We're kicking off things here in Ft Lauderdale tomorrow -- 6 p.m. at the New Moon Bar in Wilton Manor. Owner Carol Moran is throwing us a welcome party with free beer, wine & snacks, and we're determined to meet everyone who comes in the door. In attendance: Katherine Forrest, Karin Kallmaker, Dillon Watson, & with her very first book bowing this week, Amy Dawson Robertson.

Saturday is a workday at Stonewall Library & Archives. Director Jack Rutland has promised he'll have work for everyone, so if you're into painting, landscaping or just straightening (so to speak) the stacks, come out and join us. That's 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Karin's already scoped out a neighborhood restaurant for the after-party.

If you can be there for only one day, make it Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. at Stonewall. We'll be reading, taking questions & asking a few ourselves. Dust off your shelves and bring those Katherine Forrest & Karin Kallmaker titles in for signing, or pick up some of the new ones from what we have on hand.

Those of you buried under two feet of snow ... we'll be feeling for you. Next year, drag your butt down here.

For those of you who made it to the book vendor table at the Xena Convention in LA last weekend, let me say a huge THANK YOU!  By far, it's my most successful event every year, made even better by the fact that I get to see so many familiar and happy faces.

If you've never experienced the Xenaverse, I can't possibly explain what's so magical about it, but those who gather each year to celebrate that "goofy show for smart people" are some of the most special people in my life. The only problem with seeing them is that we never have enough time to talk. Or sleep.

The show has been off the air for 10 years now, and each year we all say this might be our last. But still we come back, like pilgrims to Canterbury. Each of us has a certain draw. For me, it's the friends. Oh, and this chick: