I've written a lot about feeling like an expectant mother while I was waiting for my new book, DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD to be born. I paced, I made lists, I had anxiety attacks because I didn't think I ready- the works. Now I'm one week postpartum and I would still liken my emotions to the feelings I had after giving birth. I'm excited, I'm happy, I can't sleep. I can eat, however. No trouble there.

Unfortunately, I'm too jumpy to sit for a whole meal (there's work to be done!). But pop a chocolate chip cookie in my mouth? No problem. Grab a handful of pita chips? Sure. They're so tiny and baked. Let's see. 170 calories a bag times 2 bags.... Wash it down with an ice coffee and a half and half chaser? Make it a grande!

This is not good. I have a number of wonderful speaking events coming up and I need to look and feel my best, not stand there in a black-but-you-still-look fat outfit wishing that whoever that was in the back who was snapping away with her zoom lens would stop it already... Oh, right. It's my daughter. I asked her to take pictures.

Aside from mirror-phobia, I really do look forward to getting out there and talking to readers. Writers are holed up for so long that when we're finally let out, we're giddy. I love speaking to groups and hearing their thoughts on what they're reading, what they like and don't, what books made them think, laugh, cry. And, of course, it is an amazing feeling to take questions about my characters and my stories. It's exactly like having someone admire your new baby. You feel so proud because you've created something that gives other people enjoyment.

A few days ago I went around to some of my local bookstores to see if my book was on the shelves, and how many copies were left and if by any chance, I could spot someone checking it out. Call me a book stalker, I know, but it goes with the territory. You spend a few years of your life creating something from nothing and you'd just like a little validation that you didn't waste your time.

Anyway, I walked into the infamous Book Revue in Huntington, NY where all the top, best selling authors appear and who get huge crowds that snake around the outside of the store hours before the event starts. (I'll be appearing there too with my dear friend and fellow Avon author, Ellen Meister on Thurs. Aug. 14 at 7PM, but my guess is even though we're really funny, you'll get a seat). Meanwhile,  I walked in and found my books on the new fiction table and noticed a young woman browsing. I was riveted. Would she see my book? Would she pick it up? Would she laugh?

As God is my witness, she did all of the above and then I waited to see if she would tuck it under her arm, the sign that she was going to take it home with her. I was breathing so hard, I couldn't believe she didn't notice. Then lo and behold, she read the back cover and added it to her pile. Yes!!!

I got so excited I introduced myself and asked if I could take her picture. Fortunately she was a sweetheart and a great sport. So here is Kristen at the Book Revue in Huntington, Long Island checking out DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD. Even better, she emailed me a few days later to say that it had been two years since she actually made it to the end of a book but she flew through mine and she enjoyed it so much that she was going to look for my others.

Sometimes we get signs from above. This one came in neon lights. And like a proud, new mother who finally got her infant down, I think tonight I will probably sleep like a new baby. After my bedtime snack.