Leaving my fingerprints all over Texas (and Katy Budget Books)!
Y’all…I had an awesome time in Texas.
I mean, I know…I know that they tell you that Texans are exceedingly generous and that they are exceedingly friendly and that they’re exceedingly good at making barbecue…but you don’t actually believe that when you’re a girl who grew up in Rhode Island and lives in New York City. You think, My, what excellent PR that unnecessarily enormous state down there has. But here’s the thing. It’s true.
I spent last week traveling across the great state of Texas. I flew into Dallas, met up with an incredible group of authors, gave a speech *eek!*, then drove with Sophie Jordan, Kerrelyn Sparks & Vicky Dreiling from Dallas to Houston where I was able to join Kerrelyn for two awesome booksignings and hang out with the Jordan clan before heading home.
While there, I steeped myself in good ol’ Texas. I lone-starred it up. I came just short of putting on chaps and going to the rodeo (though, only because it’s not rodeo season).
And, honestly? This girl from the smallest state is sold.
So…without further ado…
Ten Things I Loved About Texas
by Sarah MacLean
I swear. All these seats were filled eventually.
1) Raising Money for a Great Cause – I was so incredibly honored to be asked to keynote the annual Buns & Roses literacy event to benefit the adult literacy programs of the Richardson, TX public library and the Richardson Adult Literacy Center. Buns & Roses has been held for six years, and each year boasts a collection of romance, mystery & fiction writers, each of whom host a table of readers for a wonderful program in celebration of books, of reading, and of literacy. As you may know, my mom teaches adult literacy, and so I was really thrilled to have a chance to speak at “Buns” this year, and tell the (eep! very large!) roomful of readers and writers about my own journey with text. I told stories about my mom, my dad, my friends and my husband…and even about the mantis shrimp. What? It totally related.
Beaver in camo? Texas institution.
2) Buc-ee’s – When I landed in Dallas, my dear friend Sophie Jordan began using all sorts of words I didn’t understand. Like “Buc-ee’s.” I thought it was some kind of Texas twitch. Come to discover, it’s not. It is, in fact, the world’s largest gas station (everything’s bigger in Texas, right?). The eponymous Buc-ee is a beaver. In camouflage. And apparently some kind of Texas rite-of-passage. Kerrelyn Sparks, Vicky Dreiling and Sophie decided that we absolutely, positively had to stop there, and not only because it has “fabulous bathrooms.” It also has the largest selection of beef jerky in the US, more corn nuts than any one person needs, and hog pens. What’s a hog pen? I’m not sure, but Sophie assures me they’re necessary because, “In Texas, pigs will kill you.” Hmm.
3) The Hug & Pat – Texan ladies like to hug. I like to hug. Obviously, that was going to be a thing that I came to enjoy about Texas. But here’s the thing…Texan ladies don’t just cling. They add in a little, rhythmic pat on the shoulder. At first this might be disconcerting for Yankees, who might take the pat to mean, I’m not really into this. But ultimately, it’s just reassuring. A nice touch.
4) The Firing Range – When in Rome…or Houston, as the case may be. I’ve never held a gun. Heck, until last week, I’d never seen a gun out of a holster. But I’m always up for new experiences…so…to the firing range I went! It was nervewracking and unsettling and yes…exhilarating. And, for the record, in case of Zombie apocalypse? I’m a crack shot. Also, I think perhaps the best photo that has ever been taken of me was taken there. Either I should wear this outfit every day all the time, or firearms agree with me.
I know. It *looks* like Angie Jolie…but it’s really just me.
How cute are we? Totally cute, right?
5) Sophie Jordan’s House – I love Sophie Jordan. I also love her husband, and her two mini-Jordans. They do funny kid-like things like, wear their Halloween costumes three weeks early and play with legos and play tag with cute boys. Also, there’s a four-legged Jordan who won my heart (don’t tell Baxter). But more than all that, Hotel Jordan has a comfy bed and great conversation and excellent eats. Four stars.
6) So. Many. Romance Novel Readers (and their husbands)! – Everything is bigger in Texas, and not just the gas stations. As part of Buns & Roses, 21 authors came together to sign a ridiculous number of romance novels for a great crowd in Plano, TX. It was awesome, and not just because I got to hang out with Cathy Maxwell and Lorraine Heath. It was awesome because those ladies in Texas like their love stories. And I like mine. So we were, of course, well suited to each other.
All those books! And people!
