Table of Contents
Zoodles for All!
One of the unintended results of going on a lengthy book tour is that your zucchini is left to its own juicy devices. At least I know what I’m eating between tour jaunts: zucchini bread, zucchini pie, zucchini jelly… Suggestions welcome!
Getting Obstinate On the Road: Week I
Off I go! I will be traveling most of the summer and fall to bookstores, festivals, and more. Wondering if I’m coming to your town? Visit my calendar. From bookstores to hotel rooms to green rooms to driver’s seats, take a peek behind the scenes at my first week on the road promoting Obstinate Daughters.
Talking Messy History on NPR’s “Throughline” Podcast
Rund Abdelfatah of NPR's “Throughline” podcast invited me on to discuss the often misunderstood history of the Declaration of Independence. I really enjoyed the conversation, and it certainly is well timed. Read some more of my thoughts on the experience, listen to the episode, and read the transcript here.
As a writer we can sometimes feel as though we put our words out into the world and have little idea into whose hands they land and what—if any—impact they might have once we’ve released them. Yes, we may meet people at signings. Yes, we may get emails from book clubs. Those moments matter. But sometimes we get extra lucky.
On July 4, 2026, I was at the Carter Library in Atlanta for a wonderful event. While there, one of the archivists presented me with a very well worn copy of The Girls of Atomic City. Back in 2013, while giving a talk at the Truman Presidential Library, a mother had asked me to inscribe this book to her young, school-aged daughter, Iris. Last week, 13 years after I signed that book, here it was again: Cover creased, page corners showing their age. “Keep reading your history.” Okay not the most original dedication. But I’ve never been great at coming up with those pithy inscriptions. (“All best,” is a classic of mine.) I heard a bit about Iris’s accomplishments and the impressive young person she had become. She had clearly kept on reading her history—and a lot more.
I believe books having impacts far beyond anything we authors ever intend. In this case, I am grateful I was fortunate enough to see it and hear about it first hand. 🌸
➡ MERCH ALERT! ⬅
As I’ve been traveling hither and yon, I’ve been happily surprised at the amazing response I’ve gotten to my Obstinate Daughters tour T-shirts.
But wait! There’s more!
Actually, there is more. There’s an entire Obstinate collection, in fact, allowing you to announce your obstinacy proudly and in a variety of colors and styles. Click here to get yours. Use code WELCOME20 for 20% off. 🎁
🧳✈ On the Road… ✈ 🧳
The Obstinate Daughters tour is in full swing. Visit my calendar for more information and to see where you’ll find me next during my summer travels.
Bruno’s game face.
📚Until next time…📚
From Asheville to Naperville, St. Louis to Fairhope, and lots of places in between, I have so enjoyed visiting bookstores, meeting readers, and hearing everyone’s thoughts on Obstinate Daughters.
Off to Kansas City and Spartanburg this week…More videos to come over at my YouTube channel…More gargantuan zucchini and blueberry madness from my garden.
With Gratitude,
