Back when we created that post filled with playful charts and graphs—assembled from the results of our 2012 reader survey—we learned you’re just as hooked on infographics as we are. With that in mind, I gathered and illustrated a collection of memorable facts and figures from our recent book tour. Think of it as a compact info-scrapbook: a visual and written snapshot of that whirlwind period in our lives, designed to help us remember the moments, big and small.
This roundup captures where we went, the little adventures we had, and even the extra pounds accumulated along the way. It’s not a blow-by-blow travelogue, but a lighthearted tally of highlights and quirks that made the tour unforgettable. We documented venues, cities, meals, hotel mishaps, the best coffee stops, and the strangest travel snafus. We noted how often we found ourselves apologizing when running late, the number of books signed, and the surprising number of people who shared deeply personal stories while waiting in line. All of those encounters added texture to the experience—turning public appearances into meaningful conversations.
Each infographic in this collection was crafted in Photoshop using a handful of favorite fonts. The typography choices helped set the tone for each graphic, from bold, punchy headlines to softer, handwritten accents that felt personal. The visual language aimed to be approachable and fun, mirroring the tone we strive for in our writing: conversational, honest, and a little bit silly at times.
Beyond the numbers, the most important thing we couldn’t quantify was the warmth and generosity of the people we met. To everyone who took time out of their busy lives to come say hello, thank you. Your presence turned a long string of travel days into something that felt worthwhile and genuine. Those moments—small exchanges in bookstore aisles, shared laughter at readings, the folks who brought homemade gifts—are the parts of the tour that will stick with us the longest.
Travel brings out curiosities. How do you measure your own journeys? Some people keep meticulous travel logs, counting how many states, countries, or unique cities they’ve visited. My mom keeps a running list of state capitols she’s seen—she’s well past halfway, and she treats it like a long-term scavenger hunt. Others track the longest flight they’ve ever endured, comparing seat comfort, entertainment options, and whether sleep was even possible. We heard plenty of stories on the road: people who prefer to travel light, those who plan every detail, and others who thrive on spontaneous detours.
There are also little rituals that make travel feel familiar. For instance, some friends have go-to wardrobe pieces that accompany them through many events. I’ll admit—finding the same blazer at a big-box store and seeing my spouse wear it to dozens of appearances made me grin. It’s the small, repeatable comforts that can make a hectic tour feel like home when you’re constantly on the move.
We learned practical things too: how to pack more efficiently, which snacks actually survive long flights, and how to squeeze in a decent workout between signings. We discovered that a good pair of headphones can transform a cross-country flight, and that a reliable travel mug is worth its weight in gold. Some nights we celebrated with a quiet meal and a toast; other nights we carried boxes of books into a venue and felt the buzz of a crowd waiting just beyond the doors.
The book tour was tiring, yes, but it was also full of generous strangers who became friends, memorable conversations that felt like brief windows into other lives, and a comforting reminder of why we share these stories in the first place. Even after all the travel, the late nights, and the logistical juggling, what stands out is the kindness we encountered—and the small moments that made everything worthwhile.
P.S. We selected this week’s giveaway winners. Click the giveaway announcement post on our site to see if you’re one of them.