Day LAST - Leaving SF, but not without my heart

I thought it only fitting to do one final post before I pack up the laptop with the rest of my stuff. I had to show you what the day looks like.

This has been one heck of a week! From the shaky beginnings of "i missed my plane and am stuck in Cincy for HOURS!", to the CabOfDeath, to dancing at the Four Seasons during the Harlequin party, right up to last night's culmination of Kristan's RITA win, I have been on a roller coaster of emotions.

I've learned a lot this week, but not just about writing. I've learned that this is a tough industry. There are people out there that are not all nice. I've learned that publishing is a whole different creature than writing a book. I've learned that agents, though formidable and sometimes very frightening, are people that take great joy in the personal triumphs of their clients (yes, Donna, I'm talking about you!). I've learned that a week in a hotel room with a RITA nominee (and WINNER!) gives you a whole different perspective on the business.

I also learned that sometimes, with a little luck, a great dress, and an hysterical sex-y speech, a virtual newcomer can charm the pants off of an entire roomful of women. In order for that to happen though, you have to write a great book. And sometimes, just sometimes, all of your hard work pays off in a very big way.

Kristan's win is obviously a personal inspiration to me. Just last year in Dallas, Barb Caridad Ferrar won in the same category. Kristan was sitting right next to me then, and we both screamed our heads off when 'the little book that could' took Top Honors and shocked an organization. I can remember elbowing Kristan and telling her that someday, it would be her up on that stage. Little did either of us know that it would be the very next year.

Really though, being blessed enough to have a husband that said, "Go to San Francisco. Live your dream," and children that treat me like a rock star on a daily basis because I get to meet the people that write the books that are scattered all over our house? That is the true blessing and joy in my life. I cherish the people I've met here, and am thankful for being able to share this extraordinary and surreal week with my friend Kristan...but I'm so glad to be heading home, back into the arms of the people that love me.

Thanks to all of you for sharing this week with me. Thanks for your comments, and your e-mails. Thanks for your enthusiasm.

Signing off now, and will update again when I make it back to home soil.

Farewell, San Francisco... it's time for me to get back to the people that hold my heart.

Day LAST - Kristan's win

This is the glamorous Kristan Higgins, holding her RITA for Contemporary Single Title Romance. She looks like a movie star holding her Oscar, doesn't she?

Kristan's book, CATCH OF THE DAY, is her second novel, first RITA nomination, and first win.

I have a hard time writing about this winner and her award, as most of you know that this is the one award I was really cheering for, and Kristan is the person I most wanted to win out of all of the other entrants in any category. I literally screamed for joy, then cried like a baby, when she won. Except during her speech. I'll post the youtube video clip of that as soon as it's available. But you already know how much I LOVED the book, choosing it as my Book Diet book, and then as Best Book of the Year. I read this book over 50 times. I loved Maggie. I loved Malone. I loved Father Tim. I loved that Kristan broke almost every single "rule" and stayed true to the spirit of her vision.

The thing that I possibly love the most though is that she really deserved this win. I was concerned that some other book would win, some more established author, a bigger name, an industry favorite. I'm very thankful to the people that voted for this category, choosing COTD as the very best in Romance this year.

I will have an exclusive interview with Kristan very soon. Her family arrives here today, and she's driving back to the East coast with them. It will take a few weeks. When she's back home and has had time to find a home for her new golden lady, she's going to answer a few questions here. So if you'd like to ask her anything in particular, ask it in the comments of this post, and I'll make sure to get an answer for you. You can also e-mail me questions at deesbookdish@gmail.com . Please put "Questions for Kristan" in the subject line.

Also, I have signed copies of the RITA-award winning book, CATCH OF THE DAY, for the following people:
Ann M.
Marianne
Diane
Brandy
Larena
If you would each please e-mail me at deesbookdish@gmail.com and put COTD WINNER in the subject line, and please include your mailing address, I will be happy to get your books in the mail as soon as I get home. (Ann - Kristan just told me that she got your e-mail, and she remembers sending you a book. Do you want another copy? Let me know.)

