“Just this morning I signed a TV/Film Option Agreement with producer [shhh!]. They have optioned Too Big To Miss, the first Odelia Grey book. YAY!”

Well, first off, major congrats to Sue Ann are in order. This is possibly the biggest news any published author could want to hear. I have, twice, been asked for review copies of my books for possible film options. Although neither occasion panned out, I was thrilled, nonetheless, to be asked.

What makes a book a contender for the screen? Setting, plot, content? It’s all and none of these. It is most often just dropping the book into the right hands at the right time. That’s not to say Sue Ann’s book got there by sheer luck not at all. I’m saying that all things being equal, and one of those things being a quality, viable story, good fortune does play a part.

The Odelia Grey series involves “women of size” and has met with great success with readers of all sizes.The news that Too Big To Miss has grabbed Hollywood’s eye will undoubtedly benefit book sales, regardless of whether the option comes to fruition or not. And that kind of exposure is nothing to sneeze at, either.

So “BIG” kudos to Sue Ann and her much-deserved grab at the brass ring. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Signing!

It’s so nice to meet new fans at a book fair. One lady hugged POINT SURRENDER to her chest and said she couldn’t wait to read it! Is that cool, or what? I sold a lot more books than I thought I would, especially with all the competition and the state of the economy. I regret that I didn’t get to see Michael J. Fox; he has a new book out and I can’t wait to read it.

Lots of fun hanging out with the other Echelon authors and the Fairy people, Bobbie and Harry Hinman. They have a new Fairy book coming out this summer, The Belly Button Fairy!

Always nice seeing my publisher, Karen Syed, and fellow authors Jenny Turner and Jeff Sherratt. New this year was Gayle Carline and Teresa Burrell, both with brand-spanking new releases. What a thrill for them! Another delightful person, Melinda Richarz Bailey was beside me, offering up the humorous and entertaining “WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.”

A surprise was meeting radio show host Megan Willingham. I appeared on Megan’s “Writers, Authors N’ More” program last fall. She is just the most gracious lady, and she is excited about my upcoming release, CAPE SEDUCTION. A real thrill to meet her in person!

Happily, teen author Alyssa Montgomery arrived midday on Saturday, selling her teen ebooks and impressing everyone with her wit and charm.

On Sunday, I took a break from the Echelon tribe and headed over to Sisters In Crime, where I signed for 2 hours and enjoyed meeting many new mystery fans. All in all, a fabulous weekend! Maybe soon I’ll get my voice back.