You Must Read This (Phoenix)

NOT MILKING IT

Usually when I put up blog posts, I save the big news for last.  Am kind of shameless in regards to the concept of Milking It.  (Sometimes I Milk It so much that readers lose interest and often miss big announcements like the sale of books and such.) 

Regardless, this is just too cool, so here goes:

I'm going to be on NPR today!  You can check it out here. 

The piece I'm doing is called You Must Read This and I talk about a book that had an impact on my life.  The audio portion will be available after 7:00 PM today OR you can just tune to your local NPR affiliate and hear me read it yourself at the tail end of All Things Considered.  (Around 5:55 PM EST, but will vary depending on your affiliate time zone.  Find your local station here.)

Being on NPR almost makes me feel like a legitimate writer, and not just someone who tells stories about getting high on Ambien and ordering Barbie heads on the internet.

Then I remember I likely won't get to hear the piece live because I'll be at my friend's dog's birthday party. 

So there's that.

UPDATE: The piece got bumped to this weekend because Tim Russert died. I loved Tim Russert and I just feel sick now.

* * *

HOT ENOUGH TO FRY AN EGG, HOT ENOUGH TO BAKE YOUR DOG'S BRAIN*

Phoenix fans, I'm coming to see you on Tuesday! 

Specifically, I'm going to be at:

Barnes & Noble, 21001 N. Tatum, Phoenix, AZ, 7:00 PM

Many of you have said no one comes to Phoenix in the summer. 

We're finding this to be true NOT because of the heat, but because of the airlines. 

I have to go to Denver later Tuesday night because of a morning TV appearance and the only available flight leaves at 9:49 PM.  This means I have to get out of there not one minute later than 8:15 PM. 

I wish I had more time to spend with you guys.  My publicist has been trying to find an alternative for days but there's simply nothing else. 

Here's how we're going to work around this - I'll get to the event around 6:00 PM to pre-sign books, take pictures, and generally hang out.  Normally the reading/Q&A session lasts about forty-five minutes, so I promise if you come, you'll get the whole "experience."  (Plus with the heat and the pressure of getting to the airport on time, I'll be extra-sweaty and stammer-y.  That's a bonus, yes?)  I'll also bring and sign book plates for you guys to stick in the copies you already own and brought to get signed, just in case I can't hit all of them.

Cool?

Cool.

* Do you guys remember that PSA from the 80's?  No?  Just me then.

* * *

TRAVELIN'

Finally, here's where I'll be for the next two weeks:

Weds., June 18 - Tune in to KWGN TV, the CW Morning News, some time around 7:45 AM, (I think?)   

Weds., June 18 - Tattered Cover, Highlands Ranch, CO, 7:30 PM.  (BTW, Denver - you won't be exempt from sweating and stammering because I've got to get out of there by 9:30 because I have to get up at 3:30 AM the next morning as my publicist is clearly in league with the devil.)

Thurs., June 19 - KARE TV, Showcase Minnesota, on (I think) right before 11:00 AM?

(I normally don't post radio/TV stuff because I'm pretty sure I make an ass out of myself in each instance, but since these impact the amount of time I can spend at events, I kind of have to mention them.)

Thurs., June 19 - Borders Books & Music, Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN, 7:00 PM.

Weds., June 25 - Borders Books & Music, 511 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 6:00 PM.  (This will be extra-fun since I'll have lots of family there.  Please note again it's at 6:00 PM.  And maybe remind me, too, because my events are usually later.)

Thurs., June 26 - Panic because I have so damn much new book to finish writing before September 1.

You know what?  I might just start panicking now.

Comments

[Butter Eater Lis]

Dammmmmmmmnnnnn! Congrats! I freaking love NPR. David Sedaris's segment was HILARIOUS. I'm so looking forward to yours. I love hearing the authors speak on the radio. W00t!

[Jodie Kash]

What time in Denver? 7:30, doll?

[Jodie Kash]

What time in Denver? 7:30, doll?

[Beth]

I'm so excited you are coming to Boston! I hope I can get away to see you. I just about died laughing reading the last book.

[Natalie]

I heard you on NPR yesterday! My dad and I were in the car on our way back from all the Father's Day visits when your reading about your dad came on the radio. Needless to say, we went to B&N right away and picked up "Wanda Hickey's". I'm reading it now and can't wait to talk about the book with my own dad.

THANKS!

[donna]

The first weekend I'm too busy to check the blogs or radio and I completely missed out.
Me=NotHappy!