I'll have so much more to write, but not now. Right now, I'm going to breakfast with my roomie. I'm also going to pack up and get to the airport. Once I'm settled back at home, I will do one final recap. I might, of course, blog some of my personal observations on my personal blog. I haven't decided yet.

I'd like to again thank my husband for his help last night. He was updating the site with every winner, and I really appreciate him.

And yes, to those of you wondering, that is ME up there with Kristan. How did I get so close to her? Well duh - she's my roommate.

I'll Keep You Posted!

2008 RITA Winners!

Again, thanks to Shane for keeping you all in the loop during the RITA/GH ceremony!!

And again, this page is borrowed from the original RWA website announcing the RITA contestants, found here.

2008 RITA for Best First Book Finalists
		Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-113615-3) Erika Tsang, editor
		Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra Simon & Schuster, MTV Books/Pocket (141653461X) Jennifer Heddle, editor
		Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin NEXT (9780373881352) Ann Leslie Tuttle, editor
		Prom Dates From Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore Random House Publishing, Delacorte Press (978-0-385-73412-7) Krista Marino, editor
		Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA (978-0-7783-2410-2) Valerie Gray, editor
		Snow Angel by Jamie Carie B&H Publishing Group, B&H Fiction (978-0-8054-4533-6) Thomas Walters and David Webb, editors
		Thief With No Shadow by Emily Gee BL Publishing, Solaris (978 1 84416 469 1) Mark Newton, editor
		Treasure by Helen Brenna Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance (0373714033) Johanna Raisanen, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Series Romance Finalists
		Always a Bridesmaid by Kristin Hardy Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition (0-373-24832-6) Gail Chasan, editor
		Fall From Grace by Kristi Gold Harlequin Enterprises, Everlasting Love (0-373-65404-9) Beverley Sotolov and Paula Eykelhof, editors
		Make-Believe Mom by Elaine Grant Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance (0373714459) Victoria Curran, editor
		Night Mischief by Nina Bruhns Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Nocturne (0373617720) Natashya Wilson and Tara Parsons, editor
		Sleeping Partner by Kelly Hunter Harlequin Enterprises, Sexy Sensation (978 0 733 58182 3) Joanne Carr, editor
		Snowbound by Janice Johnson Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance (0-373-71454-8) Laura Shin, editor
		The Mile High Club by Heidi Rice Harlequin Enterprises, Mills and Boon Modern Extra (9780263854008) Bryony Green, editor
		The Tycoon's Princess Bride by Natasha Oakley Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Presents (978-0-373-12667-5) Jenny Hutton, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Snowbound by Janice Johnson
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure Finalists
		High-Risk Affair by RaeAnne Thayne Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense (0-373-27518-8) Gail Chasan, editor
		Midnight Prince by Dani Sinclair Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Intrigue (13:978-0-373-69270-5) Natashya Wilson, editor
		Sara's Son by Tara Taylor Quinn Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance (0373714289) Paula Eykelhof, editor
		Stranded With A Spy by Merline Lovelace Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense (978-0-373-27553-3) Gail Chasan, editor
		The Medusa Affair by Cindy Dees Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense (978-0-373-27547-2) Patience Smith, editor
		The Medusa Seduction by Cindy Dees Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense (978-0-373-27564-9) Patience Smith, editor
		Treasure by Helen Brenna Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (0373714033) Johanna Raisanen, editor
		Untouched by Samantha Hunter Harlequin Enterprises, Blaze Extreme (978-0373793037) Birgit Davis Todd, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Treasure by Helen Brenna
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists
		Blame It On Cupid by Jennifer Greene Harlequin Enterprises, HQN (0373771770) Melissa Jeglinski, editor
		Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins Harlequin Enterprises, HQN (0-373-7724-6) Tracy Farrell and Keyren Gerlach, editors
		Coming Undone by Susan Andersen Harlequin Enterprises, HQN (0-373-77213-0) Margo Lipschultz, editor
		Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist Grand Central Publishing, Forever (0-044-61798-9) Michele Bidelspach, editor
		She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly Harlequin Enterprises, HQN (0373772157) Brenda Chin, editor
		Tangled Up In You by Rachel Gibson HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-117803-0) Lucia Macro, editor
		Tempt Me Tonight by Toni Blake HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books, Red (978-0-06-113609-2) Lucia Macro, editor
		The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer Penguin Group USA, Dutton (9780525950189) Julie Doughty, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins
2008 RITA for Best Historical Romance Finalists
		And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-114360-1) Erika Tsang, editor
		Beloved Warrior by Patricia Potter Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation (9780425215739) Wendy McCurdy and Christine Zika, editors
		Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter Bantam Dell Publishing Group (9780440243946) Shauna Summers, editor
		Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas St. Martin's Press (0-312-94980-4) Jennifer Enderlin, editor
		Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (0-06-081936-7) Erika Tsang, editor
		Tempted Tigress by Jade Lee Dorchester Publishing, Leisure Books (0-8439-5690-9) Chris Keeslar, editor
		The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt Grand Central Publishing, Forever (0446618489) Melanie Murray, editor
		The Perfect Kiss by Anne Gracie Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation (9780425213452) Wendy McCurdy and Christine Zika, editors
AND THE WINNER IS: Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter
2008 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance Finalists
		A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired (978-0-373-87426-2) Allison Lyons, editor
		Autumn Blue by Karen Harter Center Street (1-931722-61-7) Christina Boys, editor
		Pursuit of Justice by Pamela Tracy Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense (978 0 373 44236) Krista Stroever, editor
		Rainbow's End by Irene Hannon Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired (0-373-87415-4) Melissa Endlich, editor
		Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah (9781590527474) Julee Schwarzburg, editor
		Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah (1590529286) Julee Schwarzburg, editor
		Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren Tyndale House Publishers (1414310188) Karen Watson, editor
		When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah (9781400072934) Shannon Hill, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
2008 RITA for Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements Finalists
		A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith BelleBooks (978-0-9768760-7-6) Debra Dixon, editor
		High Noon by Nora Roberts Penguin Group USA, Putnam (978-0-399-15434-8) Leslie Gelbman, editor
		Learning to Breathe by Karen White Penguin Group USA, NAL Accent (978-0-451-22034-9) Cindy Hwang, editor
		Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter Grand Central Publishing, 5 Spot (0446699233) Karen Kosztolnyik, editor
		See No Evil by Allison Brennan Ballantine (9780345495037) Charlotte Herscher, editor
		Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA (978-0-7783-2410-2) Valerie Gray, editor
		Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas St. Martin's Press (0-312-35162-3) Jennifer Enderlin, editor
		Thief With No Shadow by Emily Gee BL Publishing, Solaris (978 1 84416 469 1) Mark Newton, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
2008 RITA for Best Paranormal Finalists
		Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-113615-3) Erika Tsang, editor
		Demon's Kiss by Maggie Shayne Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA (0-77832497-4) Leslie Wainger, editor
		Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair Bantam Dell Publishing Group, Spectra (978-0-553-58963-4) Anne Groell, editor
		He Loves Me, He Loves Me Hot by Stephanie Rowe Grand Central Publishing, Forever (0446619019) Melanie Murray, editor
		Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward Penguin Group USA, Signet, Onyx (978-0-451-41235-5) Kara Cesare, editor
		Prince of Magic by Linda Winstead Jones Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation (978-0-425-21448-0) Christine Zika and Wendy McCurdy, editors
		Raintree: Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Nocturne (0-373-61764-X) Leslie Wainger, editor
		Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd Penguin Group USA, NAL (0451221842) Kara Cesare, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
2008 RITA for Best Regency Historical Romance Finalists
		Blackthorne's Bride by Shana Galen HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-112497-6) May Chen, editor
		Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-123491-0) Lucia Macro, editor
		Lord of Scandal by Nicola Cornick Harlequin Enterprises, HQN (9780373772117) Kimberley Young, editor
		The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (0061230839) Lyssa Keusch, editor
		Untouched by Anna Campbell HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books (978-0-06-123492-7) Lucia Macro, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
2008 RITA for Best Romance Novella Finalists
		“Angel and the Hellraiser” in Demon’s Delight by Vickie Taylor Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation (978-0-425-21381-0) Cindy Hwang, editor
		“Born in My Heart” in Like Mother, Like Daughter by Jennifer Greene Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin NEXT (0-373-88134) Melissa Jeglinski, editor
		“Christmas Cravings” in Holiday with a Vampire by Maureen Child Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Nocturne (0-373-61776-3) Melissa Jeglinski, editor
		“Christmas Day Family” in A Western Winter Wonderland by Cheryl St. John Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical (0373294670) Ann Leslie Tuttle, editor
		“Eternity in Death” in Dead of Night by J.D. Robb Penguin Group USA, Putnam (978-0515-14367-6) Leslie Gelbman, editor
		“Fallen Angel” in A Western Winter Wonderland by Jenna Kernan Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical (0-373-29467-1) Ann Leslie Tuttle, editor
		“Mischief and the Marquess” in Perfect Kisses by Sylvia Day Kensington Publishing Corp., Brava (075820941X) Kate Duffy, editor
		“On the Fringe” in Dead of Night by Mary Kay McComas Penguin Group USA, Berkley Jove (978-0-515-14367-6) Cindy Hwang, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: “Born in My Heart” in Like Mother, Like Daughter by Jennifer Greene
2008 RITA for Best Romantic Suspense Finalists
		Die for Me by Karen Rose Grand Central Publishing, Vision (0446616915) Karen Kosztolnyik, editor Photo Credit: Deborah Finegold
		Ice Blue by Anne Stuart Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA (0778324788) Margaret O'Neil Marbury, editor
		Ice Storm by Anne Stuart Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA (0778325008) Margaret O'Neil Marbury, editor
		Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin NEXT (9780373881352) Ann Leslie Tuttle, editor
		Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan Ballantine (9780345495020) Charlotte Herscher, editor
		Traceless by Debra Webb St. Martin's Press (0312942222) Jennifer Weis, editor
		White Heat by Cherry Adair Ballantine (978-0-345-47644-9) Charlotte Herscher, editor
AND THE WINNER IS: Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
2008 RITA for Young Adult Finalists
		Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson HarperCollins Publishers, HarperTeen (978-0-06-054144-6) Farrin Jacobs, editor
		Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra Simon & Schuster, MTV Books/Pocket (141653461X) Jennifer Heddle, editor
		Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles Llewellyn Worldwide, Flux (978-0-7387-1018-1) Andrew Karre, editor
		Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr HarperCollins Publishers, HarperTeen (978-0-06-121465-3) Anne Hoppe and Nick Lake, editors

