12 December 2003 T.A.L.K. Our Tuesday Afternoon Literary Klatch has moved from Barefoot Bay on Lake Bob Sandlin to The Coffee Cup, in Pittsburg, Texas. We were invited there by Janet Franklin and her partner, Paul “Gus” Gustafson. Charlotte and I went there to scope it out and were delighted with the place, the atmosphere, and the hosts. They make great coffees, and also have pastries, ice cream, smoothies and such. They also serve lunch. Gus is a musician and composer, while Janet writes poems and song lyrics. They have live music on Friday nights and again on Saturday nights, when they hold “open mike” sessions. That’s when musicians drop in to jam and poets give readings. Reminds me of San Francisco’s North Beach and New York’s Greenwich Village. Everyone is welcome at TALK. We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., or longer. You don’t have to be a writer, either, although most who come to talk are writers. There are photographers, screenwriters, poets, novelists, sculptors, painters, poets, journalists, memoir writers, essayists and college students. There are different people there each week, and there is no structure to the meetings, nothing formal about our discussions and exchanges of ideas. All who come have commented on how stimulating these get-togethers are. If you write me from my contact page, I’ll be glad to give out-of-towners the directions. There is one writer who drives over from Commerce, near Dallas, Jim Ainsworth, so don’t let distance deter you if you want to come. The address is 105 North Greer, Pittsburg, Texas, and their phone number is 903-856-3611. Greer is Highway 271, and they are located next to Fred’s, and across the street from the True Value hardware store. Plenty of parking. Easy to find. My latest novel from Berkley, TEXAS DUST, has a publication date of January 6, 2004, but I’ve already gotten a couple of advance copies, so the book will probably be shipped later this month. I have ordered extra copies for some autograph parties we have planned. When I know where and when, I’ll post the dates and times in this journal. I do know that we’ll have a book signing at The Coffee Cup, and I’m going to invite Helen R. Myers and Bob St. John to join me at this one. I’ve also been invited by Norma Wilkinson to sign books at her fabulous Oaklea Mansion in Winnsboro and I look forward to that. Check this site often for updates on the upcoming book signings. We may even come to a place near you. And, finally, I wish all of you who drop in here Happy Holidays and a most prosperous New Year. J.S.