Category: News

When you grow up as horse-mad as I did, you are very aware of Kentucky. In my mind it was some sort of HORSE WONDERLAND. Thankfully I’ve had a few chances to visit the state, and not only do you love horses as much as I’d dreamed, you have a ton of other things I loved, too.

About ten years ago I had to spend a week every summer in Lexington (I know, such torture). It was the first place I ever tried shrimp and grits! There was famous bread pudding just down the street (I have FEELINGS about bread pudding, let me tell you that). There was a vibrant art and music scene. Every day we had the pleasure of walking around two different campuses (although Transylvania required a LOT of vampire jokes, of course).

What shouldn’t I miss in Kentucky? To my Kentuckians, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

You’re not just a state for me, but a beloved band, the home of Dorothy, and a doorway to Oz. The state where my Uncle-in-law grew up, spoiling him for any corn that wasn’t hand picked and rushed immediately to boiling water.

And yes, I’ve visited you a few times. Mostly in Kansas City, though. And I am VERY AWARE that although it spans two states that y’all DO. NOT. PLAY. about the fact it is two different states.

What shouldn’t I miss in Kansas? To my Kansans, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

You thought you knew the depths of my nerdity, but here is where it really shows. What is Iowa for me? Forever and ever it is first the birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise. Yeah…

Not to say I know NOTHING about your state. You have… corn. And butter. Did you guys start the whole deep fried butter thing? If not, I bet you do it at your state fair, don’t you?

What shouldn’t I miss in Iowa? To my Iowans, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Indiana, you will always have a place in my heart because you have GenCon. Yeah, I know, you have other awesome stuff too, but as a nerd that is one of your top draws for me. Sadly, although I’ve been to Indianapolis, I’ve yet to make it there for GenCon.

But when I was there, hanging out in the very same convention space, my mind was boggled by how many Starbucks I walked past just going to my conference. I had something like 6 chances to get coffee on the way to my first session. I’m here to tell you, folks, it wasn’t that long of a walk…

Even more delightful, when I stopped for a breather in one of the charming spaces looking out over the city, a jazz ensemble set up. (Ok, delightful is a subjective term in that case, but I loved it.)

What shouldn’t I miss in Indiana? To my Indianans, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Hey there, Illinois. Have a funny story for you. I grew up all over the South, but quite a few people have asked me if I’m from Chicago. Especially when I was younger.

Finally hit Chicago in my 30s. One time even caught a Cubs game from a rooftop! It’s definitely a city I will go to every chance I get. I also have a few (unpublished) stories based there. One is a contemporary series, and the other is one book in a series about the Jazz Age.

What else shouldn’t I miss in Illinois? To my Illiniosans, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

My connection to Idaho is my grandmother. She grew up near the Washington border (guess where my grandfather is from). I haven’t visited yet and have had few friends/coworkers from the state. CLEARLY I SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.

What shouldn’t I miss in Idaho? To my Idahoans, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Everyone who knows you loves you. That’s got to feel good! I worry a little about your obsession with Spam. It can’t be healthy. You may be the state I’m invited to the most often, or maybe it just feels that way because I know I can’t go (anytime soon).

What shouldn’t I miss in Hawaii? To my Hawaiians, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Birthplace of my beloved Coca Cola. When I was a kid people would joke, “Even God changes planes in Atlanta.” You are ever present in my experience, yet we don’t spend much time together. A few trips to Atlanta and otherwise just driving through. Tell me what’s good, Georgia. Next time I’m through where should I stop and stay awhile?

What shouldn’t I miss in Georgia? To my Georgians, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Oh, Florida, I’ve always had a crush on you. My first trip was to Orlando and The Magic Kingdom the year after it opened. Then I moved near you and we spent a lot of time together. Summer vacations at Ft. Walton Beach and Pensacola. A few Christmases at Disney. I’ve driven all over you and even took a train across you once. We share a love of Jimmy Buffet and bright colors. I miss you, Florida. Hope we can be together again soon.

Shout out to all my Florida buddies! What shouldn’t I miss in Florida? Floridians, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!

Ok, Delaware, I have something to confess. When I was young (but only so young, because I was driving) I saw a car in front of me, squinted in that way we sometimes do when we think, and asked the car at large, “Is Delaware even a state?” Worse even than my own ignorance, the two young people in the car with me didn’t know either.

Now, I don’t know whether to blame my blonde hair or my Mississippi education, but I apologize. Heck yeah, you’re a state. The First State! And an awesome one! Except for your love of scrapple I’ve been reading about the last few days. That’s…. not so cool. But the obsession with Wawa I understand.

Let’s be friends, Delaware. Although I’ll understand if you give me a hard time every time you see me. Squinting and asking, “Is she even an author?”

What shouldn’t I miss in Delaware? To my Delawarians, drop a comment with a tour or food suggestion for a chance to win a book!