Mission Accomplished!

Well, last week was crazy. A good crazy, but crazy.

We have returned from the Chicago Spring Fling conference, hosted by the Chicago North RWA chapter. What an amazing experience. And I did everything I hoped to.

The Super Great Big News is that an editor requested to see a partial of my manuscript! Michele Bidelspach at Grand Central Publishing wants to know more! I can't tell you how great that is. And what's even better is that I managed to make a personal contact with her before dinner at the bar, and not only does she want to see my pages, but she's a nice person! A funny, real person! I really enjoyed talking to her, both about the book and non-book stuff, and hope that we can build a working relationship together.

Other goals achieved: I met people. People who write books. Some are published (Blythe Gifford, Lindsay Longford, Eloise James, Maureen Lang, just to name a few) and some just starting out, like me (Courtney Milan (who won second and third in her categories! Go Courtney!), Caley Greene, Andrea Dickinson, Barbara whose last name I've forgotten, and more! (Barbara - email me!). Just about everyone was kind and fun, and no one looked at me like I was some sort of weirdo for creating my little farm world. These people made it fun.

I learned stuff: I went to a workshop by Blythe Gifford on the four act structure, and learned a ton about Pretty Woman. And she gave me M&Ms to boot! I also attended After the Sale with Maureen Lang and Christine Hoegrebe, which was highly informative, and Maureen gave me an autographed copy of her book The Oak Leaves for "most difficult journey," because we stopped at the in-laws (although, don't tell Maureen, my in-laws are wonderful. Shh!) And the pep talk I got from Margaret Watson, Myrna Mackenzie, and Lindsay Longford was just what the doctor ordered.

Other goals I accomplished: We saw the house we lived in for over 3 years in Chicago, and the people living there are taking good care of it. The gardens I planted are still beautiful, and it's nice to know they appreciate my hard work. The hubby and I ate an anniversary lunch at the restaurant where we were married just over 6 years ago. I saw my best friend in the whole wide world, and we (finally) found the garbage truck for the adorable son's birthday. It's getting down to the wire, but we got it, and can remain Good Parents. Whew! Plus, he had probably too much fun with his grandparents, so he's a happy toddler, too.

Things are starting to happen, and a large part of the credit for getting the ball rolling goes to the Chicago North RWA for the great conference. So, Thanks Ladies!