Hugs for YOU

I'm now finally home after the long tour (me to my kids: "Hi, I'm your father. Remember me?"). And yes, there's truly only one thing that needs to be said: thankyouthankyouthankYOU for what you did for us when you supported this book. From voting on the original title, to facebooking the release, to coming out to events, to buying it that first week when the sales really count, and most important, for all the nice notes you sent -- it was ALL appreciated. Every darn part.

Last night, as we aired the last episode of Decoded (which sent my son to bed terrified that Florida will soon be underwater), all I kept saying to Cori was how lucky we felt to have you in our world. I've said it before, and I'll say it for everything we do: I know other authors have family and friends. But they don't have OUR family and friends.

So that warm fuzzy feeling you're now getting is coming from me (or you have a minor rash). I have no idea if Decoded will be renewed. For sure working on the sequel to The Inner Circle. But whatever happens, I'm sending you much love and thanks for letting us dream all the silly things we've been able to dream. And yes, I'm still trying to get a free car from History Channel. I've asked them for one for you too. No joke.

Love and thanks and even more mushy stuff,

Brad

David Thompson

Just now heard about the death of David Thompson, who ran Houston's premiere mystery bookstore, Murder By The Book. David hosted one of my first signings ever when The Tenth Justice was FIRST published. For the first hour, nobody showed. Not one person. Then, two friends showed up (a law school pal and her Mom). That was the grand total: two customers and one was her Mom. I know we were supposed to look at that signing as a disaster, but David and I never did. We went out to the movies after and laughed our asses off watching South Park. I remember thanking him so much for taking a chance on an unknown like me. At the time, the bookstore around the corner from my parents' apartment wouldn't invite me to sign there -- but David said, "No. We need to support the first time authors. Come to Houston."

That was his great gift. I owe him forever for that.

In fact, for the past few books, my publisher had stopped sending me to Houston (media was too sparse there) -- but David and I conspired when The Book of Lies was published. I was going back. The day before I got there, the hurricane hit Houston, shutting the entire city down. I still tried to get in. And when one friend in Houston told me her living room was knee-deep in water, I called David and he was in the store, all set for business. Man, we should all love books like that.

For me, the highway from Austin to Houston was shut down, so no Murder By The Book for me. But David and I were still determined, and months ago, we rebooked my return visit for The Inner Circle this January.

I'll be there. David won't. And I don't care if there's another hurricane -- or only two more people join us -- we'll be raising a glass in his honor.

Miss you , pal. And thank you.

- b

Why I Love Kodak

Okay, now that the tour has calmed and my family recognizes me again, I finally got a chance to upload all the photos from the Heroes For My Son book tour to our regular Brad Meltzer Facebook page.

The gallery contains pics of tons of readers, my very first girlfriend, my first best friend ...in Florida, and even the family of a high school friend who died too young. It just reminds me how lucky we are every day. And how many beautiful readers and friends I'm so lucky to be surrounded by. You are the real heroes.

Anyway, special thanks to Kodak for the use of the amazing M530 Easy Share camera. Gave me my true Kodak moments.

Bestseller List

I'm breaking one of my rules. I never go out there and yell from the rooftops when we get on the bestseller list. And y'know why? Because being on a stupid list doesn't mean anything. It doesn't make me a smarter, nicer, or better person. It just means my family bought a lot of books.

But.

Sometimes you need to say thank you. And I need to say thank you for this: When Heroes For My Son launched, it was seen as a small idealistic book. It didn't have crazy orders. It was always the underdog. And the entire advertising budget for the book was...zero.

Zero dollars.

Not a single ad was bought. Not a single TV or radio or print ad ran. In fact, in the weeks before the launch, the entire imprint that bought the book was shut down. It was an orphan book.

But, as it was launched, it had one thing going for it: you. Yes, you -- our family and friends and beloved readers who supported this little dream of a book. You came out, and supported it, and bought copies for Dads and Grandparents, and kids and new babies. And Kodak came in and believed in that dream. And so did all our friends in the media and in publishing, who have looked out for us since page one. And so did the people at Harper, who took it over.

And that was how the book with zero advertising dollars just made the number two spot on the New York Times bestseller list (which I just got the call about).

So as I finish the tour tonight in Michigan, thank you for believing in this little book -- and in me. It is your love and support of the thrillers that let me do this book for my boys. And it's why it was launched with so much love. And that love is the only damn way to explain anything in this world.

