Dearest Readers,

I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from attending the RARE Paris book signing in April 2024. As some of you know, my health has taken a turn for the worse lately, owing to a serious cervical spine injury I suffered many years ago. My neck has been in almost constant spasm for the last month, and this past Friday it was so bad I had to go to the E.R. for an emergency cat scan. The titanium plates and screws in my neck are stable, but everything else isn’t doing so great. It’s a direct result of me trying to push myself harder—to write more, to be out more, and to attempt a greater level of mobility than I’ve attempted since my last big surgery.

I accepted the invitation to attend RARE because I was confident that, with hard work, I could improve enough to start doing book signings and other public appearances next year, but all I’ve done is aggravate my cervical spine injury to the point of intense pain. I’ve come to the unhappy conclusion that there is no way I can travel to Paris, let alone sit up for a full day of book signing, due to the extent of my pain and the very real possibility of doing further damage.

This is not a decision I have made lightly, and I sincerely apologize to any of you who bought a ticket in anticipation of seeing me next year. I truly wish I could have been there to meet you all.

With love and regrets,