(Thanks to the Indiana Gazette for use of this photo.)

Here I am with my parents, Andy and Joyce, during my first book event in my hometown. (Notice the huge crowd!)

As you can probably tell, I get my height from my dad, my complexion from my mom, and my book from the bestsellers rack behind us. (Yeah, I wish.) . . . Speaking of my book, this is the original cover of The Plantation. It was only used on about 2,000 copies and featured a non-southern house with a huge puddle of blood in the front yard that looked like it was taking a leak on my name.

Needless to say, I asked for the book cover to be changed by the art designer at Paradox, the first publisher that acquired the rights. Thankfully, they heeded my wish and redesigned the cover for their trade paperback edition. Goodbye bloody puddle . . . Hello wall of fire!