Love on all of you.

b

PS - Right after we got the news, look what we passed. No kidding.

Heroes For My Son - Dallas Signing

This is how you welcome someone to Dallas. Never have I seen a bigger balder head on a stadium.

I'll be at Borders tonight at 7:00 PM

View Larger Map

All Things Considered, NPR Interview

From All Things Considered (NPR) -- me talking about Heroes For My Son.

Favorite Tour Interview

This may be my favorite interview from the entire book tour.

Love to KCRW for doing it — it mixes my top 5 songs with 5 points in my life. And you’ll hear how I got a gun pulled on me, and had Blues Traveler play in our kitchen.

Listen (don't just read the transcript) at: http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/gd/gd090128brad_meltzer

Gaiman, Meltzer, Lincoln

Finally uploaded the photo from the White House. Sad part? I’m more excited to hear about Neil’s new Batman story than to pay attention to stealing napkins at the White House.

Thank You

After twenty-two cities, a full month of touring, a silly amount of plane flights, and even a hurricane (yep, right at the heart of our Houston signing), I’m finally home, and just wanted to say thank you for what you unleashed. First, of course, I appreciate what you did with The Book of Lies, talking it up to whoever would listen and pushing copies on unsuspecting family and friends. It was one of the most outrageous launches we’ve ever had and I know -- as I’ve always known -- that it only happens because of your neverending help.

But most important, thank you for what you also did to save the house where Superman was created. As you know, the goal was to raise $50,000 just to work on the outside of the house. Instead, we raised $101,000. 101. Thousand. Which now means we’ll be working on the inside of the house as well.

So let me be clear: whatever we accomplished with this book and with the house, you did this. When I was worried about getting the word out there, you stepped forward without hesitation. You are a clear troublemaker and I love you for it. Make no mistake: what you did -- from passing the videos along, to facebooking, to myspacing, to all the rest -- made a huge difference. So thanks for the trust and the faith and of course for putting the word out there from day one.

After seven books now, I have to say, there’s only one thing that’s clear to me: and that is how many people are pulling for us from all sides, from so many different places. Family, friends, readers, booksellers, all the people who you say “You gotta read my friend’s book” to -- it’s the only reason this happens. And maybe it’s because of what we went through this year, maybe it’s because I’m getting mushy these days, but it matters. When you help someone -- it always matters.

I’m signing off and taking a break. But I’m sending so much love and thanks your way.

Butterfly kisses from Florida,

Brad

The White House

I'm typing in the airport, waiting for the return flight from the very last event -- the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. Key highlight (besides the author breakfast at the White House, where all the famous authors try to play it cool as they fill their pockets with White House napkins (The fools! The best stuff is the White House toilet paper!) was all the incredible folks who waited in the sun for an hour to say hi. Love to them.

And then, while I'm standing there in the White House and eyeing the napkin thievery, I finally get to meet Neil Gaiman, who then introduces me to...just, please, wait...Salman Rushdie.

Me, Neil Gaiman, Salman Rushdie. In the White House.

Did the world end and no one told me?

Pics shortly -- and don't forget, Monday is the last day of the auction: and the prices are cheap for that Ivan Reis Superman and Lois drawing (think wedding or anniversary present for someone). Also, the Heroes walk-on and the Siegel shirt are still out there until tomorrow.

Waiting to go home...

So close, I smell it.

LA

LA is sunny and beautiful and filled with handsome people that make me feel extra bald and pasty. But very excited to be on Attack of the Show (AOTS) on G4 today (one of my favorite shows), and extra excited because we're about to grab some In-and-Out Burger. Also, had Scott Brick (our voice on the audio books) there last night, so he made me sound super-baritone (that is a super power).

Three days to go.

Westside

On a plane right now headed to Pasadena and LA, home of Kaysu Ya, my favorite sushi place (which I have the publisher pay for, which is good since I eat it twice a day).

The third week of the Superman auction was amazing, and baseball caps off to Frank Cho, whose Supergirl pin up proved just how much the world loves, in his words, those big corn fed Kansas girls. We raised over $7,000 alone just from that, with a week 3 total of $17,766
.

But this week is the big final one: the walk-on part on Heroes...the Jerry Siegel t-shirt...and have you seen the dozen new items, including George Perez's Batman vs. Captain America donated by Doug Welch.

I know we've put the word out in week 1, but in this final week, I would love if you could help us push the auction and site and video one last time on facebook, myspace or even just via antiquated email.

