Rules on public speaking learned at this morning’s Ben McNally Books and Brunch: 1. Never take antihistamines before any sort of public speaking engagement as your mouth will turn into the Gobi desert. 2. Never assume you can just read the lovely speech you have prepared for the event.

In spite of failing at both #s 1 and 2, it was a lovely morning and I very much enjoyed meeting my fellow authors and brunch table companions.