The "Spoiled Author" Tour for THE VIOGNIER VENDETTA

It's been a whirlwind week since THE VIOGNIER VENDETTA launched on Tuesday, August 3. Always my favorite part of "the writing life" is when I get to spend time with the people who read my books . . . and so many great booksellers who have become dear friends. On Tuesday, the Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble Reston had taken the time and trouble to find flowers that matched my beautiful fuchsia book jacket (I accidentally wore orange and, yes, I clashed!). Wednesday at the fabulous Library of Congress where part of the story of VIOGNIER takes place -- Washington, D.C. in swampy August heat, great questions, a fascinating audience of Library scholars, historians, and researchers. On Thursday fans braved a violent monsoon-like storm and fierce winds (lights flickered & it sounded like cannon balls landing on the bookstore roof) to come to the brand-new Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Fredericksburg. Friday night a lovely party at Books & Crannies in Middleburg with champagne and Virginia Viognier; bookstore owners Pat & Genie made finger sandwiches and ordered a cake decorated in honor of the book. Yes, I'm spoiled! Saturday back to Swedenburg Estate Vineyard in Middleburg -- for anyone who knows the series, it's Lucie's vineyard. So many memories of times spent there with Juanita Swedenburg who passed away in 2007; she would have been amazed to see the crowd that packed the place all day and the tent Marc erected on the lawn to accommodate everyone who showed up before 10am for an informal talk before the signing. Special thanks to Cheryl (aka Frankie Merchant) for taking care of me all day and Rick Tagg, my winemaker/advisor, who came for a few hours to answer questions and just be there for me. He even wore his favorite Hawaiian shirt! Swedenburg's brand-new winemaker and his wife are now living in the house Juanita built on the estate shortly before she passed away . . . and they have told me they see her from time to time. What a great way to end the week . . . with a ghost!



Next week off to Florida, the Library of Virginia in Richmond, and the beautiful Eastern shore of Maryland. All events and a brand new photo gallery on my website at http://www.ellencrosby.com Please come see me!