The site is: www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com

Donations can be made here.

T-shirts can be bought here.

Hello West Coast...

Houston Cancelled And Auction Ending

Just found out that the two events in Houston for tomorrow (Tuesday) have been cancelled due to Hurricane Ike. I hear it's getting better there in some parts, but my publisher is terrified that it's something out of a zombie flick, and so, I'm headed straight to Philly instead. Special apologies to the incredible stores -- Murder By The Book and also Midnight Comics -- who are just some of the nicest around. Both know we'll figure out something really cool to make it up to them.

Also, today is the last day to bid on getting your name in the next novel -- and to bid on the other items in Round 2 of the auction to save the house where Superman was created. And next week...? We get Letterman involved. Plus lots more new items.

Love to all.

Austin

Headed to Austin today.

Amy's Ice Cream.

Waterloo Records.

And hanging out with the Calculator. The real one (coolest thing on tour this week? The girl who made a LEGO Calculator character is sending it to me).

Cleveland!

First, just a reminder that you can be a character in my next novel -- and i'll make you someone good too. Plus lots of other items that'll help raise money to save the house where Superman was created. Bid here.

Had our event in Cleveland last night, co-sponsored by the the Ohio Center for the Book and the Ohioana Library Association. Was wild to see so many of Jerry Siegel's relatives there, plus Joe Shuster's, plus the current amazing owners of the Siegel House, plus so many members of the Siegel & Shuster Society. Lovefest? For sure -- and was easily one of the best stops -- especially because I hadn't been there in so long, so got to meet so many people who have been reading the novels for years.

Onto Denver and then the hurricanes of Austin...

New Auction Items

Headed to Cleveland tomorrow. Can't wait to see reactions at the signing based on the e-mails I've been getting from Clevelanders.

Best part of last night's signing in Chicago? My first unrequited crush from elementary school came to visit. I wrote about her in my Terra story. She reminded me why I love old friends -- and why I should have given her a "Great" instead of a "Yuk" in the slam book.

Also, week one of the auction to save the house where Superman was created is officially over.

Insane. In the membrane. I said to my wife that I figured week one would get $10K (being over-optimistic). Shows what I f'ing know.

The closing auctions for week one were as follows:

Winning Bids:
Brian Michael Bendis $5,850.00
Neil Gaiman $1,125.00
Dave Gibbons $810.00
Jim Lee $14,101.00
Allen Bellman $150.00
Dan Brereton $587.88
Travis Charest $7,877.77
Greg Rucka $545.00
Ian Churchill $560.00
Ernie Chan $227.50
George Perez $2,625.00

That's $34,459.15 for week one auctions. And that's not including how many amazing people have made direct donations that came through OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.Com. With so many people donating just $10, $25...that's all we need. We just need more people to do it.

Also, don't forget the coolest T-Shirt that Chip Kidd has ever designed. The official Siegel & Shuster T-Shirt, with all profits going to save the house where Superman was created.

And so we begin the second week of the auction, the one where you can get your name as a character in my next novel.

Let me say, right now, that I'll give you a good spot. You won't be some waiter who disappears after one line (unless you have a really bad name, in which case I'm going to kill you early).

Week 2 auctions.

Also, the best part of this has been the outpouring of new items we've gotten for the auction. So many more coming. But this week, let's throw some love at J.H. Williams III, Jimmy Palmiotti and Mark Waid, who has given us CURT SWAN! (check out the art below)

Plus, just heard from Mark Millar, Jill Thompson, Mark Waid, and so many others. To all creators: we tried to reach out to everyone when we started, but it's clear we didn't reach everyone. We want you! If you have a truly awesome item, please email me through the site or facebook or myspace or anywhere because this is for all of us.

Additional Tour Cities

First, for those who asked specific questions about Brian Bendis and Jim Lee's auctions, answers below... And c'mon, that's gotta make the bidding go higher.

Q:When you say drawn on the cover to an issue of Powers, would it be possible to have "me" wearing a shirt that says my name on it so it's "obviously" me and there's no mistaking it? Also, will we get a chance to own the original art?

A:Yes to both.

Q:How large will Jim Lee's drawing be? Will it be pencil or ink? Can Jim draw Superman and Batman, instead of the winner?

A:11 x 17. Pencil and ink. It can be Batman or any other existing character from Marvel or DC or Wildstorm.

