Eager to make a good impression, I arrived early at Mountain Empire Community College. It turned out to be a good thing because the campus has changed since I last walked it in 1999.

I love all the changes they have made and are planning to make. It still has that community feel while providing quality education.

I made my way to the bookstore and was suitably impressed with the lounge area. I met up with Dora and Jennifer, who were instrumental in helping me setup my author presentation and book signing. (LOVE YOU BOTH TO PIECES!)

A nice student, Adam (who is studying radiology), helped me wheel my books and other setup items from my car to the presentation area. Shortly after that, JD (my cover artist) and his very patient wife, Amy, came. JD's father, who I met many years ago when I was a college student, came along as well.

The presentation started at 10:15 am and the head of the English department, Doctor Patricia Brown (Doc Brown as I knew her when I was in college), brought her English class. I was nervous, but I managed to not speak too fast, as is my habit when my nerves kick in.

After speaking for about fifteen minutes, I took a few questions and I think, surprised people with some of the answers. Contrary to popular believe, I don't get to sit around all day and write.

Being a single parent, I have to do all things for myself and my children. I do have a day job, which is about to end on April 15.

I did take time to credit the education that I received from the college and the quality of teaching provided by MECC Staff.

After the small presentation, we were given breakfast and several students purchased copies of Jewels and I met a few that want to be writers. I made sure to give advice and encouragement to the future authors.

I decided to take a little walkabout and wondered in to Doctor Ken Tucker's Social Problems class. I shared memories with him and his class and in return, he sent his class up to the bookstore area to discover my books and to work on their projects. The bookstore had fifteen copies of Jewels available. JD and I autographed all 15. The highlight of the event for me was the marked interest in my upcoming YA novel, Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy (due out May 1).

Dora stated that she would definitely be ordering Werelove and any future books of mine.

I have to give hearty felt thanks to Dora and her awesome staff. I truly do look forward to working with all of them again.