I wanted to take a minute and say welcome to my lovely new blog…and website. I hope you’ve had a chance enjoy all the bells and whistles we’ve added–including a video newsletter, a wonderful photo gallery that we’ll be adding photos to regularly and this blog.

Also…TwinStar Entertainment has optioned THE WITNESS for a feature film!

Lane Bishop, a producer for the film company, called my agent last summer after having picked up a copy of the book in an airport bookstore before a flight. She said she read it straight through without a break and knew she had to make it into a film. Of course, there are a thousand and one steps between the option and the premiere, but I’m confident of Lane Bishop and Todd Garner’s passion for the project.

I’ll keep you posted on any exciting developments!

February 20 had been marked on my calendar for months. Friends had invited Michael and me to a “surprise” black tie dinner honoring Van Cliburn, the pianist. Imagine my astonishment when we entered the City Club in downtown Fort Worth, and I saw assembled 150 people who were there to surprise me!

The evening had been arranged by my husband Michael to introduce me to the ELF – acronym for Excellence in Literary Fiction – an award to be given annually to a student from my alma mater, Texas Christian University, along with a $50,000 scholarship.

He had established this foundation with TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini , and together they planned this evening full of surprises. The first of which was to see my friend Bob Schieffer of CBS. He was there to serve as emcee. Other luminaries who spoke that evening were writers Dan Jenkins, Rick Bragg, and my agent Maria Carvainis. Longtime friend, Pat Conroy couldn’t attend, but he sent a video message.

Several publishing colleagues made the trip to Texas for the occasion. They included David Rosenthal, publisher of Simon & Schuster, Marysue Rucci, my editor, along with Louise Burke, publisher of Pocket Books, and Diane Moggy from MIRA.

The evening concluded with the biggest surprise of all: a hooding ceremony. Chancellor Boschini presented me with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. I wept, and so did many in attendance, knowing how deeply I had regretted never completing my college education.

It’s astonishing that all my friends and family, my office staff, and my husbandmanaged to keep this a secret for months! I’ll never trust them to be telling me the truth again. . .but I want to thank them all for the stupendous surprise and one of the most meaningful evenings of my life.

Photos are now available in the Photo Gallery!

I’m back from Japan and had a wonderful time!

Shueisha Inc., my publisher there, pulled out all the stops to make Michael and me feel like very special visitors. We were given “rock star” treatment. . .which is something I could get used to! This was our first trip to Japan, and we were so impressed by how kind, hospitable, and generous the people are. From everyone with whom I came into contact — ardent fans, journalists, a television personality, a top selling Japanese author, the publishing staff — I experienced nothing but extraordinary kindness. I was presented with a beautiful kimono, along with many other wonderful gifts. But the memories are what I’ll treasure most.

Michael came back boasting that his wife is featured in PLAYBOY! Yes, I was interviewed and photographed (with all my clothes on, I assure you!) for the Japanese issue of PLAYBOY!

Check the all new video/photo gallery in the next few days for highlights of the trip

If you’re reading this, you’ve seen our new and improved website. I’m very excited about it. For a video overview of the new features click here.

Additional features are worth noting here. We’ve responded to what many of you have requested, specifically:

1. Each page is now printable.
2. At the bottom of each page is a link where you can email that page to as many as five friends.
3. The FAQs pages have been expanded to include links and FAQ’s specifically for writers. Whether you’re a reader and fan who’s curious about my particular writing habits, or an aspiring fiction writer, I’ve provided you more detailed information.

I hope you like the new website. Please visit it often.