I attended two book signings in the past month -- Connelly and Connolly. I like going to signings and listening to my favorite authors speak. Michael Connelly's signing was last Wednesday at "M" is for Mystery. I got there early and ran into Michael outside the store. He did recognize me, which I'm honored by, considering how many people he meets.

Michael spoke and answered questions about the Bosch books and the writing life. I always leave signings happy, with a new (signed) book to read, and inspiration for my own writing.

A few days later, I took out my novel, which has been too long ignored due to a drastic case of writer's angst. During this time I have not actually been writing (revising) the novel, I have been jotting notes on bookmarks and scraps of paper. I sat down with a freshly printed copy of the nine re-re-re-revised chapters and these notes, and I mapped out the next few scenes of the book, which should give me two or three new chapters.

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This afternoon, I made the drive from Pleasanton, over to the sunny city of Corte Madera, which is just over the Golden Gate bridge. My friend, John Connolly was signing there. As usual, he gave a thought provoking, funny, and inspiring talk -- about his books and his writing, and empathy and fairy tales and kids and lost things and revenge.

More inspiration. Another new book. Seeing my friend.

It was a fun day. After a long drive home, we all went to dinner, for New York pizza and garlic knots. And then home after a long week. Tomorrow, I write!

Happy Friday!