Thursday, February 4, 2010

Live, from New York...

Have I mentioned lately that the uber-fabulous Suzie Townsend rocks? Well, she does. And so does the uber-cool Melissa Frain. I spent yesterday in the city that never sleeps with my agent and editor. They both supplied me with reading material (YAY! BOOKS!) and Melissa brought me up to speed on all things Tor. I got to meet all the amazing people there and at FinePrint Literary Management and, yes, they are as awesome as they seem.

I’ll never forget the rush of sending requested manuscripts out to agents when I was agent shopping. I remember thinking that, even if no one wanted to represent it and it never sold, at least someone else will have met the characters that I love so much. I have to say, it was a little wild talking to a whole bunch of people who had read my book. And in one of those really fun “small world” experiences, it turned out that the lovely Patty Garcia, Director of Publicity at Tor, has a brother-in-law who grew up in the same tiny town in California that I currently live in. Go figure.

I knew it was going to be a great visit when New York City treated me to a flurry on Tuesday night while I was wandering and people watching. It snowed all night and left a dusting of white in the morning. Just enough so that I got my snow experience without being nasty. (though there’s supposed to be a storm tomorrow night, so “nasty” may still be in my New York experience)

And I’m headed to the Mid-Manhattan Library (the largest of the NY public libraries) tonight for a presentation called: "Spotlight: A Close-Up Look at the Artistry and Meaning of Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' Novels," with John Granger. The description of this event is as follows:

"Why do millions of readers love these Young Adult Vampire Romances?" By looking at the "Twilight" novels' surface artistry, their implicit morality, their archetypal allegory -- a kind of Mormon Pilgrim's Progress -- as well as their hermetic meaning " the question is answered. There's a lot more here than meets the eye; this don't-miss-it event is both for Twi-Hards and for serious readers wanting to learn how to read popular literature with appreciation.

I couldn’t miss it! I wonder if Stephenie Meyers knows all that stuff is in her books. =)

I’m here until Sunday, so I’m sure I’ll find even more fun things to do. I’ll fill you in as they happen!

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like you are having a great time. I love NYC. I was there about a month ago and met my agent. We had a great meeting. I feel fortunate to have found the right person for me.

    I also went to an Alvin Ailey modern dance performance and The Rubin--a very cool museum focusing on Himalayan art. I'm sure the talk you are going to tonight will be fascinating!

    Can't wait to see Personal Demons in print!!!

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  2. Sounds very cool! I've read a lot of John Granger's work, it's really fascinating stuff, so I'm sure you'll love the talk! And I got to meet Suzie a few weeks ago-you're super lucky to work with her. Hope the snow doesn't get too nasty:-)

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  3. So I just have to say every time I visit your blog I'm like "oh no who is she going to kill off in book 2, aaaaah!"

    Glad NYC is treating you well. Will you be up for a second round of WOLFSBANE in two weeks?

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  4. OOh, that Twilight event sounds fascinating! Can't wait to hear more about it. And so jealous of all the fun you're having in NYC! Enjoy every second!

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  5. Paul--
    It's NYC. There's always something fascinating happening!

    Frankie--
    Suzie rocks! Oh, I said that already. But, she does =)

    Andrea--
    You'll be the first (after my agent and editor, who had me fill them in at lunch) to find out. And, YES, I'll be ready for Wolfsbane anytime you want to send it. I might be sending OS your way at the same time, if you're ready!

    Lisa & Laura--
    Trying to figure out how to stay here =)

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  6. Sounds amazing! I would love to go that talk on Twilight. Its the question we should all be asking ourselves "Why do teens love it so much" what elements can be brought to life in a completely different story? Impossible love or redeeming characters? All very important topics!

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  7. Ooh, how exciting! It sounds like you're having an amazing time! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your visit. :)

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  8. What a fantastic trip. I'm so glad you got to do this!

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  9. Julie--
    It was surprisingly interesting. I'm putting together a post on it.

    Sarah and Suzette--
    Having a blast!

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