The Sequel (Expanded Buzzy Version) to the Great Sell-Out

On March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, I took a leap of faith and drove over the mountain in the sierras to attend a Barnes and Noble book signing in Reno --after shoveling snow in the morning.

Yes, the roads were icy, roads not groomed, a bit crowded on the way out of Lake Tahoe (drivers coming into town despite reports advising to no drive) and sci-fi spooky. 

Regrets of not doing a will for the Siamese kitty Zen in my life hit while driving on the winding road--both ways. An adventure without The Rock to rescue us. Images of the author's spinout in the film Misery came to mind. But no, I did not crash and slide off into a ravine. (I even packed blankets, survival food, and water just in case!)

Due to the highly contagious canine flu (foreshadow of COVID-19 pandemic), my Aussie couldn't be kenneled and got his first shot. As we wait for the booster shot the dog was in tow to Reno. A bit of another challenge once it began to snow. Feeling like characters in the Contagion movie the trek was made... had to keep my canine in a bubble, sort of. This made me nervous. I didn't want to leave the dog in the car or home alone. (It was cold, canine flu was an issue, it didn't seem humane, me selling books and dog left to suffer.)

Another challenge? Stephen King's signing was one week prior. Now that was intimidating. Hundreds of books sold out in 15 minutes or so I heard.

On the upside, the box of TEA books sold out thanks to the manager's advertising--a few days ahead without me--the author. The bookstore manager called me. "I don't know how to say this." she paused, "but your box of books all sold out. This has never happened before."  So, I was on a mission to replenish the store with more books since the weekend was nearing.  

But taking the dog and sibling in the snow flurry bothered me. Pet sitters weren't an option; the kennel of choice was not opening doors until the shot took effect. Stuck. What's a dog-loving, hardworking author to do? I traveled over the mountain, with the dog, and stayed for an hour...but if the books sold on their own I sensed more would sell. The challenging elements lost--snow and dog won. 

Headed back to Tahoe, another storm was on its way, more rain than white powder, before Spring arrived. Once back home, I made a fire, brewed a fresh cup of tea (or two), cuddled on the sofa with puppy awaiting one more flu shot booster. Another day in the life of the Healing Powers Series author. The motto: Everything happens for a reason.

UPDATE: September 19, 2026 I will be returning to the Reno Barnes & Noble bookstore for an event.