[Kitkat]

There is a cupcake place that I pass on my way up to the B&N tomorrow. It is called Sprinkles. They have an online menu. I was thinking I would pick up a black and white cupcake or a red velvet one for you. I am going to have a strawberry one. If you have a preference let me know. The web site is www.sprinklescupcakes.com

[Karina in T.O]

I'm so jelous of all you broads for getting some quality with Jen. Toronto is just not feelin' the love......but I assure you, if I was on vacation I'd drive my ass somewhere down the East coast to see you! And drag some of my girlfriends with me to boot.

Anyway, just wanted to pop off a quick note, finished SAPF over the weekend, and as always, LOVED it! I'll do my best to emulate your hard work at the gym.....I've been getting a bit of an ass-teau as well lately and need to step up the workouts, and step the hell away from the fridge. If only I had a Barbie to stand in-front of my treadmill with a donut...I tell ya.

Thank you as always for the laugh out loud moments, and confused glances from other transit riders as I giggle like a villiage idiot over your adventures.

[Antof9]

ohmyWORD! You added Denver to your itinerary!

and ... seriously major suckage: I already have plans that night. Suck, suck, suck.

Glad you're coming here, though. (she said, trying to figure out how to change those plans)

[Kate]

Dear Jen,

Kudos on NPR! And I'm bummed I won't be able to see you in person, BUT, I just wanted to say...

I love your books, because umm HELLO finally there is a confident, self-assured I LOOK DAMN GOOD IN THIS OUTFIT THANK YOU woman out there who is willing to tell it like it is and not roll over and sugarcoat everything just to avoid hurting somewones wittle feelings (or, I guess, feewings. Buck up, Bucko--that's what I'd like to say sometimes, or worse...)

Anyways I got so fing sick of all those diet and eating disorder memoirs out there going on and on about how people were starving themselves silly just to fit in or feel loved or feel empty or whatever. ENOUGH. Back away from the size 2! Finally there is someone I can look to as a young woman in America who can appreciate both fine fashion AND a realistic waistline. Who has her cocktails and drinks them too. Who does the whole weight loss thing not as a fad or an extreme or to make a statement, but to genuinely get healthy and then to maintain.

So at the risk of sounding cliche--you go girl. And let me know the next time you are in the mood for a burger, a margarita, and a Nordstrom's run!

[Holly]

I loved your segment on NPR. I included the URL in case you hadn't seen it, which I'm sure you have. Thanks for a great read on Father's Day. I hope my daughter has moments like that that she can share in the future. I wish I had those, too. Thanks for the great column!

[Jennife in Milwaukee]

My favorite line of the whole NPR bit....the last line from the announcer- best selling author....

Congrats Jen...NY Times top 20, NPR bit...what next-maybe a book festival with David Sedaris?

[Susie]

Yay P.H.X! Too bad you must leave 10 minutes after arriving. Hopefully next time there will be enough time to take you for some great mexican!!

[samantha]

just heard you on NPR... now I am interested to read some of jean shepherds stuff. thanks!

(guess i'll have to read some of your stuff too then. heh.)

[Peggy]

Yes I remember it from the 80's, and was ridiculed recently by HS students for saying "dude" and "cool" in the same sentence. NICE!!!

[Andrea]

Im still trying to get the night off to come see you in Boston. And if I do I hopefully wont get lost. Got a new fancy-pants GPS unit. Crossing my fingers :)

[Kristen]

Jen- while in Phoenix, do not pass go, do not collect $200- but get your pretty fat over to Nordstrom's LAST CHANCE. It is serious bargain heaven. My hubby got an Armani tux for $40, and the last time I was there I picked up some handmade Italian leather shoes for $18.99. You will seriously lose your sizzle shiz. Don't say I didn't warn you!

p.s. Ironically, Honeybears' barbecue in Phoenix is among the nation's finest.

[Melinda]

Jen! I'm currently reading SAPF and cannot get enough of the anti-Suburban comments. "Give me Libertyville or give me death?" LOVE IT.

This is coming from the girl who barely goes west of Ashland, north of Irving Park, and south of the loop. I love your hatred of the 'burbs because I am right there with you.

[Eva]

Jenn, do you have any plans to come to Las Vegas? By the way, it is only 100F in cool times here:) Better than AZ, don't you think?

[Elisa]

I did read the rest, but somehow I can';t get over: your friends is throwing a birthday party for her dog??

[Muffy Willowbrook]

Can't wait to see you and meet you!

Will be the one holding the liter of chardonnay...

[LissInAlaska]

I tell you where you need come to, Jen....

ALASKA!!!!

