can also read Ann Simon’s review on my website.

Yes, today I’m signing my novels at the Borders in Sterling, VA from 11 am to 3 pm.  BUT, not to short-change my friends in Maryland, I’ll spend tomorrow at The Hard Bean Coffee & Booksellers. This will be a nice reunion, because the Hard Bean was one of the very first bookstores to welcome me for a signing. In addition to great books, you can also get a great cup of coffee if you stop in at 36 Market Space, Annapolis, MD. I’ll be there signing from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

First, I want to thank all of you who responded to yesterday’s request to help me win my publisher’s contest by ordering Blood and Bone from Amazon.com. You really got the tickers on Amazon.com spinning! I guess I should have thought to mention that Blood and Bone is on sale at Amazon for 15% off, but then, I suppose it was a pleasant surprise for you when you got there. The contest runs to until the end of the month so if you don’t have Blood and Bone yet, there’s still time to help out.

If you live in Virginia, let’s meet in person. Tomorrow I’ll be signing my novels at the Borders in Sterling, VA. I’ll meet and greet new readers from 11 am to 3 pm. If that’s your neighborhood, meet me there, at 21031 Tripleseven Road, Sterling VA.

I love that people read my blog, but did you know that my fictional detective Hannibal Jones also blogs? At least he did for a couple of years. He isn’t posting now, but the archives are still in full view on line. Aside from offering his opinion on various subjects, I posted several vignettes displaying how Hannibal mentored Monte, his pre-teen neighbor. I also posted a number of short stories (under 1200 words) in the process of learning how to write flash fiction mysteries. Hungry for something a little different? Want to really get to know your favorite fictional private eye?  Read Hannibal Jones’ blog.

One major party has made its choice and before long one candidate will emerge as the selection for the other. After scanning the field, I’d kind of like to have more options. How come we have to choose from just two people to run for president? We get 50 options for Miss

America

, and that’s a lot more fun.