Bubba Gump's Shrimp - great food before a great show: Phantom
Agent/Editor Appointments - nervous, noisy writers
St. Martin's book signing - FREE BOOKS!!!
Shannon Delaney signing for a fan.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Phantom...
How could one go to New York and not see a show? We got tickets to Phantom of the Opera for last night. I'd never seen Phantom in the theater - only the movie. It was one of the greatest experiences. We left the theater humming the songs - cliche but true.
RWA 11 Day 3
There were two stand-outs today: Sherrilyn Kenyon and Candace Havens.
I had the great idea to run to the bathroom right before the lunch program. Who was coming out but Kenyon - beautifully petite with dark auburn hair. The New York Times best selling author said to those of us standing in the proverbial ladies room line that she was nervous about speaking in front of the 2000+ crowd but she needn't have been. She was so wonderful - she brought many of the attendees to tears, including me. After hearing how she grew up and how she finally convinced herself to live her life-long dream of being a writer, I have no excuse not to do the same thing. And her father also told her the same thing mine told me: "You'll never support yourself writing."
Candace Havens is another one who won't let writers rest. She feels we shouldn't go a day without writing at least 20 pages. Her Fast Draft workshop was one of the best I've ever attended. Havens is an author who continually gives back to other authors. She's bright, witty and dedicated to her craft. If you can catch one of her sessions, go. If not, go to www.candacehavens.com.
I ended the day at the St. Martin's Publishing Party at the Flat Iron building. Way cool. I mean WAY cool - the building, the people. I met a lovely editor who liked my name and I immediately asked if she wanted to buy my book. I spoke to an agent who thinks I'll be able to sell The Change. I sipped wine, ate shrimp and rubbed elbows (and bottoms - it was crowded) with editors, agents and authors. I even shared a crowded elevator with vampire-author, agent Lucienne Diver. And the building itself - wow, what an architectural wonder.
I love this city. This evening was lovely, breezy and cool - New York at its best.
I had the great idea to run to the bathroom right before the lunch program. Who was coming out but Kenyon - beautifully petite with dark auburn hair. The New York Times best selling author said to those of us standing in the proverbial ladies room line that she was nervous about speaking in front of the 2000+ crowd but she needn't have been. She was so wonderful - she brought many of the attendees to tears, including me. After hearing how she grew up and how she finally convinced herself to live her life-long dream of being a writer, I have no excuse not to do the same thing. And her father also told her the same thing mine told me: "You'll never support yourself writing."
Candace Havens is another one who won't let writers rest. She feels we shouldn't go a day without writing at least 20 pages. Her Fast Draft workshop was one of the best I've ever attended. Havens is an author who continually gives back to other authors. She's bright, witty and dedicated to her craft. If you can catch one of her sessions, go. If not, go to www.candacehavens.com.
I ended the day at the St. Martin's Publishing Party at the Flat Iron building. Way cool. I mean WAY cool - the building, the people. I met a lovely editor who liked my name and I immediately asked if she wanted to buy my book. I spoke to an agent who thinks I'll be able to sell The Change. I sipped wine, ate shrimp and rubbed elbows (and bottoms - it was crowded) with editors, agents and authors. I even shared a crowded elevator with vampire-author, agent Lucienne Diver. And the building itself - wow, what an architectural wonder.
I love this city. This evening was lovely, breezy and cool - New York at its best.
Remarks from Day 2 RWA 11
Some of the most encouraging comments from Day 2.
From yesterday's Opening Session:
Steve Berry: "History matters..."
Tess Gerritsen: "Stephen King is an inspiration..."
Diana Gabaldon on giving away portions of your writing: "Taste the wares...the first one's free."
Steve: "We are at the moment when things (publishing) are getting bigger...books aren't going away..."
Tess: "I knew I was a writer at the age of 7..."
From The PRO Retreat:
Cherry Adair (PRO Mentor of the year): "Eighty percent of the population wants to write a book. Five percent of that eighty percent actually start. Two percent of that five percent finish. You are part of that 2% of the 5% of the 80%."
And Gabaldon also mentioned something about doing a reading of a passage in an historical novel - the passage was about the Earl of Rochester teaching Nell Gwynn how to give a blow job....I'm searching for the video for that one...the..uh...reading. A video of the reading...
From yesterday's Opening Session:
Steve Berry: "History matters..."
Tess Gerritsen: "Stephen King is an inspiration..."
Diana Gabaldon on giving away portions of your writing: "Taste the wares...the first one's free."
Steve: "We are at the moment when things (publishing) are getting bigger...books aren't going away..."
Tess: "I knew I was a writer at the age of 7..."
From The PRO Retreat:
Cherry Adair (PRO Mentor of the year): "Eighty percent of the population wants to write a book. Five percent of that eighty percent actually start. Two percent of that five percent finish. You are part of that 2% of the 5% of the 80%."
And Gabaldon also mentioned something about doing a reading of a passage in an historical novel - the passage was about the Earl of Rochester teaching Nell Gwynn how to give a blow job....I'm searching for the video for that one...the..uh...reading. A video of the reading...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Opening Session - RWA Day 2
Shannon and I started the day with Starbucks, muffins and chatting.
The Opening Session with Steve Berry (I JUST finished The Jefferson Key, a Cotton Malone mystery), Tess Gerristen, and Diana Gabaldon (I've read most of each lady's books). All three were interesting and funny. More on their comments later - when I feel like opening my notebook/
Soon we'll have the keynote luncheon with Madeline Hunter.