Come during the summer, though. You can wear the D&G's at Midnite and sit out on the deck and enjoy the sunlight drinking your favorite wine or drink and not have the sun go down on ya.

Yeah, I live here and I love, love, love your both of your books. I haven't picked up "Such A Pretty Fat" yet, gotta head over to Barnes and Noble this weekend to get it.

You are great!!

[may]

dang. I'm a CA girl- but will be in MN the same day as you... but your signing is at same time as my class I'm teaching. DANG!

[margalit]

I can't wait for Boston either. I'm bringing my posse. We're psyched.

[Amanda]

Perhaps, after all that rushing around you need to relax. I mean what else will get the next book started right, then a trip to Marco Island for the weekend???

My girlfriends, whom I brought to the Indy reading, and I are going and we think that you should join!

[Jenn]

See you in Minneapolis!! Cocktails afterward?

[Manic Mommy]

I know what'll keep you from panicking--

A double order of that crazy-good scrumptious mac-n-cheese you described in the book.

AW-FREAKING-SOME!

I want it. And I want it now.

Do you put like yummy breadcrumbs on top and brown them just right, and is the cheese really, really gooey. Holy fuck.

Safe travels Jen!

[Heidi]

Jen, if I were going to be on NPR talking about a book that had an impact on my life it would be "Bitter is the New Black". Seriously, your first book changed my life! You give hope to all underemployed professionals out there, who are currently temping until they get their big break!

Can't wait to see you in Minneapolis! :)

[Christine]

Yeah, the Russert thing blows big time. But I am so pleased for you anyway- well done!

[Bob Loblaw]

Just got Such a Pretty Fat! I'm looking forward to a great read this weekend!

Thanks for being so Jenntastic!

[J]

Can't wait to see you Tuesday!

[Jessica]

You can totally do this! You will be great, my only complaint is no Los Angeles, but I figure if I totally support you you will make a trip with your next FAB-U-LOUS book!!!

[Soren]

There are sooooooo many Jenatics (yes, I'm still working that, and will until everyone says it) up here in CANADA!!! How can we petition your publicist to get you a gig in Toronto? I would totally cancel client sessions to come see you at an event!
Pleeeeeeeeeease consider coming up here? It's wicked hot, so you won't miss you sweaty stammer-y at all, it'll be just like the USA but Canadian-er. :D

[Marian]

Wish you were coming to Charleston SC ..
I've read some of your books twice just because they actually made me laugh out loud. You have a wonderful sense of humor and are a great inspiration !
Also- seems like you have great compassion for the furry ones!

[AuntieEm]

Cannot wait for the Boston event! I've let several friends know and we're making a night of it (during the work week no less - scandalous!). Join us as we enjoy Vodka Gimlets, my new summer drink (I have a new favorite every summer actually...)

[Lys]

Will have to check out the NPR gig. Your publicist will be proud, Jen!

[Jackie]

Are you coming to Dallas, TX? I hope I haven't missed you already!

[Carrie]

Thank god for air conditioning. I wish you could come back up to Seattle and cool off, but I understand, you have OBLIGATIONS and DEADLINES.

It's okay. We'll wait.

I am sooo going to listen to NPR tonight.

[Tara]

Did you know that they also made "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss" into a movie? It was on TV and we had it recorded on a VHS tape - complete with commercials and everything. My brother and I loved that movie and "A Christmas Story" growing up as my dad is also a huge fan of Jean Shephard. I'm definitely going to tune into NPR to hear you tonight!

[Linsey]

BTW, yesterday you were #16 on the NYT list but there wasn't a place to leave comments on yesterdays post.

[morganzmom]

That's very cool about the NPR gig! Can't wait to check it out tonite, since I wasn't able to see you at all this summer. And take it easy with the heat in Phoenix -- that means you'll need lots of wine and banana daiquiris to keep cool!!

[Kim]

I'm sad that I couldn't make it up to see you in Atlanta, but I am totally going to be all over NPR tonight at work!

If any of my co-workers have anything to say about it, well then they can just go somewhere, can't they?

[RebeccaB]

Yay i'm so excited you are coming to phoenix!!! At least it will be almost night time and the temperature will maybe only be about 110. Can't wait!

[Karen Buscemi]

I suggest you write on the plane. Between delays and waiting a God's age (that's a very long time) at baggage claim, you could get a significant amount of work done.

Unless you order too many of those tiny airplane vodkas. Then disregard above advice.

[Karen]

So excited you are coming to Boston! Saw you in SF but work right across the street from Borders in Boston.I am bringing my sister and we can't wait to see you!