I feel like I've been traveling for weeks, but in reality it was only for two weeks. First up, I went to the Caribbean and took a cruise with the family. Then I came home for three days before boarding a plane again and heading to New York City for the PASIC conference. I met fellow Presents author Jennie Lucas in the airport (we've timed our flights that way twice now, and fortunately it's worked both times) and we shared a car into the city. By the time we got to the hotel, I had only minutes to change for the industry reception taking place at Sardi's later that evening. Not because we were late, but because I was meeting my agent first and going over to the reception with her.
So I mad-dashed upstairs, did a quick freshen up, ditched the travel clothes, and slid into a black sheath and sparkly Steve Madden heels. Back down to the lounge where I met my agent and had drinks and conversation for an hour, then off to the reception a block and a half away. Later, after the reception, Jennie and I changed and headed out into Times Square for a quick tourist moment. Here I am enjoying the sights.
I love New York, and I regretted that I hadn't arranged to stay longer. I'm a bit of a Broadway junkie now. I'd love to just spend a week going to shows, but alas there was no time. The conference was two full days of information so good that my head is still spinning from it all. But I did manage to have a fun time with my fellow authors. For instance, here's a group of us running to the Shake Shack for a quick lunch. The restaurant was so crowded we took the food back to the conference room and had a picnic there.
From L to R is Jessa Slade, Angie Stanton, Jenna Black, Moi, Jennie Lucas, and Erin Kellison. Laurie London took the photograph.
Finally, on Saturday evening, several of us got together for dinner and then went to see Alan Rickman starring in Seminar, a play about writers. Here I am along with Jennie and Laurie London at Cafe Un Deux Trois.
Alan was lovely, as usual, with that gorgeous voice of his, and the play was very interesting. Afterward, we took one last look at Times Square, and then it was off to bed for early flights the next morning. I was at the airport by 7 a.m. and home by about 1:30 that afternoon. I'm already plotting another trip to New York so I can see more shows (Ricky Martin in Evita!) and eat more fabulous meals that aren't from chain restaurants.
Finally, if I have a takeaway thought from the conference (for writers), it's this: the times, they are a-changin'. Educate yourself. You can no longer rely on things being done the way they've always been done. Educate yourself.
Hi Lynn,
New York is my home and I too love the city. Theatre, music and just plan walking around street fairs. I remember a friend of mine would say if you were feeling a little bit down, walk around Manhattan and the sights and sounds would cheer you up!
This mini-conference sounds lovely – what exactly was it about?
@Diane Spigonardo: Hi, Diane! I so agree with everything you said. That’s what makes NY so cool! I agree that walking around Manhattan would have to cheer someone up – there’s just so much happening!
The conference was for authors who are members of RWA’s Published Author Network Special Interest Chapter. It was about things that are happening in publishing today. Very interesting!
Alan Rickman?? Aw, squee!! I saw him years ago in “Private Lives” — and he sang.
FYI, I’ve been reading your books and really enjoying them – got into it by finding a blog entry you did about writing, then searching out your books. So blogging works.
You worked so hard for all you’ve done and just kept at it, and I admire that — it’s inspiring. (Yes, I totally went back and read all your blog entries.)
Write more books. Want more.
Katherine
@Katherine: Hi, Katherine! Thank you so much for commenting! And thank you for your kind words. I am so thrilled to hear that you like my books. 🙂
Thanks for that evidence that blogging works, ha! So glad it did. I’m very pleased to have inspired you in any way. Yep, this blog goes back to the early days when I struggled to get those words on paper, to find my way, to break through the publishing door. I’ve thought of deleting those early posts, but I just can’t do it. And I’m pleased when someone says they read them all (as well as a little embarrassed, ha, as I did let it all hang out sometimes) and found something useful in them.
I’m so jealous you got to hear Alan sing! And I’m working on those books! Best of luck with your writing, and I hope you’ll stick around and comment from time to time. 🙂
Lynn, looks and sounds like you had a marvelous time in NYC. So glad you did.
I’ve always wanted to go see Broadway shows, but hubby isn’t in to it. Topping my wish list, Phantom of the Opera. Alan Rickman sounds fabo. What other plays did you see?
@Katherine Bone: I had no time for anything else, Kathy! Arrived late Thursday, and left early Sunday. Wish I had though!
Lynn,
It looks like you had a great trip to NYC, and squeezed in a nice mix of work and play 🙂 I have only been once, but I loved it and hope to go back some day!
I am interested to hear more about the conference you attended if you have time to share. What would you say was the most surprising thing you learned about the changing publishing industry? Also, in regard to your advice to “educate yourself” – do you have any tips on the best way to become educated about this?
Thanks!
P.S. I am rewarding myself by reading your book, Strangers in the Desert, this weekend!
@Erin K.: Oh, I hope you enjoy Strangers!!! It truly is hard to sum up that conference. It was a conference for published authors, so it focused quite a bit on the business side of things instead of queries or craft.
The most surprising thing I learned? No matter how successful some self-published authors are, a good many of them still want the kind of distribution that traditional publishing gets. Not one person has said no to either method of publication. It’s an exciting time to be an author.
That said, you MUST educate yourself because there are so many options now. The best thing to do would be to research both Indie publishing and traditional publishing. Don’t let the giant numbers of self-publishing put stars in your eyes, but don’t let the hard work it takes scare you off either.
I’m curious about your closing lines—they sounded a bit ominous. And, like Erin K., I’d love for you to unwrap your thoughts a bit more about the changes in publishing. Congrats, too, on the recognition for Strangers in the Desert.
@Janice: Hi, Janice. Thanks for the congrats on Strangers! I didn’t mean to be ominous, but I think it’s very very important for writers today to learn everything they can about all their options. And to make informed decisions.
Writers have more options now, but there are also more pitfalls. If your first book gets rejected everywhere, that isn’t necessarily a sign to publish it yourself. Though sometimes it is. Knowing when to publish your work yourself and when not to is important.
Likewise, accepting a publishing contract without taking a good hard look at your options might also be a bad move. I can’t tell anyone what to do, but I can tell you to learn as much as you can now so when the time comes you are READY. 🙂