AND THE WINNER IS:
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Golden Heart Winners

Thanks to my wonderful husband Shane, winners will be posted as they are announced.

I borrowed this page from the official RWA website page for the 2008 Golden Hearts. You can find the original RWA page by clicking here.

Contemporary Series Romance Finalists
Borrowed Stilettos by Rebecca Clark		The Italian Solution by Greta MacEachern
Hide and Seek Love by Paula Keller		Too Late for Love? by Jacqueline Floyd
Redefining Mr. Perfect by Melissa Ann James		Trust in Me by Priscilla Kissinger
Saving the Rich Man by Greta MacEachern		Under a Harvest Moon by Joleen Wieser
She's Just Right by Diane Stoddard
AND THE WINNER IS: Under a Harvest Moon by Joleen Wieser
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure Finalists
Hot Pursuit by Lynn Raye Harris		Long Shadows by Donna Meier
Kitty's Fire by Kelly Ann Riley		The Midnight Effect by Pamela Fryer
AND THE WINNER IS: The Midnight Effect by Pamela Fryer
Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists
Beauty and the Geek by Sarah Castleberry		Public Relations by Amy Atwell
Better Late Than Never by Theresa Ragan		Summer Storm by Patricia Brayton-Winter
Love on the Rocks by Mary Sullivan		The Lost by Shelley Coriell
Money, Honey by Susan Seyfarth		The Princess Project by Susan Seyfarth
AND THE WINNER IS: Money, Honey by Susan Seyfarth
Historical Romance Finalists
Breath of Honor by Courtney Milan		The Kinds of Wanting by Kris Kennedy
Earth's Only Paradise by Cynthia Eernisse Chase		The Lightkeeper's Wife by Christine Johnson
Lily's Outlaw by Tatia Totorica		Through the Fire by Beth Trissel
Moss Square by Kathryn Parker		Wanting Finian by Kris Kennedy
No Greater Glory by Cindy Nord
AND THE WINNER IS: Wanting Finian by Kris Kennedy
Inspirational Romance Finalists
Addie's Choice by Keli Gwyn		This Time Forever by Denise Meinstad
Love in Bloom by Keli Gwyn		Wyndermere House by Susan Mason
Running from Trouble by Kit Wilkinson
AND THE WINNER IS: Running from Trouble by Kit Wilkinson
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Finalists
Alternate Ending by Julia Whitby		Secrets of the Blackwood by Christine Johnson
Evil Eye by Elizabeth Heiter		The Devil You Know by Christa Selnick
Flaherty's Crossing by Kristina Y. McMorris & Linda Yoshida		The Professor by Cathy Perkins
Heads Up, St. Anthony by Liese Sherwood-Fabre		To Dance With My Father by Constance Gillam
In The Money by Bev Pettersen
AND THE WINNER IS: The Devil You Know by Christa Selnick
Paranormal Romance Finalists
Bedknobs & Broomsticks by Kelly Gay		Soul Provider by Annette McCleave
Haven by Donna Pruneau		The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor
Lilith's Child by Lee Roland		The Sextant by Jennifer Satterfield
Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey Lee-Anne O'Hara		Wish List by Kerry Allen
AND THE WINNER IS: Soul Provider by Annette McCleave
Regency Historical Romance Finalists
A Talent for Sin by Lavinia Klein		Lost in Love by Pamela Bolton-Holifield
Glorious by Darcy Burke		Midnight Promises by Anne Barton
Haunting James by Emily Dennis		Mistaken By Moonlight by Susan Gee Heino
AND THE WINNER IS: Mistaken By Moonlight by Susan Gee Heino
Romantic Suspense Finalists
Beyond the Borders by Helene Young		One Shot, Two Kills by Kimberley Howe
Dying To Remember by C.J. Redwine		Safe In Enemy Arms by Joan Swan
Finding Kate Huntley by Theresa Ragan		Sweet Deceit by Julie Stevens
Murder in Situ by Rachel Grant		Truth and Consequences by Robin Perini
AND THE WINNER IS: Sweet Deceit by Julie Stevens
Young Adult Romance Finalists
Blighted by Kelly Gay		The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
Party Like It's 1899 by Amanda Brice		Wishing You Were Here by Catherine Chant

AND THE WINNER IS:
The Cinderella Society
by Kay Cassidy

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!

Day Five - Yes, I'm awake.

This pic is so dark because the sun is shining so bright this morning, right between the hotels in my view. It's the same basic time I've been taking my view picture as every other morning, but today just seems a little bit brighter. Hmmm. I wonder why.

I somehow messed up on times when I was supposed to be where (you think it sounds weird? try being me!), and made the fatal mistake of not having my cell phone with me (left it sitting right next to the Mac on the charger while I went to the bar), so I missed the "where are you?" phone calls.

