And The Winners Are…

Just pretend that I read the title of this post in a big, booming voice, complete with the melodramatic flourish of a sparkly Academy Award presenter.

Last week, I asked those among you who were willing to share your travel stories; the pain, jackassery and frustration that erupted when a pleasant vacation is what you had in mind. Quite often the trip we’ve planned has nothing to do with the adventure we actually experience.

That’s what I wanted and some of you delivered. Now it’s my turn to deliver.

Here’s what I promised you last week:

– I’ll give the best story signed copies of both of my books, Human Detritus and Broken Abroad.

– Second place, I’ll give you a signed copy of Broken Abroad.

– Third, a signed copy of Human Detritus.

I’ve read these little stories over & over again. From Morocco to Barcelona to Oklahoma to Greece to Scotland. I laughed about police interrogations, mistaken identity & camping trips gone awry. I also learned the meaning of the word “poutana.” Making a choice was not easy for me. Maybe these choices are easy for other people, but not for me SO BACK OFF.

But, in the end, there can be only three, so here they are:

Cameron Rzucidlo’s road trip went wrong in the desolation between Oklahoma and Texas, resulting in flared tempers and a missing pooch. If you’ve ever had a pet go missing during a vacation, you know that it’s hell. Luckily, it had a happy ending and the doggie was found. Congrats, Cameron – you’re getting a signed copy of Human Detritus.

Robert Campbell and his wife bounced around all over the map in an effort to board a cruise ship. They went this way, the luggage went that way. Disappearing luggage, magically reappearing luggage and four days with no luggage. I can’t even imagine the level of aggravation. So, instead of trying to imagine it, I’m giving Robert a signed copy of Broken Abroad.

Finally, there’s David’s story of his trip to Edinburgh, where his dreams of being courageous and adventurous left him feeling lost and isolated. From the sound of it, it was a trip that left him forever changed. Cheers, David – you’re getting signed copies of both books.

Now you guys, kick your feet up at home and relax with your books until your next adventure.

For the rest of you who didn’t win this round, please know that I’m still giddy as hell that you stopped by and shared your story. I enjoyed reading them. We might do this again for the next book release – which should be within the next year or so.

If you’d still like to buy a signed copy of either of these books, you can get one by clicking on the Store tab at the top of this page and of course, you can get the dead tree and Kindle versions on Amazon. You can also keep an eye on my Twitter or Facebook page, because if I have any news on my book releases, discounts, free promos or anything of that nature, that’s where I’ll tell you about them.

So, stick around. There’ll be more stories to tell and to read, more laughs and adventures to be had and of course… more frustration and jackassery.