Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State. If I understand this correctly, the term goes back to the time of the Alamo when a large number of men from Tennessee volunteered to fight. From what I can see, the tradition continues.  I'm in Knoxville as part of the Literacy celebration and have been touched and encouraged by the dedication of these volunteers. Knoxville is experiencing summer-like weather.  Yesterday it hit 91 degrees.  I brought autumn clothes.  That's OK; I look good with a sheen on my face.

I'm in Knoxville, Tennessee for the annual East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame literacy event, which will take place the evening of Thursday, October 4.  I flew in on Monday from South Bend, Indiana.  When you’re trying to fly from one small town to another, sometimes you hear, "You can't get there from here.”  But indeed I could, thanks to small commuter planes. I’m looking forward to meeting as many readers in the area as possible.  A Books-A-Million signing has been added for those who can’t make it to the literacy event.  Come see me at 12 noon, Thursday, October 4 at the 8513 Kingston Pike store in Knoxville!