AUTHOR/BLOGGER SIGHTING IN THE CHICAGO BURBS! ....

Happy Friday All,

Yay,  for the forthcoming weekend. I hope you all have something exciting planned. If not, curling up with a book, baking with the kids, or just soaking in a tub could do wonders for the soul.

Yesterday, the Chicago winds blew in Liz Fichera from Arizona. She landed in Glen Ellyn, IL., a suburb of Chi town, just a short forty minute train ride from downtown. Liz's first major publication, debut Y/A novel, HOOKED was featured at The Book Store.There ... I "hooked" up with (No... not THAT way),  blogger pal and author of THREE DAVES, Nicki Elson. She met me at the train station as the winds howled, threatening a snow storm any minute. We had a great chat and dinner at the local Irish pub.

Thankfully Liz's signing was only a short block away.... We entered into the charming bookstore overflowing with clambering fans. Liz was surrounded. We made eye contact, and worked our way through the crowd after warming up a bit. I had never met Liz before, but we have 'chatted' via email ofter throughout our few years friendship. Nicki, too, had a cyber friendship with her, but hadn't connected in a while.

When we finally inched to the front, Liz's expression pulled into a question mark. I could see the brain waves hard at work.... "Hey, Liz ... it's me... Michael." Then I glanced toward Nicki. "And Nicki."

Her face lit up. With arms open wide and a smile that could warm any Chicago winter, she welcomed us into a hug. The conversation buzzed for a few glorious moments .... She signed our copies and we certainly could have chatted all night, but other fans wanted to meet her and get their books signed too.
Nicki and I left for the register and Liz was surrounded again.

Nicki an I strolled around the bookstore and viewed other choice books. After an hour or so, the lines still hadn't let up. I wanted to chat a bit more with Liz before I caught the train back to the city. I waited for a lull and moved my way in. After a few more hugs and Liz's endless thanks, Nicki and I face the arctic winds....

I know I have said this before, BUT, I can not begin to tell you how WONDERFUL and EXCITING it is to meet a blogger pal. It feels like you've known each other for years! It was the highlight of my winter to see Nicki again and meet Liz. If you ever get the chance to meet a blogger pal... DO IT! I have been fortunate to meet several, but my list keeps growing!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, AND if you haven't picked up Liz's book yet, make sure you do! I'll certainly be reading this weekend .....

Here's the blurb and reviews from HOOKED....

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.

Kirkus Reviews says, "Not just a Romeo and Juliet story, the book examines the conflicts of white versus Indian and rich versus poor, giving it far more heft than the average romance. Bravo." (Starred Review)

Publishers Weekly says, "Fichera shows strong storytelling chops as she weaves together plot lines involving class struggles, violence, bullying, and--of course--romance."

Available in bookstores everywhere!