I did not, however, sit idly in my room and feel sorry for myself. I put on my little black dress and crashed a party. Ok, ok, maybe crashed is a little strong, as I just walked in and sat with some people I knew. Still though, I wasn't on the guest list. Of course, I somehow doubt they had a guest list. Plus, the roomie was invited to that party, and she told me I could go with her.

Enough about last night though. I want to talk about today. Check out that video I posted on the last entry. Those chicks are hysterical! Meeting them here has been such a blast. Kristan and Diana are so unlike that. Well, none of them are like that, really. Cute video though.

Are you guys ready for the RITAs? I know that I am. As much as I've totally enjoyed being here, spending time in this beautiful city, meeting all of these wonderful people, I have to admit to really missing home, you know? I miss the feel of my own pillow. I miss the smell of my baby's neck when she first gets up in the morning. I miss the sound of the baby birds nesting right outside my window. I miss the taste of my first coffee of the morning, made just the way I like it by one of my wonderful children. I miss the way my husband looks at me when it's time to go upstairs to bed for the night.

Sniff...sniff... Ok, I need to call home now. I'll make sure that Gret is ready to roll with this tonight. You guys have a great day, and check back here later this evening for all of the RITA and Golden Heart winners.

I'll Keep You Posted!

Day ??? - too late (or early) for me to be sure...

Just to get you in the mood for the RITA Awards (much!) later this evening...



That's right - trash talking for the Single Title award.

Ready for the ceremony yet? I know *I* sure am!

I'll Keep You Posted!!

Day Four - ok, ok, I'll tell you how it went...

As some of you know, I had an almost-gotta-puke-I'm-so-nervous appointment this afternoon. Before I get into that, I'd like to thank two very special people for talking me back from the ledge.

KH- You are just an amazing person, and I am growing more and more certain that you are going to be in my life for quite some time. Thanks for settling my nerves before the big interview, with your charm, wit, and words of wisdom. I was a much calmer person than I would have been had you not come back to the room when you did.

My darling husband, Shane - Oh babe, you have no idea how much just hearing your voice helped. Sending me out here was the best anniversary present you could've given me, but knowing how much you believe in me? That's the greatest gift I've ever been given. Thanks for being the sane voice in the torrent of doubt that assailed me before my meeting. I love you.

Now, about that agent meeting... it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. He was nice, unfailingly polite, and he asked interesting questions about my work. He also asked for the first few chapters of my book.

Am I excited? Yes, I am. But not overly excited. This isn't the agent of my dreams, and he's no longer with the agency I signed up to see, though I didn't learn that until I came back to the room. On that point, I feel a little disappointed. Still though - I pitched, and have a request for a partial. That was my goal for this conference. So. Mission Accomplished.

I now must ready myself for the evening. I have two prior commitments, though I didn't realize they were at the same time. I have no idea how to be in both places at once. I think I may just flip a coin and go with the flow. I will try to post pics in the morning, though I'll make no promises.

I'll Keep You Posted!!

Day Four - Dinner with The Cherries

I went to a great workshop yesterday given by the incomparable Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She divulged the six secret words to writing a Fabulous book (or something like that). Basically, it boils down to "Keep The Reader In The Story". Sounds simple, doesn't it? It does when she tells it. Not being SEP though, I'm wondering if I'll ever reach that level. Here's to hoping.

After that, the roomie went off to do drinks with her agent, and I went off in search of a pure and unhurried place in which to read one of my new treasures. I found it here, at the Yerba Buena Gardens, conveniently located just across the street from the hotel. I sat on a bench, drank my mocha java chip frap, and read that new Karen White book I picked up the other night, The Memory of Water. It's wonderful so far, and I can't wait to have enough time to finish it! I expect that I will be dishing about it in the very near future.

Part of the draw for me at this conference was the location. I don't just mean the hotel, though it is lovely, or the city, though San Francisco couldn't be better. I mean that it's on the West Coast, and that means... a whole bunch of Cherries and CherryBombs that I haven't met yet.