So, the first week of the tour is done. Beyond the highlight of meeting everyone, especially the Invisible Army members, was doing the local TV noon news in Miami with the firefighter band that was playing "Superman" while the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders came over to say hi. I swear, I tried to take a picture. Only in Miami.

We've added two additional cities to the tour. Stop by and say hello if you're in New Jersey (Hoboken, represent!) or Connecticut.

WESTFIELD, NJ
Saturday, September 20 – 7:00 pm

Westfield Library

550 East Broad Street

DARIEN, CT
Sunday, September 21 – 5:30 pm

Darien Library

35 Leroy Avenue

Tour Schedule

Thank you to everyone who stopped by last night in New York city. For everyone else, here's the tour schedule. Hope you can stop by and say hello. As always, I will sign anything and everything (books and comics).

BETHESDA, MD

Wednesday, September 3, 7:30pm

Barnes & Noble

4801 Bethesda Avenue

WASHINGTON, DC

Thursday, September 4, 7:00pm

Politics & Prose

5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW

BOCA RATON, FL

Friday, September 5, 7:00pm

Barnes & Noble

1400 Glades Road

MIAMI, FL

Saturday, September 6, 7:00pm

Books & Books

265 Aragon Avenue

CHICAGO, IL

Monday, September 8, 12:00pm

Borders Books & Music, State Street

150 North State Street

WINNETKA, IL

Monday, September 8, 7:00pm

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

811 Elm Street

BIRMINGHAM, MI

Tuesday, September 9, 7:00pm

Borders Books & Music

34300 Woodward Avenue

CLEVELAND, OH

Wednesday, September 10, 7:00pm

Barnes & Noble, Woodmere

28801 Chagrin Boulevard

DENVER, CO

Thursday, September 11, 7:30pm

Tattered Cover, Highlands Ranch

9315 Dorchester Street

AUSTIN, TX

Friday, September 12, 7:00pm

Book People

603 N. Lamar

DALLAS, TX

Monday, September 15, 7:00pm

Borders Books & Music, Preston Road

10720 Preston Road

HOUSTON, TX

Tuesday, September 16, 6:30pm

Murder By the Book

2342 Bissonnet Street

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Wednesday, September 17, 7:00pm

Chester County Book Company

975 Paoli Pike

ATLANTA, GA

Friday, September 19, 7:15pm

Georgia Center for the Book/Decatur Library

215 Sycamore Street

STERLING, VA

Saturday, September 20, 1:00pm

Wegman's

45131 Columbia Place

BOSTON, MA

Monday, September 22 – 7:00 pm

Brookline Booksmith

279 Harvard Street

PASADENA, CA

Tuesday, September 23 – 7:00 pm

Vroman’s

695 East Colorado Boulevard

LOS ANGELES, CA

Wednesday, September 24 – 7:30 pm

Barnes & Noble, Encino

16461 Ventura Boulevard

SAN FRANCISCO

Thursday, September 25 – 12:30 pm

Stacey’s Bookstore

581 Market Street

CORTE MADERA, CA

Thursday, September 25 – 7:00 pm

Book Passage

51 Tamal Vista Boulevard

New York City

Just landed in New York city. First thing that happened is my dad called to complain that the Barnes & Noble in Union Square doesn't have big enough posters of me.

According to my sister, he wants to "ones like they have in Times Square."

One day, and counting.

Check back here tomorrow for the big news.

And thanks to all who have been helping all the way.

PS to every person who asked, yes. Of course, bring your comics to the signings. I will sign anything and everything.

You’re Invited

Just a reminder, the book tour (just like a rock & roll tour, but without all the groupies and sex and...well, without pretty much anything) starts on September 2nd — so if you moved in the past two years, please make sure we have your updated mailing info so we’re not sending the invites to the wrong address.

Also, if you would like to get an actual invite in the actual mail, please do make sure I have your mailing address by clicking here. For those who are new, we never sell your name (I hate those people). And for those who have asked, yes, of course, feel free to add any relatives or friends or Moms who you’ve turned onto the books, comics, whatever. To this day, the number one email I get is: My Mom reads you too now...

I friggin’ love that email. So please do invite Mom as well. You can also send it to me directly through MySpace, facebook, or email at bradmeltzer44 at gmail.com.

And as always, can’t WAIT to see you all on tour. It’s been a crazy year here so looking forward to recharging with you all.

Love,

B