Yesterday I attended the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. and had a great time listening to authors speak. I always love hearing an author's perspective on their work, and also listening to their inspiration and origins of their ideas. What I always find at events like these is that I'm not alone in my craziness. It's a great feeling.
It was great to listen to Susan Cooper discuss how "some of us aren't writing for children, we're writing for ourselves." And she also talked a lot about what sets fantasy writers apart is that they always think of the "what if." "The what if always comes by accident," she said, and I couldn't have agreed more. It was great hearing her speak, and I took lots of notes.
I also had a chance to hear both Terry McMillan and Neal Stephenson read from their latest works. I enjoyed both of their readings but was more amused by their Q&A sessions after. Neal Stephenson was assaulted by two lines of guys asking everything from "does he play MMOs" to "what does he have against IT guys." I couldn't stop cracking up to be honest.
However, when the festival ran out of funnel cake, that's when we knew it was time to head back home. (And really, how do you not compensate for a potential funnel cake shortage at an event that involves people?!)
Over the weekend I also got to see The Lion King in 3-D! The moment it started I was crying, so it was all downhill from there. Every time each song started I experienced musical frisson which just made me that much more emotional throughout. Needless to say, I loved it.
This weekend I'll be home in Florida for Halloween Horror Nights. I promise to have a full report of that when I'm back!
Now for my writing update:
• Vizcaya peer reviews - Still in progress
• The "Diamond" Story challenge - I'm five pages in! And I think I've found my stride and direction for it. Well maybe.... :\
It was great to listen to Susan Cooper discuss how "some of us aren't writing for children, we're writing for ourselves." And she also talked a lot about what sets fantasy writers apart is that they always think of the "what if." "The what if always comes by accident," she said, and I couldn't have agreed more. It was great hearing her speak, and I took lots of notes.
I also had a chance to hear both Terry McMillan and Neal Stephenson read from their latest works. I enjoyed both of their readings but was more amused by their Q&A sessions after. Neal Stephenson was assaulted by two lines of guys asking everything from "does he play MMOs" to "what does he have against IT guys." I couldn't stop cracking up to be honest.
However, when the festival ran out of funnel cake, that's when we knew it was time to head back home. (And really, how do you not compensate for a potential funnel cake shortage at an event that involves people?!)
Over the weekend I also got to see The Lion King in 3-D! The moment it started I was crying, so it was all downhill from there. Every time each song started I experienced musical frisson which just made me that much more emotional throughout. Needless to say, I loved it.
This weekend I'll be home in Florida for Halloween Horror Nights. I promise to have a full report of that when I'm back!
Now for my writing update:
• Vizcaya peer reviews - Still in progress
• The "Diamond" Story challenge - I'm five pages in! And I think I've found my stride and direction for it. Well maybe.... :\