*hums the song for a minute*
Anyway! I’ll tell you how my weekend went.
I left insanely early on Friday morning, and by early afternoon, I was in San Diego. I could talk about my trek through Tijuana or write about San Ysidro, but I think I’ll skip over that.
I arrived at my hotel shortly after one, and I called my agent to let her know. Laura sounded mildly surprised, albeit in a good way, that I had managed to navigate the border and get to my destination on my own. See, she offered to come down there to pick me up but I didn’t want to impose. So I was happy with what I accomplished.
She picked me up about an hour later in Mission Valley and we proceeded immediately to the bank, where I took care of some long outstanding business. The long and the short of that is I’m all set. And very, very relieved. Traveling will now be a lot easier.
Afterward, we went to a long lunch at P.F. Chang’s. And it was sooo good. We started with crab wontons (served with plum sauce), and then she ordered Crispy Honey Shrimp while I got the Orange Peel Beef. But we shared between us, and it was delicious.
The server was super perky! We tried to leave without dessert, but then she told us about these dessert minis that were served in what looked like shot glasses. I got a lemon thing and Laura had the tiramisù. Tasty!
After that, we visited several bookstores, and I bought a huge amount, despite the fact that I had told my husband I probably wouldn’t get much, since I had just gone shopping in Schaumburg the week before. (Yes, I know, I get around, hence the post title.) Turns out he knows me better than I know me.
I really enjoyed meeting some of Laura’s friends, including one lady who said she was a big fan. Of mine! I never had anyone say that before. Insert gleeful squeal here. I also saw my ad in Romance Sells. Too cool.
We shopped until I was just too tired to go on. I was running on about two hours sleep and finally had to call it a night. But the booktastic shopathon continued the next morning. Laura bought me breakfast at…you know, I’m not sure of the name. Brian’s, or O’Brian’s maybe. It was a diner-style place, but the food was awesome. I had a Denver omelet as big as my head. Totally delish.
I also learned that Laura went to Antarctica with Liz Maverick, and they both worked at McMurdo for five months. It’s a kickass story, and if you haven’t heard it, you want to. I’ve seldom heard anything so cool in my life.
Then we stopped by her favorite used bookstore, Romance World. Everyone was super-nice, and I dropped a small fortune there. (I also found Briar Rose, which Marianne was kind enough to ID for me.) I got to admire my cover in various catalogs and then we pulled out cover flats to look at my cover alongside the other two with which it shares the BN display. Pretty cool to see how it’ll look at the end of next month.
I had bought so many books that we had to stop by Target and buy me a carry-on bag to stow them all. And it’s hot pink! Cute. I managed to stuff them all in there, and then I simply relaxed and read for the rest of the day. You can expect squeeing as I read.
My trip home was long, and it was late when I got home. But there was more excitement waiting in my office. My box of ARCs has arrived from Ace, so if you’ve been waiting for a signed copy, then know I’m dropping them in the mail today. It’ll take anywhere from two weeks to a month for you to get them, but that’s still before release, right?
How was everyone else’s weekend?
Sounds like a wonderful, wonderful trip. What an exciting year it’s been for you, with 2008 looking even brighter. I bet you about peed your pants handling those ARCS. Many happy sales to you!
“then we pulled out cover flats to look at my cover alongside the other two with which it shares the BN display”
I don’t *think* you mentioned it before (with my memory, who knows?) but who/what are the other two authors/books?
Oh, and consider yourself high-fived for successfully managing the solo trip. I can soooo appreciate the “I can’t believe I did it by myself!” feeling.
It was really fun, Bonnie. Yeah, I was stoked to come stumbling in and find a box of Grimspace ARCs waiting for me.
Bev, I think I posted it somewhere else, but I don’t mind a reprise. Grimspace will be featured with DEAD TO ME by Anton Strout and MADHOUSE by Rob Thurman.
Sounds like a good trip. Glad you made it too and fro safe. And woot! ARCs!!! I’d have danced on the doorstep like a madwoman. Big congrats! ;)
I love those mini desserts. The TGI Friday’s near my book store/post office has a 3 course meal where you pick an appetizer and entree and a desert for one price and you can get two of those tiny desserts for one dessert. I like the chocolate mint or chocolate raspberry. Applebees has a key lime version I want to try. They are just enough without making me feel guilty :)
God I wish I had your weekend. Esp Chinese food that isn’t sitting on a buffet. (I’m easily pleased.)
Instead I had an allergic reaction to something. And I have no idea what caused it.
Yep, Cora, it was awesome. I mailed several of them out yesterday.
Michele, they were really tasty. We have Fridays here; I’ll have to check to see if they have the same thing as in the States.
Laura and I were just talking about, Lorelie. We both agree that when we go out, we want people to wait on us. If I’m in a restaurant, I do not want to have to go rummaging around looking for food. I mean, damn, I could do that at home! In a restaurant I don’t want to go through a line or fetch it from a buffet. That’s the whole point of having servers, and I tip them well for letting me relax.
And the food was just divine!
ARCs!
A used bookstore devoted entirely to romance novels. Sounds wonderful.
Glad you had a nice time!
Yes, Angela, you can start watching your mail, although it’s likely to take a while. :)
Caryn, Romance World is awesome. I would recommend it to anyone, especially for hard to find stuff. I had the best time in there.
“but then she told us about these dessert minis…”
Mmm. I got got by those evil minis last time at Chang’s. So fiendishly clever. You can never say you’re too full for dessert again!
A used bookstore called Romance World?!! I must go to this place next time I’m in San Diego.
I’m so glad you had such a good time with Laura! I can’t wait until the WisRWA happens so I can FINALLY meet her… that is if they give her any time for me. You know how those conferences are. Insanity.
I’m waiting, impatiently I might add, for my copy of Grimspace but I KNOW without a doubt it will be well worth the wait. Remember, I saw a snippet of the unedited stuff when you accidentally sent it to the Bradford Bunch instead of your friend? What a treat we got that day.
You’re going to have a blast with her, Marissa. She’s so fun.
I believe the snippet you mention came from WANDERLUST actually. But I’m glad you liked it. And your ARC is in the mail.