Book Tour: Pre-Tour Anxiety and Elation

I’m leaving this morning to go on my first “book tour.” It seems as though it is something I should document, something I should remember.

I’m headed to Crested Butte, with a stop off at Colorado Black Mountain Ranch on the way. We’ll stay in Glenwood Springs tonight, eat at Juicy Lucy’s, and then take Kebler Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte tomorrow. Any of you who have read DANCE, might recognize a few of these names. Doug gave me a couple names of places to check out while I’m over there . . . because he’s decided we’ll ski Aspen, Snowmass and Buttermilk for my birthday this year (you will hear no complaints from me about that).

I’ve been up since 4:45 this morning, when I took Frank to swimming. Everything that can be done, is done, including all the laundry, several meals in the fridge, and all the work I could possibly complete. I’ve been behind since the start of the academic year at the academy, so to be caught up, finally, is a tremendous relief. I can go into this trip relatively stress-free.

I hope there are still leaves turning, just because it will be nice to see. I have no idea whether we’ve missed them all. The Aspen grove on top of Kebler Pass is the largest in the world, so if they are still golden, it will be a breathtaking sight.

I alternate between being ridiculously anxious and nervous, and being elated. My plan is to enjoy this trip, no matter what. I have few expectations, other than enjoying five days in a place I love, seeing things I’ve written about, and visiting favorite shops and restaurants. My understanding is that Saturday night we’re having dinner at Soupçon, and the chef is beyond excited. Django’s is closed for a couple weeks, seasonal break, I’m disappointed, but that means we’ll try a new restaurant perhaps, that I’ll write into the next book. 

Speaking of the next book, I’m starting the book tour week on page 195. I hope to spend time writing while I’m in Crested Butte . . . there couldn’t possibly be better inspiration for doing so. Besides, I have to finish FLY before November 1, so I can start on LAST for NaNoWriMo, a tradition I love.

So here I go, another book adventure awaits. I’m thankful every day that I get to write, something I am passionate about, something that brings me endless joy.