After that I'll be going to the PRO Retreat.
And, yes, there are free books - many free books. I've been thrown into "that briar patch!"
The Opening Session with Steve Berry (I JUST finished The Jefferson Key, a Cotton Malone mystery), Tess Gerristen, and Diana Gabaldon (I've read most of each lady's books). All three were interesting and funny. More on their comments later - when I feel like opening my notebook/
Soon we'll have the keynote luncheon with Madeline Hunter.
After that I'll be going to the PRO Retreat.
And, yes, there are free books - many free books. I've been thrown into "that briar patch!"
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Harlequin Fail
One of Harlequin's gifts in the registration bag
Harlequin does a lot for RWA's conference. And I'm sure there's not too many nurses in their marketing department. I could only think of one thing when I saw this unusual water container:
Leg bag used with urinary catheters.
Day One of RWA National in NYC
Thoughts while sitting in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis on Tuesday of the RWA National 2011.
When I’m alone I don’t necessarily want to hear other people’s conversations, whether on the phone or not.
I cannot help but imagine what this lobby with its soaring interior, rooms ringing around where I sit – with a tower of glass elevators behind the bar – I wonder what this would be like if an earthquake suddenly hit. I look around to find the safest place for me – an archway by the Starbucks look the best. However, if the Zombie Apocalypse begins in the next four days, I’m dead, or rather Undead.
My computer is a mess – cat hair in the keyboards – needs to go back to Staples for an oil change.
Why am I sitting in the lobby? So glad you asked. I got up at 2:30 AM so I could meet Dianne and Kathy at 4:45 AM (Dianne driving and she wanted to leave before rush hour which we caught anyway). I was going to get up at 3:30 but I was afraid I would oversleep so when I woke up at 2:30 I decided to stay up. Kathy and Di have their room. I don’t have mine – maybe by 4 – so I’m sitting in the lobby at 9:45 AM wondering if the hotel would be very upset if I pushed two chairs together and curled up for a nappy-poo.
At least not all romance writers are beautiful, young and thin. I’m certainly none of those. Maybe I’m not even a romance writer. I write odd bits of things – mystery/gothic/thriller/paranormal/erotica – not all at once all the time – but I could. I think I could write anything if I put my mind to it. That’s the issue – I need to put my mind to it.
And that last thought has lead me to this one – I do not want to be one of those women (women in romance writers groups – men in scifi groups) who are more fans than writers. But I guess I’m not since I hardly read romance, straight or gay or bi romance. I read mostly mystery/gothic/thriller/paranormal…well, you get what I mean.
My daughter will be going to the Emerald City Romance Writers conference in October. I’m not going. I really would love to spend time with Heather but I’ll be conferenced out after National (going on as I write) and possibly NJRW.
I definitely need to clean this keyboard – I’ve brought at least half a cat with me.
I don't think I've seen anyone famous. Lots of people look familiar – but gee, by the time one’s 64, almost everyone looks familiar. You’ve seen every face at least twice.
I just called the front desk – and the girl that answered didn’t understand what I meant about “getting online” – I had to repeat internet several times. No – not an immigrant…
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Glass elevators in the lobby behind the bar area - skirts could be a problem....
When I’m alone I don’t necessarily want to hear other people’s conversations, whether on the phone or not.
I cannot help but imagine what this lobby with its soaring interior, rooms ringing around where I sit – with a tower of glass elevators behind the bar – I wonder what this would be like if an earthquake suddenly hit. I look around to find the safest place for me – an archway by the Starbucks look the best. However, if the Zombie Apocalypse begins in the next four days, I’m dead, or rather Undead.
My computer is a mess – cat hair in the keyboards – needs to go back to Staples for an oil change.
Why am I sitting in the lobby? So glad you asked. I got up at 2:30 AM so I could meet Dianne and Kathy at 4:45 AM (Dianne driving and she wanted to leave before rush hour which we caught anyway). I was going to get up at 3:30 but I was afraid I would oversleep so when I woke up at 2:30 I decided to stay up. Kathy and Di have their room. I don’t have mine – maybe by 4 – so I’m sitting in the lobby at 9:45 AM wondering if the hotel would be very upset if I pushed two chairs together and curled up for a nappy-poo.
At least not all romance writers are beautiful, young and thin. I’m certainly none of those. Maybe I’m not even a romance writer. I write odd bits of things – mystery/gothic/thriller/paranormal/erotica – not all at once all the time – but I could. I think I could write anything if I put my mind to it. That’s the issue – I need to put my mind to it.
And that last thought has lead me to this one – I do not want to be one of those women (women in romance writers groups – men in scifi groups) who are more fans than writers. But I guess I’m not since I hardly read romance, straight or gay or bi romance. I read mostly mystery/gothic/thriller/paranormal…well, you get what I mean.
My daughter will be going to the Emerald City Romance Writers conference in October. I’m not going. I really would love to spend time with Heather but I’ll be conferenced out after National (going on as I write) and possibly NJRW.
I definitely need to clean this keyboard – I’ve brought at least half a cat with me.
I don't think I've seen anyone famous. Lots of people look familiar – but gee, by the time one’s 64, almost everyone looks familiar. You’ve seen every face at least twice.
I just called the front desk – and the girl that answered didn’t understand what I meant about “getting online” – I had to repeat internet several times. No – not an immigrant…
Glass elevators in the lobby behind the bar area - skirts could be a problem....
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