Notes from Friday

Notes from Friday –

It’s quiet around the Marriott – and the Mall – this Saturday morning.  Last night was a big party night for people (editor parties, agent parties, writing group parties, seems most everyone had someplace to be).  There was celebration into the whee hours as people let loose after a long day of workshops and book signings.

Having neither editor or agent, I was lucky enough to attend the “second annual unofficial PRO dinner” organized by La Juan Snider.  There were over 100 writers who got together to talk about having hit that big step of having finished a book (or two, or 11), but not yet published one.  The absolutely fabulous Deidre Knight was the guest speaker, and she gave an amazing talk about working for what you want.  A great line she used was the title line from a Tim McGraw song – “How Bad Do You Want It”.  And she drove home really the same point that Nora Roberts had put so well at the PRO workshop on Thursday morning.  Writing is work. It’s magical; it’s amazing to be able to sit down and create people and worlds from nothing more than imagination and dreams.  But it’s also work.  And if you really, really want it, it’s work you’ll pour your heart into willingly.  Just because that’s what it takes.

Earlier on Friday, I had one of those shit-to-sugar moments that sometimes come.  About two weeks before conference my editor appointment (with Pamela Campbell of Ellora’s Cave) had been canceled.  Erin Frye from the RWA office worked for several days and didn’t stop until she’d gotten me another appointment – this time with Tara Parson of Harlequin.  I was very happy with that, so I was more than a little disappointed to step up to the appointment table yesterday and find out that Tara had also been forced to cancel her appointments.  Before I could even get too disappointed she asked if I would like to see Hilary Sares from Kensington.  Yes!  I would definitely like to see Ms. Sares.

A 20 minute wait later, there I was sitting down pitching “Tonight, Forever” – the werewolf story – to Kensington.  And 5 minutes later she was handing me her card and asking me to send her the complete manuscript.

This one needs more than a little polishing, but now I’ve got an actual face to go with a name, and an invitation to submit.  I was walking on air when I left.  So much so that I went all the way back up to my room in a daze, before remembering that I had a workshop to head to – one where the very same Hilary Sares was on the panel.  I raced back down and tried to sneak in quietly (of course it’s hard to sneak when the end seats are all taken and you have to climb over 5 people to get to an empty seat) to hear the latest on what Kensington is publishing and actively acquiring.

Also Friday, the Passionate Ink chapter of RWA had a lunch for over 200 guests at the Georgia Acquarium.  Catered by Wolfgang Puck, it was absolutely the best meal I have had all week – tops even Ruth’s Chris.  Gorgeous setting, with our own window into the Beluga Whale tank to entertain us.  And we had some fabulous speakers – editor Raelene Gorlinsky from Ellora’s Cave, and agent Roberta Brown.  That will stay a highlight of a trip already filled with fantastic moments.

My total fan-girl moment yesterday came when we left the Aquarium.  I’d driven over to help get the goodies there, and coming back we squeezed in as many people as could fit – which ended up being 7, after we popped up the jump seats in the back of the wagon.  About halfway back to the hotel I realized I had no idea who was navigating for me (yes, I can get lost on a trip that has 2 turns and needed a navigator) so I craned my head over to try to read her nametag.  After swerving to miss the truck I almost rear ended attempting to be subtle, I finally reached over and picked up her nametag off her chest to see who it was.  And “OMG.  Jordan Summers is telling me where to go.  Jordan Summers is in my car!”  Then I looked in my rearview mirror and did a quick count, and realized I had 5 published authors (I think all Kensington authors) in my car, along with my new great friend (and I’m sure soon to be published author) Robin.  It was a total geeky happy moment.  I’d like to say I carried if off with grace and composure, but I’m pretty sure I gushed all over them.

I got us back to the hotel without hitting anyone, although someone from the back asked if I learned to drive in New York…. What do you think that meant?