Best Seller lists and etc.!

Hi, All!
     I'm terribly sorry I haven't posted in a while, but my schedule has been mostly a whirlwind -- and a *wonderful* one at that!
     Shell Games continues to sell very well, and I'm so happy and grateful for that.  It has been on several of the different Best Seller lists, a much welcomed and pleasant surprise.  I've also had readers send me messages about the story from as far away as Rome, Italy -- and as close to home as Muscatine, Iowa.  As a matter of fact, I've had more mail about Shell Games than anything else I've ever written, and I can not tell you how much I've enjoyed corresponding with those who have read the story.  I've also had many write to me to tell me they had relatives who worked in the early button industry and/or in the early labor unions in the U.S.  I have even had several relatives of those presented in the book write to me and thank me for bringing the memories of their loved ones back into the light.  For a writer, those are treasured pieces of correspondence.  Just knowing how a story has touched the lives of so many readers makes me smile so deep inside.
     I've been able to do readings and presentations about Shell Games across the country, and I'm now also scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom for a book tour in late spring.  I can't wait!  Just being on the road and meeting people is such a beautiful gift that comes with the publication of a book.  I feel so blessed -- and lucky -- to be able to do this.
     At the same time, a writer can not rest on his or her laurels.  There is always the *next* book to keep in the hopper.  As I stated in a previous post, I'll have a children's book coming out soon.  It was originally scheduled for the late fall, but it was decided it would probably be better to release it at the start of the upcoming summer (because I've been too busy with Shell Games events to devote the proper time and energy to another book release at the same time), and I agree with the logic behind this.  I'm also "knee-deep" in the background research for my next book for adults and young adults.  This next story will also be a work of literary nonfiction, and it will be set just before the American Civil War.  That's all the "teaser" I'll provide now, but I'll be giving additional details in future posts -- so stay tuned!
     Again, I'd like to thank everyone who has written to me about Shell Games.  Your words have touched me deeply.  Thank you -- and bless you -- for your kindness and support.
     I'll write more soon.  In the meantime, I wish all of you joy and happiness as the holidays approach.
Jeff