New York

So three days in NY felt like three weeks of regular time.  I'm still exhausted from the trip.

My main reason for going up there was to go to my first ever book signing.  It was held at the awesome Books of Wonder and was a joint event with some of the coolest authors I've ever had the pleasure to meet.  I mean, really.  The best part of this publishing experience has been the friends I've made.  It really boggles my mind.

Friday evening I arrived and went to see American Idiot at the St. James Theatre.  I used to do theatre in high school and even auditioned to study theatre at NYU.  So seeing the show was a pretty great experience for me.  The show itself was outstanding.  The singing was phenomenal, the dancing unique, and the set was brilliant.  The storyline was a little thin but it hardly mattered.  The ninety minutes flew by and when the curtain came down, I found myself wishing for more.

Saturday, my wonderful friend Margie gifted me with two tickets to NY Comic-con that she had in turn been given by her friend.  I was floored by their generosity.  I'd had to miss the San Diego comic-con because of my gallbladder, so it was a real treat being able to go.  It was a crazy mess of people and toys and action figures.  It's difficult to even explain comic-con to someone who's never seen the floor, but it's insane.  Trust me.  After that, my dear Margie came to town and we had dinner.  It was quite an interesting dinner that involved some unusual characters and me doing things that I wouldn't have otherwise done.  Sadly it's a story not fit for public consumption but I will say that it was a night I'll never forget.

Sunday was the big event.  I met my editors Anica Rissi and Emilia Rhodes, and my agent Chris Richman for brunch at a lovely little place.  To say I was nervous is an understatement, but they were all three so incredible and I had a great time.  They were funny and sweet and made me laugh.  Best brunch ever.  Then we ran to the event.  The moment I sat down at the table I knew I had to pee.  I figured the whole thing would take about an hour.  Ooops.  By the time the mic got to me, I was afraid I was going to spring a leak.  However it all went well.  Everyone read, answered questions, and there was much laughing by the audience.  I'd say it was a success.

The whole event was engineered by Mindi Scott, author of FREEFALL, and she was absolutely wonderful.  Everyone was.  It was pretty much the highlight of my year.  Something I'll never forget.

After that, we all had drinks and then my friends took me out and 12 hours later I got on a plane still reeking of alcohol.  Oops.

All-in-all, it was one of those weekends that sticks out in your mind.  It's the kind of weekend I'll remember always.  And I'm thankful to have gotten to do it.

So that was it.  How were your weekends?