As many of you know, I don't make many public appearances. Knowing, though, that I would be finishing FAMILY TREE, I agreed to a few. And suddenly I'm focused on writing speeches and getting my thoughts together. This Tuesday, I'm appearing at a benefit for the local Visiting Nurse's Association. Next Saturday, I'm the keynote speaker discussing UPLIFT and breast cancer at the annual educational symposium of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Maryland affiliate. Later in the month, I'll be speaking as part of the opening festivities for my local library, whose mega-building project has just been completed.

Why do I usually avoid these? Because they take SO much time to prepare for, and when I'm in the middle of a book, I simply cannot afford that time. I'll often spend several days writing an important speech, and several more practicing it so that I don't have to read each and every word.

The thing is, though, that I do love the speaking once I'm there. I'm fortunate enough, at this stage in my career, to draw good audiences -- and when people smile, nod, and applaud, it's worth all the prep time!