Mrs. V and I ventured out to Round Rock to pick up a couple of signed books by author Greg Leitich Smith (Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo and Tofu and T. rex). The book signing looked to be a huge success, and it sounds like both Greg and his wife, Cynthia, should have additional novels coming out soon.
Speaking of Cynthia Leitich Smith…man, she is like the patron saint of all Austin children’s book authors. She’s a wealth of knowledge, and she is so personable. Just talking to her makes you want to yank out a pencil and pad and start writing.
Cynthia is also very spirited – she and Greg seem like a good team. I’ve already informed Mrs. V that she’s gonna have to be the bubbly, personable one whenever we’re talking about the book. I also ran into Sean Petrie and April Lurie (Dancing In The Streets of Brooklyn), and saw Nancy Jean Okunami just as she was walking out of the door.
And then, to my surprise, I finally ran into Don Tate, illustrator extraordinaire.
Most of you guys have heard me talk about Don before. He’s a great illustrator, a great author, and hands down writes one of the funniest blogs on the net. He was out with his wife and son, and was loaded with books. It was great to finally meet him in person.
Like Don, I don’t do so well with a crowd of people, so Mrs. V and I retreated to the back of the bookstore to peruse the sci-fi section. As we left, we met Brian Yanksy, author of My Road Trip To The Pretty Girl Capital of the World. Brian conducted a great writing workshop at the local SCBWI meeting last month, so it was nice to finally speak to him face to face. And of course, I couldn’t leave without saying hello to his wonderful wife, Frances Hill (The Bug Cemetery). She, like Cynthia, has one of those bubbly, outgoing personalities.
Oh, and before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wife, Crystal (though I’m trying to convince her to officially change her name to Mrs. V). Thanks to everyone with all the birthday present suggestions. It looks like Mrs. V has made the decision easy for me – she wants a new set of golf clubs. Being that she’s gonna be a high powered corporate executive, she needs a good set of clubs. And while I hate the price tag, it does keep me out of the mall, so I guess I came out on the positive end of this deal.
Of course, after we get the clubs, she’ll want new shoes, and a new golf bag, and then she’ll need new clothes….
We’re blushing and beaming! Thanks for your kind thoughts, your support at the signing, and happy b-day to Crystal AKA Mrs. V.
Warmest Wishes,
Cyn and Greg
Sorry I missed y’all on Saturday — happy belated birthday, Mrs. V!
Hey Mr. V, again it was nice to finally meet you and the wife on Saturday. Yes, believe it or not, we did finally get out of Maggie Moos. It was meant to be a three minute stop and turned into an afternoon visit.