Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a Mecca for fans of the
Revolutionary War and Colonial America, especially on the Fourth of July.
That's where my family and I were this year. Along with four other authors, including Ed Cline, I sold and signed my books in front of the bookstore at the Visitors
Center.

My family and I took a break mid-afternoon, when the crowd
had thinned, to stroll in the colonial city. Tourists can rent articles of period
clothing for the day to better experience the ambiance. We were dressed fully
in period clothing, so a number of tourists asked us for directions because
they thought we worked there. They must have wondered how crazy four other visitors could be to dress to the Colonial Nines in ninety-degree weather. This was my
sons' first visit to Colonial Williamsburg, the first time they experienced an
entire Revolutionary War-era town, with all the merchants' and craftsmen's
shops, and the carriages and folks in costume. The closest experience they had for
comparison was Sutlers' Row at a larger reenactment. Both sons agreed that the
colonial town at Williamsburg gave them an excellent feel for an 18th-century
town. Hands-on history, at its best.

That night, we watched the fireworks. A spectacular display,
despite drizzly skies. I hit a sales record that day and will head back for the
7 December Grand Illumination event. Many thanks to Bob Hill from the bookstore
for the sales opportunity.

Next up: a presentation at the Wilmington Star-News/WHQR
book club meeting in Wilmington, NC on 11 August.