But here’s the coolest thing. See that guy in red? The only guy? In red. Standing. He stood there for the entire 45 minute talk leading up to the signing, and at one point, I turned to Kerrelyn Sparks and said, “Do you think he’s a reader?” We couldn’t figure it out. But when the signing began, he made a bee-line for me, introduced himself, and told me that he was there in secret because his wife couldn’t make it and I was “her favorite author” (flattery, of course, gets him everywhere). He then proceeded to have me sign a copy of A Rogue By Any Other Name for her. I couldn’t help but ask if he’d done something really really bad that he was trying to atone for, but no…he was just there. Out of love. So, as a gift to him and his wife, for being so awesome, I gave him an ARC of One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, too. After all, husbandliness like that should be rewarded. What a sweetie!
7) So. Many. Romance Novel Writers! – See above for photographic evidence of that! But also, I got to have lunch with Shana Gaelen and Lily Dalton and Mary Lindsey drive around Texas with Kerrelyn Sparks — we had a little dog and pony show, me for Rogue and her for her newest book — an American-set historical called The Forbidden Lady. I am SO EXCITED about this book, and I was so blown away by having had such an awesome chance to hang out with THE KERRELYN SPARKS and hear all about her cool life and her writing process. I have copies of The Forbidden Lady and her first Love at Stake book, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire for giveaway…stay tuned for how to win at the bottom of this post!
Signing with Kerrelyn Sparks and the Pasadivas Book Group!
Jared makes ribs in a smoker that is larger than our Brooklyn bathroom.
8) Barbecue – So, you can probably tell that I embraced Texas while there. And I was told, in no uncertain terms, that the full Texas experience is not the full Texas experience without barbecue. Luckily, Jared Jordan (Sophie’s hubby), is a BBQ afficianado. Also, a Top-Chef caliber smoker of meats. He made me brisket (and schooled me in the process of selecting the perfect brisket), ribs, chicken & venison sausage. This is a meal for neither the faint of heart nor the vegetarians. But man, was it terrific!
Sophie hard at work.
9) Writing Buddies – Just another chance to tell you how awesome it is to hang out with your critique partner/writing buddy/friend for a week. It’s like the best slumber party ever.
10) Coming Home – As much as I loved Texas, it’s always nice to come home from a place that’s so different from where you live. I flew into Laguardia Airport, hopped in a cab, and ordered a big salad on my way home from the airport. It arrived just as I put my suitcase down, and I ate it with Baxter *flipping out* at my feet, regaling Eric with stories of all of the above, then showed off my target from the shooting range with pride (He was unimpressed. Whatever. He’ll change his tune when the zombies come.)
But I’ll be back, Texas. Leave the light on.
—
Did you think I’d forget to bring you something? Of course I wouldn’t! Tell me in comments about your favorite Texan person, place or thing (films and ten-gallon hats count), and I’ll choose one lucky winner to receive signed copies of Kerrelyn Sparks’s The Forbidden Lady & How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire!
US only; I’ll choose one winner on Friday!
October 23rd, 2012 at 7:43 pm
SO glad you enjoyed your visit, Sarah! Loved meeting you and having my fangurl moment. :) Buc-ee’s FTW! Come back soon, yahear?
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:00 pm
I’ll be back, Trinity…Thank you so much for being so kind and welcoming…it was awesome to meet you!
October 23rd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
WHAT ABOUT THE CATTLE? Sheesh. You go to Texas and you don’t rope any steers? Eating them and roping them is not the same thing. :)
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:01 pm
OMG. Would you believe I saw not one, single, cow? Hmm. That’s a problem. Nor did I go to a football game.
Must rectify.
October 23rd, 2012 at 8:21 pm
So glad you enjoyed it! I think my favorite part was number 3 or 6, can’t choose.
I think my favorite Texans are the RWA ladies. (Not that I have anything against other Texans, I’ve just actually met the RWA staff.) I met them last year at NY’s RWA conference. I had never met anyone born and/or raised in Texas and growing up in NY kind of makes you suspicious of anyone overly friendly. But, they were so nice and warm and welcoming – you can’t not love them.
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Those Texan RWA ladies are the best, Priscilla…no doubt! I hung out with some of the West Houstoners…loved them!
October 23rd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
glad you enjoyed your visit to Texas, maybe next time you can visit Corpus Christi. We are about 3 1/2 hours south west of Houston. We have miles of beaches, a nice aquarium and lots of other places to visit.
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Sounds lovely, Nancy! I’ll put you on my list!
October 23rd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
I think Kerrelyn is definitely one of my favorite Texans! Also love Shayla Black, Roni Loren, Sophie Jordan, Lorraine Heath, Cathy Maxwell, Vicky Dreiling, Shana Galen, and many others.
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
All many of my faves, too, June!
