I was recently invited to Plano, Texas to speak at several of their schools about the importance of reading and about my novel The Crossing. I flew in on a Wednesday afternoon and two representatives from the school district took us out for an incredible meal at an upscale, local restaurant called The Cheesecake Factory. The meal was tremendous and Libby and Chrissi were beyond belief. We exchanged stories about their education system and so many other things.

The next day I started at 8:15am and spoke to a class of sophomores in the ESL program. They were more then gracious and we all had a great time. After that I went to Carpenter Middle School where I gave a presentation about writing. Chrissi and Libby were just so perfect at helping the kids that it went incredibly well.

Then we were off to another high school where i did a presentation for freshmen. I ended at 4:30pm and then drove to Garland, Texas where I did a book signing until 9:00pm. The signing went very well especially when I showed people my new book Allison Investigates.

The next morning I started early again and spoke at two schools. Then I went to another school where the teacher arranged for nine of the top girls in the school to have lunch with me in the library. We sat and ate while we talked about everything from writing to girl things. I made nine very special friends that day that I will never forget.

After that I was off to more schools and then to a Barnes and Noble at night where I met so many nice people. I  have heard that the people in Texas are nice but you just don’t know how nice they are until you see first hand. The 13 hour days I put in was well worth it. I must have signed 600 books those two days.

THANK YOU PLANO, TEXAS. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Taylor Joseph