Well, my dear friends, the time is fast approaching for the most prestigious literary event in the great state of Texas! (Perhaps in the Free World!) Of course, I’m referring to Lockhart’s “Evening With The Authors,” a charitable event designed to support the town’s 121-y ear-old Eugene C. Clark Library. This once-in-a-lifetime gathering of some of the best authors in Texas (and me) will be sponsored by Barnes and Noble, who will be selling books (autographed by the author!) at a somewhat discounted price. In my case, I might have to pay someone to take a book!

The event will be held (at the library) on the evening of October 1st, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. During this time, guests will have an opportunity to visit with the authors, who will be more than happy to sign any books that are purchased. If all this excitement becomes too much to handle, guests will also be able to purchase appetizers, desserts, and beverages. (Including some lovely “adult beverages,” such as wine and beer.)

By the way, the shindig is being sponsored by the Barnes and Noble store at Brodie Lane, so if you’re ever in the neighborhood, you might want to stop by and thank them for their wonderful support of the library. (Personally, I would buy several “Adam Gold Mystery” books, but that’s just me!) They also have (or can quickly order) copies of my new non-fiction history masterpiece, GONE BEFORE GLORY.

INCIDENTALLY…. Lockhart just happens to be the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” so you might want to arrive a little early and sample some of their incredible food. The best 3 joints, (in no particular order) are Black’s Barbecue, Kreuz Market, and Smitty’s Market. Hard to believe, but this one little town has 3 of the most scrumptious barbecue joints in Texas! (Save room for some blackberry cobbler!)

Speaking of books… I’d like to mention that the extremely talented Terri Schexnayder has just published a marvelous new book (something of a memoir) and will be hosting a book signing party at Tres Amigos Restaurant (7535 E Hwy. 290) in Austin on Saturday, October 8th. Terri will be there, signing books and holding court, from 1 to 4 p.m. If you find yourself in the vicinity of this charming eatery, please stop by and take a look at her literary work. (Trust me, it will be worth the effort!)

Finally, as some of you might have read in the NYT, yours truly has just won another major literary award for GONE BEFORE GLORY, and I will soon be obliged to travel up to the Big Apple to receive my humongous check and some great pastrami. (More details to follow in the weeks ahead, but this should be fun.) My overly generous publisher is going to give away some free books to mark the event, so keep in touch by reading this blog. (or sending some pastrami)

Alas, I must prepare for my grand-daughter’s soccer game, so I shall say farewell until next time. Just to make your day, I have included (I hope) some recent photographs from my trip to Italy. (Most of these pictures were taken in Positano.) Have a safe and smile-laden week! Love to all,

Doc Yanoff