June 10th, 2009

It’s good to be home again, but what a time I had on the book tour. I met some wonderful people in every town I visited. Larry Bowen at Readers Corner Book Store in Rolla, Missouri, Steve Meyer in Richmond, Sue Lightfoot in Carrollton, and Mary Kay Speaks at Barnes and Noble in Independence were gracious and fun to work with. I laughed more at Larry’s store than at any other signing I’ve ever done. Bowen and his staff like authors and are very supportive. Larry’s Bowen book store is to Missouri what Larry McMurtry’s book store is to Texas. I got to see my niece while I was in Rolla too. Nickol is stunning and kind. More grownup than any 22 year old has the right to be and full of promise. I’m proud of the person she has become. I knew I loved her, but I wasn’t prepared for just how deep that emotion would go. The launch in Dodge City turned out very well. Jim Sherer and Cathy Reeves went out of their way to make sure the celebrations were classy and inviting. The events were well attended and I’ll never forget it as long as I live. The highlight of my time in Dodge was when I got to hold Bill Tilghman and Bat Masterson’s gun. Tilghman is my hero and I’m glad Brent gave me the chance to handle the firearm. His gun was light and I couldn’t help imagine how many bad guys he brought down with it. What a moment. If only Val Kilmer had been there it would have been perfect!