The fifth state on my fabulous writing road trip was VIRGINIA!

My first stop was with the beautiful Maria, her husband Gary, as well as their son and his family (their granddaughter was just awesome). They took me to visit the Norfolk Naval Base. It was my first time being on a real military base and since I write a lot of military and former military characters…I so appreciated the opportunity. Their stories kept me riveted the entire time.

We had great conversations, ate good food, and I loved my time with them.

From there, I drove over to have dinner with Gayle. I was just blown away by how lovely she was and adored her stories about her kids (who need to go into stories).

The fourth state on my writing road trip was NORTH CAROLINA!

I had the opportunity to visit with Penelope and her incredible family (Nick, Mary, and young Austin)…and they have an amazing doggo named Beowuff and three spectacular kitties.

Then I scooted down the road to visit with her sister Valerie (and her husband Ray). They have a kitty named Snow that I wanted to love me.

Such incredible conversations (and Penelope and I enjoyed the Van Gogh immersion exhibit, which was seriously life-changing).

The third state on my writing road trip was SOUTH CAROLINA!

I stopped for coffee with an old and dear friend named Nic O’Demus…we didn’t get a photo for reasons. I tripped on down the road to spend time with Elizabeth (Lizzy), her husband Jim, and their best friend Chris. They were a riot!

From there, I headed to my darling Cynthia and spent a couple of days talking non-stop with her and her sweetheart of an adult son, Kellen.

The second state in my writing road trip was GEORGIA!

I stayed with the brilliant and way-too-cool Bella Roccaforte…a friend and fellow author. She was kind enough to let me crash in her house and give me tons of marketing advice.

She even sent me home with an original PAINTING (that is now hanging on my wall above my bed).

Love you huge, Bella. Thank you!