on Topsail Island
Just a quickie post. I’ll elaborate later. I’m staying in a friend’s fabulous little cottage on Topsail, where Before the Storm is set, doing some final research for After the Storm. I just have a few days and wish I had much longer. I’ve met so many wonderful people down here over the last year and a half as I research these books, and I wish I had the chance to see all of them while I’m here, but that’s not to be.
Last night, I was treated to an amazing get-together– a “pre-release” dinner party–at the home of Sterling Bryson hosted by Glen Pierce, who along with Sheree’ Alderman, founded this excellent Topsail Island website. There must have been sixteen people there and I had so many brains to pick, I was in seventh heaven! Dinner was scrumptious and the setting overlooking the sound, amazing. I was truly touched and honored by Glen and Sterling’s kindness and generosity.
Today, I’ve driven here and there getting some details straight for my story. We’re on our way to Quarter Moon Books (this is John’s first trip to Topsail Island and I’m determined to show him everything!) to say “hi” to owner Lori. I’ll be doing a signing there July 3rd. Then we’re going to the turtle hospital. Founder Jean Beasley sat next to me at dinner last night and I can’t wait to meet in person all the turtles she told me about. Then I’ll be meeting with a police sergeant in Surf City to find out exactly what would happen in my story from the police perspective. And finally, we’ll be having dinner tonight with with Ken and Angie Bogan. Ken was the fire marshal in Surf City and I never could have written Before the Storm without his help.
Well, that wasn’t such a short post after all! I’ll try to add some pictures later. It’s a gorgeous sunny day and time for us to get rolling.
Diane, I’d like to write a blurp about your blog on my LiveJournal, but didn’t want to do so without your permission. I don’t have thousands or hundreds of readers yet. But, I do have author friends who may pay you a visit now and again. Do you mind? I plan to post it on Monday, April 28th.
Diane, I am now putting Topsail Island on my list of places I want to visit. You have me SO intrigued and thank you for sharing the Island’s website…I love the 1st sentence on 1 of the sites…’if you love the ocean & beach WITHOUT COMMERCIALIZATION than Topsail Island is for you’!…YES…that is what I like! I bet John is loving it! It also sounds like wildlife is prominant and I would LOVE the turtle hospital…plz share details! Have a wonderful time. (-:
Diane – It was us that were honored to have you as our “Guest of Honor”. And what a treat it was to meet both you and John. Wonderul post on your trip here to Topsail Island, NC.
Folks, if you have not yet read “The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes”, I highly recommend it. What a great read and intriguing story! We are anxiously awaiting the release of “Before The Storm” and then of course the sequel “After The Storm”.
Many thanks Diane for a memorable evening!!!
nsgee, thank you for asking, and I’d love you to blurb about my blog!
Margo, I’m going to post about our visit to the turtle hospital very shortly.
glen, thanks for the kind words about CeeCee! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Imagine if we’d embarked on our new friendship and it turned out you hated my books?? Ack!
Glen, CeeCee Wilkes is who/what helped me discover Diane. I loved that book! I am now happily going to catch up on the books that preceeded it. I am now reading “Bay at Midnight.”