Last night, I went to dinner with The Cherries. We went to Buca di Beppo, right down the street. As I understand it, the first ever Cherry meet was done in a Buca in Ohio. The setting was fun, the food was out of this world (especially the chicken marsala!), and the company was too good to be true.

I finally got to meet Cherry Red and Michelle. As some of you may know from my personal blog, Michelle is a Pink Warrior. She battled and survived breast cancer. The Cherries did a little e-bay thing for her a few years back to help raise money for her treatments, and I was honored to be able to help out with that. We've exchanged e-mails since then, and I've kept up with her through her blog and her friends (like Cherry Red). I've since wanted to meet this amazing woman that inspired a group like The Cherries to come together and in an effort like The Michelle Fund. I have to tell you, she's even more amazing in person. She is truly gracious and kind, and I just wanted to sit with her and be near her and listen to her soft, strong voice all night. It was such an amazing gift to be able to meet her, to wrap my arms around her, to walk down the street next to her.



Her best friend Cherry Red is just as special. And I have to tell you, regardless of what the year on her birth certificate says, she is one Hot Chick! She was also funny, bright, and such a blast! This is a picture of both of them.





Ever wondered what a SuperHero looked like? Well, take a look at one of my own personal SuperHeroes - Robin LaFevers. (She's not so fond of the camera, so I had to do a sneak attack with my cell phone!)

Robin has more than earned her cape in my book. She is the woman who is responsible for turning three of my beloved wee ones into Readers. Yes, that is a BIG "R". With her phenomenal books Werewolf Rising, the Lowthar's Blade trilogy, and Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, she captivated the hearts, minds and imaginations of the children in my life. (click the links to see pics of my kids and read reviews of the books.) Her writing is breathtaking, and this woman can create a world like nobody's business. I had the pleasure of telling the story of how three of my children came to really enjoy reading, through Robin's books. She made some comment about how I was telling her what all children's book authors dreamed of hearing. But really, it's what all moms want to be able to say - "Hey lady, my kid loves to READ!!" And if you lead the charmed life, like I do, then one day you actually get to meet the lovely creature that spins the yarns that captivate your children.

admittedly, before the dinner, I was a little nervous. I'd never met ANY of these women before. Most of them had previously existing bonds that were stronger than steel. I don't do the Cherry Forums very often. I was basically an outsider, a sort of pretender - Almost a Cherry. To them though, I was just another woman that shared a love of Jennifer Crusie books, someone whose name they recognized through blog posts or e-mails, and I was most assuredly welcome. I didn't feel out of place, or like a pretender at all. They just introduced themselves, hugged me, and made me feel as if I'd been there all along. Plus, they all said that I looked YOUNG, which is something that I never get to hear at home, seeing as how how I have more than a few teenagers that live under my roof.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Cherry Gathering - take it. It was an experience that I am so glad to have had, and it's something that is not to be missed!

Oh, and as a side note, if you happen to see any crazy pictures floating around blogger land of some silly looking woman with a flask, I just want it stated for the record that I am vehemently denying any knowledge of, or participation in, such blatantly hedonistic activities. And it's not me. No matter what they might say.

More to come on today's activities, including *squeak* my agent meeting.

I'll Keep You Posted!

Day Four - I didn't even blog yesterday!

That, of course, is the view from my window this morning. You can go back and see what the weather has been for the past few days. I've taken all of the pics from the same spot at about the same time every morning, give or take half an hour. It's my own little picture diary of my week here in San Francisco.

No, I didn't blog yesterday, with the exception of first thing in the morning. I'll do a quick re-cap and get you caught up on what I did, and then fill you in on what today has in store.

There was a "thing" yesterday morning. A very lovely woman, who happens to be a motivational speaker and a pianist, did the conference opening. I'm sure that she was great, but I didn't stick around to find out. I was a little disappointed that, with all of the Honor Roll authors here, one of them wasn't opening things. But alas, I wasn't in charge of the speakers, and they didn't e-mail me and ask me to approve the guest list. So.

