After the show, we left the theatre and walked into a blizzard...ON BROADWAY!

Thanks to the many of you who’ve emailed me that you’re giving copies of RAINWATER or SMASH CUT for Christmas gifts. I love being a Christmas present!

I received an unexpected treat while in New York — tickets to the Il Divo Christmas concert, courtesty of my son Ryan and daughter-in-law, Victoria. She’s a huge fan of this international quartet and has actually met them on several occasions — once on a live morning show on British TV. The concert was amazing! When it was over, I was warmly embraced by a woman seated in the row behind me. She turned out to be a big Sandra Brown fan — as were the friends attending the concert with her! She had her picture taken with me. It was great fun to meet an enthusiastic fan and a perfect way to launch our Christmas celebration in the Big Apple.
Kudos to Michael and me for braving the NY subway system as well as the throng at Rockerfeller Center in order to take the three grandsons to see the Christmas tree! The lights, the music, the ice skaters — they enjoyed it all. But do you know what gave them the most fun? Ducking under the turnstile in the subway station! (But, Mayor Bloomberg, we dutifully used our MetroCard to cover their fare!)

I got to New York and realized that I hadn’t packed a copy of RAINWATER to give to my in-laws for Christmas. So I ducked into a bookstore to purchase one. I figured that, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, no one would spot me buying my own book. WRONG! The clerk who rang up my sale (I was also making other purchases) looked at me with puzzlement and asked, “Isn’t this you?” Busted! But he got to meet a real live author, I got to thank him for selling my books, and eventually I’ll receive the royalty on that copy!

While in New York over the holidays, we went to see RAGTIME and loved it! One of the principal players in this production is Robert Petkoff (Spamalot), a good friend of Ryan and Victoria’s. After the performance, we were escorted backstage to his dressing room, and then Robert actually took us onto the stage! What a thrill!

He said, “You should sing a song, and then you can tell everyone that you sang on Broadway.” I got stage fright, but Michael burst into song — “If Ever I Would Leave You.” Robert Goulet he wasn’t, but it wasn’t all that bad! Braver now, I did a deep courtesy as though receiving a standing ovation. Rachel did a short tap dance. Pete, who’s better at baseball than the performing arts, acted as our “stage manager.” No one in the cast is in danger of being replaced by one of us, but it was such a fun time!

We get snow forecasts in north Texas periodically, but either nothing happens, or we get an ice storm instead of the white stuff. So when a 12″ snowfall was forecast for New York City while the family was there recently, we were skeptical it would pan out. The weathermen in NYC know whereof they speak! It began snowing on Saturday afternoon and snowed throughout the night. We woke up the next morning to a city buried under a foot of snow. It was beautiful! I know it wreaked havoc on tens of thousands of holiday travelers, and it came a week early, but this is the closest I’ve ever come to having a white Christmas. Shamefully, I enjoyed it! Little did I know, a week later we would have a white Christmas (though, of course, it couldn’t possibly compare to snow in NYC).

Of course the family holiday wouldn’t be complete without somebody throwing up — Rachel and I were up most of the night cleaning up after Luke, while ten blocks away, Victoria was doing the same for Raff — and/or a trip to the emergency room. This time Lawson had the honors, although, thankfully his diagnosis was nothing worse than dehydration. After downing about a quart of apple juice, he was fine. The boys recovered quickly and were fine the following day. Rachel, Victoria, and I took a while longer to bounce back from a rough night!”

Chase and Lucky checking out their first real snow

I celebrated my first White Christmas this year! It snowed in north Texas most of Christmas Eve, stopping around midnight. Christmas Day dawned clear, but with a healthy coating of white on the ground. (You from snowy states are no doubt snickering, but for me, this was a big deal!) Anyway, my dogs gave the backyard a trial run. As you can see by the photo, Chase (on the right in the blue bandana) got into it. Lucky was a bit dubious and headed for the house as soon as he’d done his business! And yes they’re named for the Tyler brothers of the Texas! trilogy.

It was pretty while it lasted

If you’re not on Facebook, the January/New Years video newsletter is now up on YouTube and here on the site.

Gail from Olney said, “Could not put down Rainwater.  I got it yesterday and just finished it.”

Kay Alston  wrote to say, “I purchased Rainwater today and couldn’t put it down…this is your absolute BEST.  A masterpiece.”

Sue said, “Loved your new book, Rainwater.”  Kim agreed and added, “I was so touched by it, I wound up crying.  It was great…Rainwater would make a great movie.”

Trudy wrote in saying, “Couldn’t put it down!  One of the best books you have ever written.”

Melissa wrote to tell me she’d finished Rainwater in one sitting and loved it.

Bridget was so moved she wrote her first fan letter, “This is a first…and it is fan mail!  I just finished RAINWATER and I didn’t want it to end.”

And Karen said, “I’m always pleased with your writing but doubly so this time.”

I know, I’ve been very quiet since Thanksgiving.  I’m behind on finishing up the second round of edits for TOUGH CUSTOMER, but wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has emailed, left comments on Facebook or reviews on Amazon.com.

The response from my female and male readers has been overwhelming and gratifying. So to all of you who took the time to let me know what you think, a heartfelt thank you…and replies are forthcoming.

Last night was one of my favorite nights of the year — the Celebration of Reading event in Dallas, hosted by

With David Baldacci

President George and Barbara Bush.  Don’t be misled by the cane he now uses.  Our 85-year-old former president is as feisty as ever!

This annual event, and others like it, are fund-raisers for community literacy programs, which is a serious mission.  But it’s always a fun evening.  Last night was especially so for me, because my son Ryan flew down from New York specifically to attend.  He’s become acquainted with A.J. Jacobs  (The Year of Living Biblically).  They live in the same neighborhood and are members of the same gym.  A.J., who’s also a writer for Esquire magazine, has given Ryan’s book, PLAY DEAD,  a great quote.

So anyway, Ryan was there and got to meet the former first lady and president.  A.J.’s speech was predictably hilarious.  Also on the program was my colleague David Baldacchi, who contributes huge amounts of time and energy to promoting literacy through his Wish You Well Foundation
I’m among several authors who are participating in this program to get used books into the hands of those who wouldn’t ordinarly have access to them.

Kudos to Barbara Bush, who has worked for years to stress the importance of books and to make every American a reading American.