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Spring Fling

April 26, 2008


The hour drive to Illinois (on my way to the Spring Fling RWA) shouldn't have been a big deal, but the final 38 miles of construction were a killer.  Then, one of the tolls was a dollar, but only took coins, so I yelled to a construction worker that I only had a dollar bill and he told me I could drive through and pay it online.  So now I'm afraid the toll police are looking for me because I haven't paid it yet.  Finally at my exit and I can see the hotel, but because of the construction, I can't get there.  I need to drive about a mile down the road before I can turn around and come back to enter the makeshift driveway.  What a nightmare!!

While this isn't the scene in the hotel, this is what it felt like after driving through the construction mess.

Entering this beautiful hotel was like being transported to an alternate universe.  There's a babbling fountain, lots of seating, wide spaces and a Starbucks in the lobby.  All is now well in my world.  I saw a woman reading a book and immediately knew she was part of the conference.  It turns out that Connie Cox and I have been trading emails since February and I discovered she is a computer genius.  I learned more from her in 10 minutes than I have in the last year.  

Aside from the usual seminars was a Q&A session with guests Debbie Macomber (sporting a snazzy new haircut), Eloisa James and Christie Ridgway.  My camera batteries went dead, so no pics of this, but more tomorrow.  One thing they spoke about was the fact that they definitely listen to their readers and other authors should too.  
DM:  Readers will guide you if you listen.
EJ:  After readers finish my book, I let them vote on an additional chapter they would have liked in the book.  Then I write it and post it on my website.
CR:  The 3rd book in a series I wrote never got published and readers are still asking for closure.  I'll be writing a novella and just post it on my site for them.
Dinner Buds:  top-Blythe Gifford, Allie Pleiter, Debbie Macomber, Sara Daniel, Victoria Curran.  bottom-Myrna Mackenzie, Lindsay Longford, Margaret Watson

 

There was an unusual dinner served family style with a huge lazy susan in the middle of the table that was fun to just spin around and I got the place of honor next to Debbie Macomber who told me her dream is to throw out the first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game.  I love my Milwaukee Brewers, but I would have to stand about a foot away from the catcher to throw it.  My hat's off to you Debbie, if anyone can do it, it would be you.


Joliet Librarians:  top-Pam Kloser, Nancy Martinez, Judy Bonheim.  bottom-Marcia Crook, Darlene Ball




Next up was the librarian/bookseller event.  I love talking to these people because they are so knowledgable and passionate about books (definitely my kind of people).  


From there we headed to the lobby and a huge display of chocolate....covered strawberries, dipped pretzels, chocolate mousse and brownies.  Since it was so hard to choose, many solved the problem by trying one of everything.  

Bottom Line:  Even on your worst day, surrounding yourself with authors, readers, librarians, books and chocolate is the best medicine.
                   


Posted by Barbara Vey on April 26, 2008 | Comments (15)


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April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Shari Anton commented:

Now I'm feeling bummed that I couldn't go. Waving HI to Blythe, Myrna, Margaret and Lindsay!!! If Ruth Kaufman is there, you need to talk to her about her Adrian Paul experience :).




April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
violet s commented:

Wow Barbara!! You have such fun adventures! You make each meeting or conference sound so interesting! Thanks for keeping us updated!




April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Christy commented:

Wow, Barb. I can't get over how much fun you're having!!! It's fun for me just to keep up with you through your blogging!!! Hmm, I always wanted to throw out the first pitch in Atlanta, too, but it doesn't seem AS inticing now that Javy Lopez won't be there to catch it, lol....




April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Jusy commented:

Construction!?! Will the streak end before the next event? Will Barbara attend a construction-free event? Stay tune for the next trip.

Keep 'em reports coming. Love reading about them as I cannot attend. THANKS!




April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Dani commented:

Hi Barb,

It was great meeting you today. I look forward to seeing the pictures from Eloisa James' get together.




April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Cathie Linz commented:

Sorry I couldn't be there. Family obligations kept me from attending. Sounds like you had a great time - fun company, great books, and chocolate. How perfect is that! Cathie




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Lindsay Longford commented:

First, Barb, greeat to beat you--the picture's a hoot! And, yes, the dinner was dee-lish, as was the company. Thanks for posting it.

Shari Anton--your ears must have been burning. I was asking about you!

So many great talks. Christine, Eloisa, and Debbie were wonderful, and there were activities going every second. Busybusybusy--and nice dancing at the end!




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Jennifer LaBrecque commented:

Barbara, love reading about your adventures!




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
mary s commented:

Thanks Barb for helping us feel like we have known you all our lives when we read your blogs!




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Blythe Gifford commented:

It was a lovely dinner - and I got to sit next to the OTHER guest of honor: YOU! What a treat to meet you. Looking forward to your report on Saturday.




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Blythe Gifford commented:

It was a lovely dinner - and I got to sit next to the OTHER guest of honor: YOU! What a treat to meet you. Looking forward to your report on Saturday.




April 27, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Carrie Lofty commented:

Hi Barb,

I had a great time talking to you at McDonald's on Friday. I hope to see you again in Milwaukee soon. Glad to hear that the rest of your conference was a blast.

All the best,
Carrie

www.carrielofty.com




April 28, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Marcia James commented:

Hi, Barb! It was great meeting you at the Spring Fling! I look forward to seeing you at Lori Foster's June get-together and the RWA nat. conference.
;-) I love your drive-by videos!
-- Marcia James
www.MarciaJames.net




April 28, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Ruth Kaufman commented:

I was there, and enjoyed meeting you Barbara, and talking about RWA workshop ideas! If you're interested in my "Adrian Paul experience," go to the Highlander Worldwide site, on the left choose HL:The Source, and go to "Ruth's Set Report."

April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Shari Anton commented:

... If Ruth Kaufman is there, you need to talk to her about her Adrian Paul experience :).




April 28, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Ruth Kaufman commented:

I was there, and enjoyed meeting you Barbara, and talking about RWA workshop ideas! If you're interested in my "Adrian Paul experience," go to the Highlander Worldwide site, on the left choose HL:The Source, and go to "Ruth's Set Report."

April 26, 2008
In response to: Spring Fling
Shari Anton commented:

... If Ruth Kaufman is there, you need to talk to her about her Adrian Paul experience :).





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