I finally made it to JapanTown!

I kidnapped my roomie and we took a cab. We got a few pics of the place before we hit the mall there. Check it out. My oldest daughter and her friend Angela would have loved it! There were plenty of restaurants, and even more little shops. The people were friendly, and it was very nice.

Yes, I did some shopping, but the girls are just going to have to wait until I get home to see what I got for them. I will admit that I kept checking over my shoulder for Anne Stuart. Alas, she was not there, at least not while I was.

We then took another cab down to Fisherman's Wharf in search of food. We found it here, at the Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar. We sat outside and had great seafood sandwiches (she had crab, I had cod), drank very nice wine, and shared stories from our childhoods. I have to admit, I have been forgetting, quite often, that my roomie is this Fabulous author, because she is such a warm, friendly person. It's more like she's one of my best friends from my school days and we're just catching up on the past decade, than that she's an author that I all but stalked and is now my roommate. She is fast becoming a very dear friend, and I will treasure these crazy memories we are making now for years to come.

After lunch, we headed off in search of the Holy Grail of San Francisco (at least in my humble estimation) - Chocolate. We found the San Francisco Chocolate Store, of course. They had so many things that were chocolate covered, I could have lived there forever. I only bought a few things though - a shirt and something from the "Adults Only" section (for my husband! He gets a treat when I get home, and I'm not just talking about the chocolate!). Yes, they have an "Adults Only" section, and my roomie and I had a blast (and probably came very close to getting kicked out for noise!) as we looked at all of the things on that shelf. I will admit that I'm not entirely sure what some of those things were. Sheltered? Not much. :)

We also saw this great place that makes sourdough bread, a street preacher that we both thought was very tame, a man covered in glitter that totally had a thing for my roomie, and the trash can man. Trash can man? Well, we saw this whole group of people across the street, standing almost in the road, laughing, pointing, and taking pictures. We had no idea why. Then the man in front of us screamed and jumped back. There was a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, with his back to a trash can, with two large palm fronds in front of him. He'd open the palm fronds and scream at people as a joke. The group across the street was entranced by this! We found it both totally childish and endlessly amusing!

No visit to the Wharf would be complete without going to Ghirardelli. So we did. It was wonderful, we met some really nice tourist families, and got some great coffee. My coffee ended up on the floor of the backseat in the CabOfDeath, driven by Igor, the Russian DeathByCab driver, whose only goal in life was to make us thankful to have arrived at our hotel alive. No, I'm not joking. My heart still stops when I think of that ride. It was like one of those action movies you see of SF, where the car is barreling down one of the incredibly steep hills, hits a plateau, then literally goes airborne as it continues on its journey down. That was us. Airborne, laughing hysterically, bouncing around the back seat, seriously praying to God and all the Saints in Heaven (and no, I'm not even Catholic, but I was praying to whomever would listen at that particular moment!), that we would not leave our children motherless. When he realized we were laughing instead of crying, Igor kicked it up a notch. How he managed to go faster and drive crazier is still a mystery. But he did. Upon arriving at our hotel, we stumbled from the cab, an hysterical mass of quivering flesh, and promptly kissed the ground. The doorman thought we were nuts. Igor simply chuckled.

There is more, MUCH more, from yesterday. But I'm almost late for a workshop, so I will continue this later.

I'll Keep You Posted!

Day Three - And the fun begins...

Having an already published author as my roommate has been so cool. Not only is she one of the most understanding people I know, she's also a lot of fun. Getting her insider knowledge at this point in my career has been great. Yeah, this is back to the whole charmed life thing. :)

I'm starting out my day with this view from the room. No fog in site today. I even see hints of sun.

What a way to start the day!

Plus, I get to hear Victoria Alexander doing the Keynote today. <------ SO cool!

I'll Keep You Posted!