Still home

[ksmith]

Took a 4-hour nap. Puttered. Watched baseball. Unpacked. Sorted through a wodge of catalogs and junk mail.

This was my first Novelists Inc Conference, and it won't be my last. Three days of agent-editor roundtables and presentations, capped off by a fantastic talk by Lou Aronica about the business and self-development from the point of view of the multipubbed writer. It's my understanding that he's been confirmed for the 2009 conference, which will take place in St Louis in late September, and he's worth the price of admission. Other good talks centered around graphic novels (GB Tran, Alisa Kwitney, and Dallas Middaugh), and taking chances with your writing and your career (Jennifer Crusie and her editor, Jennifer Enderlin).

The Affinia Manhattan was a great hotel in every respect but the internet access--nice staff, nice rooms, and a cool restaurant. They even offered a "pillow menu," a selection of different pillows ranging from hypoallergenic to the one I opted for, a "sound pillow" which contained a connection for an iPod or other music device. If I woke up during the night, I put on Handel's Water Music, and drifted off before the end of the first piece. It was really nice.

Mealtimes were made easy for we first-timers--Ninc vets set out sign-up sheets for lunch and dinner so that no one would be stuck fending for themselves. Ate in a couple of Irish pubs. But Sunday night dinner proved the best, when a very nice lady whose name I can't remember (gah (it were Rosemary Heim!)) introduced Pari Noskin Taichert, Pati Nagle, and I me** to Patsy's, the Murray Hill location. I had the best Pasta e Fagioli I have ever had, along with a glass of Kris Pinot Grigio . I admt that I got it because of the name, but it turned out to be very, very nice. I'm not usually a fan of Pinot Grigios--the ones I've had struck me as pretty weak--but this was good. Must find out if it's sold locally.

The conference ended with a Dead Dog party--everyone brought drinks or snacks and came dressed in their favorite writing clothes, which in some cases turned out to be PJs. Much laughter, resulting in one visit from hotel security due to a complaint.

Then came bed, way too late, followed by a 4am wake-up call. 45 minutes later, I was in a cab on the way to Newark Airport. Came home to cold, fog, and rain.

**words are my life. Grammar, not so much.

Comments

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I was worried about those storms--the pilot mentioned them, and I gathered from the tone of his voice that we might be delayed. But we left Newark about a half-hour or so late, and landed in Chicago pretty much on time. I think we snuck in between storms. The rain picked up quite a bit during the drive home.

It was great to meet you, too! I'm looking forward to St Louis as well, even though it's 18 months away.