by Deirdre McCluskey, Administrative Coordinator, Harlequin Series
Thanks to
Kathleen’s excellent restaurant choices, we didn’t starve (and I’m now spoiled
for good Chardonnay). But my body is not used to multiple restaurant meals in
one day, so I decided to choose healthfully for Thursday breakfast. At least,
it would have been healthy if it came in regular, editor-size, rather than MMA
fighter-size. Here’s my delicious breakfast served in what appears to be a soup
plate.
On a local radio
show this morning, the host asked listeners to share “the best thing about your
summer in one sentence.” I would have a very tough time doing that this year because
I had such a fabulous summer, with more than one “first”, including:
- A family reunion where I and my cousins met a long-lost cousin for the very first time!
- My first drive-in movie. (I know, what can I say? I was basically Lisa Simpson as a teen.)
- My first RWA conference.
Visiting New
York is always exciting, although with our rooms booked right across the street
from the conference hotel, and my schedule packed dawn to dusk, I didn’t see a
lot of the city. If I pressed my face next to the window, I could see the
lights of Times Square. And opening the blinds in the morning revealed a view
of gorgeous blue sky and office towers.
I suppose I shouldn’t
have been surprised by the size of breakfast because everything about New York
is, well, more. Need a souvenir? Finding one in the vicinity of Times Square is
NOT A CONCERN.
The best
part of the trip, though, was meeting Harlequin colleagues for the very first
time. It was so much fun to see Heartwarming and DARE authors and editors in
person whom I’ve known only online up until now. I was having too much of a
good time to take photos, but Johanna did manage to catch me with some
Heartwarming authors while we got acquainted over drinks. (Maybe you recognize
some people here? 😉)
Thanks to
everyone for being so sweet and welcoming—I truly loved meeting all of you and
hope there’s a reunion in our future! <3 <3
And speaking
of firsts, the first of the month brings four brand new Harlequin Heartwarming books!
Did you have
any “firsts” this summer?
I'm so glad I had a chance to meet you in person at National--I had great view of Times Square, a road trip, a gorgeous train ride along the Hudson, and my first trip to the Roosevelt home in Hyde Park, NY. (That's the fun of road trips. You can stop when the "roadside attraction" is irresistible.) It was also my first Harlequin bash--I've been showing off the photos of the violet-purple lights and a bunch of dancing authors. Sounds like you had a wonderful summer and new people and adventures! Hope to see you in San Francisco next year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Virginia! Your trip sounds great!
DeleteGoing to RWA for the ‘first’ time in many,many years was a big one for me, Deirdre. Meeting you and other Harlequin editors and authors was wonderful. And as you say, NYC was over the top in every way...including that breakfast of yours!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a good RWA! It sure was fun for me. :)
DeleteWhat a fun summer! I'll look forward to meeting you at some future RWA.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth!
DeleteI have yet to make it to RWA. Was signed up to go when a tsunami hit Nashville and forced a move to Orlando and had to cancel.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Hope things are calmer now!
DeleteI love your pictures, Deirdre. I hope to make it to RWA next year. It looks like you had an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth! I had a great time!
DeleteI love New York and I'm lucky enough to live within throwing distance of it. Unlike other people who live in a grand place (or even not so grand), I visit the sites in the city. I go to plays and visit the monuments and art galleries. And Yep, I've set a book or two in the Big Apple.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky, Shirley! It was great to meet you!
DeleteBtw, the reunion I went to was the "Shirley Family Cousins" - my mom's maiden name. :)
Sounds like a terrific summer! I wish I could have gone to New York, but it wasn't possible. I just ended up going someplace that's even hotter than where I live, but at least there they had a/c.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you got to your first RWA! Sorry I missed it this year, but next year will be here before we know it! Have a fabulous autumn.
ReplyDelete