Now I know why my author friend, Laura Munson, goes to a spa for a few days after one of her book tours. I knew a book tour would be a series of back-to-back events, but nothing can describe the intense whirlwind of such an experience until you’re in one. I’m home to spend time with Annie, take care of things I’ve let slide, and get ready for phase two, so I thought I’d give you some notes from the MAYA BLUE book tour. BTW, MAYA BLUE is already in it’s second printing. Isn’t that incredible?
My favorite part of this book tour has been meeting all of you. It’s meant everything to me.
I can’t tell you how many great women have come to my book events. Women of all ages––WHO’VE ALREADY READ THE BOOK––are bringing their friends, sisters, neighbors, and daughters and telling them they need to read MAYA BLUE. It’s happened at every single place I’ve been, and my heart is full.
At the Salmagundi Club in NYC, Fifi Froelich came on the train from Rye, NJ, and brought three of her friends and told them they needed to read the book, plus two readers of this blog came to meet me. One came all the way from Florida, and one brought her husband.
It was so crazy busy and full of people that I didn’t get a chance to have photos taken of everyone at the Salmagundi Club. The event was packed! Seven of the women I’ve interviewed for my blog were there, but I only have this photo of me and Dovanna Pagowski, Lauren Ezersky, and Ann Caruso. And since Christie Brinkley booked the fabulous Sandy Linter to do her makeup, Sandy was unable to be there.
Paula Kiger came from Florida! I wrote a blog about Paula ten years ago.
Readers are relating to the meaning of MAYA BLUE–fighting for our voice and standing in our power–and I’m deeply touched… as in struggling to keep from crying as they tell me why they’re there, what they liked about the book, and ask me to sign their book and the ones they’re buying for friends and relatives. And since it’s not “chick-lit,” men are reading their wife’s copy and leaving me reviews on Amazon. One is from the former executive editor of Fortune Magazine. It’s been amazing.
Me and Joanne Leedom-Ackerman at Interabang Books in Dallas. Her book, The Far side of the Desert is a finalist in the 2025 National Indie Excellence Awards! Way to go, Joanne!
And I’ve made new friends! One of whom I’ve seen for lunch and have been to her beautiful home! How do I describe the profound nature of this experience?
Then there’s the 1,600-word piece and 11 photos the British tabloid, The Daily Mail, ran about me and MAYA BLUE. Now I’m tabloid fodder! LOL!
San Antonio Living with Shelly Miles
Whether it’s the people I’ve met, the television interviews and countless podcasts I’ve done plus the ones that are still to come, or the great book reviews like this one from the respected Lee Woodruff, plus Maria Shrivers included MAYA BLUE in her 2025 Summer Reads, this experience has been a knock out!
If you’ve read MAYA BLUE, will you please leave a review on Amazon and/or GoodReads? It’s critically important, or I wouldn’t ask. Here’s the Amazon link. And please tell your friends because MAYA BLUE is striking a chord with men and women.
Also, please let me know if you’d like me to meet with your book club on zoom or in person. They’re so much fun!
Thank you, sweet friends! This is all for you and because of you and fingers crossed, there’s more to come. Please help me make it happen!
20 thoughts on “NOTES FROM THE MAYA BLUE BOOK TOUR”
Congratulations on the success of your book. I read it and loved it. Knowing you personally made it even more exciting. Love you sweet lady.
Thank you Carol. I’m wondering if during that period of time if you’d heard anything about what Philip was going through? I love you, too, my friend. ♥️
I’m so excited for you and the success of Maya Blue. Your book has had a profound effect on me. I see myself in so many ways and can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’ve been afraid of making changes to my life because I feel safe in my misery. No more! Thank you Brenda for writing this book! I’m going to map out my next steps and stop being in these unhealthy relationships. Your book was like lightening for me!
Oh, Sue! Once again my heart is full, knowing my story has given strength and voice to yours. Life can be incredibly difficult and disappointing so it’s not surprising that we’re unsure of what to do and not inclined to make changes. Even little changes are scary when there’s no light to show us the way. I like that you’re thinking through things so you’ll have a plan for your next moves and perhaps someone to reach out to for help. If you’re so inclined, what if you ask God for guidance? When I talk to God, I’m no longer standing in the dark by myself. Sending love and encouragement to you, Brenda
Brenda – the book was great! So inspiring and amazing! I knew you had been through some things, but I. HAD. NO. IDEA!!!
Wow! Leaving a review on Goodreads right now!
I know… I didn’t think I would ever publicly share these dark places in my life. They’re a lot to take in, especially for people who’ve never experienced anything like them and don’t know they exist. Thank you, Gray, for responding in the way you have and for writing a review and sharing how you feel about Maya Blue. I appreciate you. So much. Love, Brenda ♥️
Brenda, I’ve never read a book that I wanted all of my girlfriends to read also. Maya Blue is your memoir but it’s so well written it’s more like an adventure story with a true love story thrown in. You are such a worrier and not a woman to be messed with! Thanks for being a role model for women everywhere!
Thank you, Melody! Your support makes my heart overflow with gratitude! It’s the best thing you could do for me. xoxox, Brenda
Dear Brenda,
I was thinking about you yesterday (yes you are a good thing to think about) then here comes your communication to us.
I’m so very happy that your memoir has been so well received. That does not surprise me. It has been the best memoir book that I have ever read so far.
I could only imagine how exhausted but fulfilling your journey has been so far. Meeting and talking to people takes an enormous amount of energy. I admire you can do all of this.
You must now have 151 best friends. It’s a good thing to collect. It beats collecting beanie babies.
Warm hugs
Thank you, Katherine! And yes, new friends are better than beanie babies! LOL! Hope your summer is off to a great start! XOXOX, Brenda
Brenda, I’m one of those people who has never experienced anything even close to what you have, but I read your book within 48 hours of when it was released and I loved it. I so admire your resilience and determination! I’ve told all my friends it’s a must, and I’m planning to re-read it this summer, just in case I got too excited and missed anything.
PS—I left a review on Amazon this morning
Hugs to you, fellow Texan!
Diana! I adore you! Thank you for telling your friends and for leaving a review on Amazon!! I’m grateful. Do you live in Texas? If so, where? And do you have a book club? xoxox, Brenda
Your book enthralled me! I could not put it down. So happy for you, well deserved success after all your efforts. enjoy your success!
It’s wonderful to see you here, again, Irene! I’ve missed you! I’m thrilled you liked Maya Blue. Thank you for reading and letting me know! xoxox, Brenda
I loved the book!
Will tell my buddies to read it!
Think I did I review on AMAZON before I left will check tomorrow!
A bit jet lagged.
Lots of vapors/ vaping in EUROPE!!!!
Made me think of you!!!
Xoxo
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m over the moon that you and the Italian have taken such this wonderful trip. It looks like it’s been good for you. Just what you needed. Hooray! Yes, you wrote a review before you left. Thank you, sweet friend. I appreciate you! xoxox, Brenda
It sounds like you’ve earned a spa day! LOVED Maya Blue and left a review on Amazon. Hoping you’ll write another book!!! You’re SO good. Xoxo, Barb
Thank you, sweet lady. I’m happy you enjoyed Maya Blue and have left a review on Amazon! Yes! You’re the best. I do have another book in mind, but we’ll see. I’m still promoting this one, and yes… I would love a spa day. xoxox, Brenda
I wish we had a bookstore here so you could come visit!! So proud of your success Brenda!!
Thank you, Cindy! xoxox, Brenda