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Spent many a spring break with my family when I was little (grade school) on Padre Island (before it was a go to place). But my favorite thing was visiting the Alamo. Just so unbelievable.
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Ok I’ve never been to Texas but I want to go now since there seems to be some fun book events!!! Plus…I’m a sucker for cowboy boots (or maybe just some cowboys!) looks like you had a blast!!!!
October 26th, 2012 at 11:20 am
I like cowboys (and their boots) too, Jillian! Good choice!
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:48 pm
It was fabulous to hang out with you, Sarah! So happy you enjoyed your time in Texas! I know Sophie took good care of you. Come back when you can– the barbecue (and the cowboys) will be hot!
October 24th, 2012 at 12:42 am
If I had the opportunity to visit one place, I would love to go visit the Alamo. Movies made about it, history abound. I would love to go visit the ghost of the past at the Alamo.
October 24th, 2012 at 5:59 am
Hi Sarah, what a great article !! Loved it, and the guy that got the book for his wife, now that is Romance and you saw it first hand, thanks for sharing that story, that was my awwww !! for the morning !!! I’ve never been to Texas, but would like to visit some day.. I have a niece, she married my nephew, from Texas and I just love hearing her talk.. :-) someday I will visit Texas.. thanks for the chance to win a great prize, :-) awesome !!!
Rosemary Foley rfoley@salemstate.edu
October 24th, 2012 at 6:48 am
Well Sarah I have to say the Cowboy person I like or well love the most is my husband, born and raised in Texas, this cowboy joined the Army and has moved us all over the worled. We now reside in North Carolina where he still works for the Army, civiian, still wears his cowboy hats, boots, shirts, jeans, and belt. He still says ma’am and sir, places his hand over his heart when he sees the Texas Lone Star flag and after 31 years of marriage still can’t pronounce the word oil without sounding like a true Texan. Keep the books comin’
October 24th, 2012 at 7:19 am
You forgot the desert! As untamed and wild and let’s face it a little dusty, it is filled with wonder and beauty. Next visit, add camping to your list and see the greatest view of the stars in the world, stunning sunsets, and enjoy a true Texas experience.
October 24th, 2012 at 7:22 am
I am so glad you enjoyed Texas! I wish I could have met you while you where here…but alas, life has a way of interfering with plans!lol
I have to say my favorite Texan was my Daddy. A truer son of Texas I have yet to met. He was a Marine, a gentleman…A TEXAN. He has been gone almost 20 years, stilled missed never forgotten. My second favorite Texas….Colin Patrick, my 2 1/2 year old grandson – I can only hope that he grows up to be 1/2 the man his great grandpa was!
Congratulations on the release and thank you for the contest!
October 24th, 2012 at 10:50 am
I’m so glad you were able to visit! Come back soon! Hugs (and yes! Pat!)
October 24th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I have never been to Texas, but my goal is to go there for a week or so on vacation and do nothing but eat BBQ!!! Also, my best friend moved to Dallas, Texas in August to start his new job and I miss him lots! So, he would be my favorite person in Texas.
:) Hope you enjoyed your trip!
October 24th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Sorry I missed you when you were here, Sarah! And you’re right, Jared is a Master of the Grill/Smoker.
October 24th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
So glad you liked Texas. I have lived in Texas for 37 years. I was born in Rhinebeck, NY but moved her when I was 4. My mom still has your NY accent but she claims I never spoke a work until we moved here as I have a strong southern drawl…. On your next trip to Texas and you are in the DFW area you need to go find a “Babe’s Chicken”. It is the best fried chicken and chicken fried steak you will find any where. The salad, vegetables and homemade biscuits are served family style and all you can eat. When in the Houston area come eat at my favorite Mexican food restaurant “Lupe Tortilla’s”. The fajitas are to die for and the margaritas are great and will kick your butt if you drink too many. They are so strong they limit you to 3 margaritas.
Hope to see and meet you on your next trip to Texas.
October 24th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
My cousin Jenny actually lives in Texas. I’m in NY. I haven’t seen her since we were kids, like 40 years ago! We send Christmas cards & sometimes email or FB notes. Hopefully we can get together again some day!
October 25th, 2012 at 12:41 am
My favorite Texan is probably my aunt. She’s a librarian in Liberty Hill TX and I got to visit her last year. I had a blast visiting Austin and got to go to a high school football game for homecoming! Now THAT is an experience not to be missed.
October 29th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
i’ve never been to texas but i would have to say bbq. i love some good bbq and everyone says that texas does it best. and i’d totally go to buc-ees.
October 30th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Wow sounds like a wonderful time! I’ve never been, but I have an aunt who lives there and I reallllly want to visit! The hats are pretty awesome…