10/08/2004
The Harlequin Party...
All the wonderful authors I mentioned who write for Mira, spoke at the publisher's spotlight event tongue-in-cheek about the Harlequin party, quoting that as the real reason they chose to write for the line.
Friday night saw us all splitting off into author dinners with editors, and then as eight-thirty came around a fleet of mini-buses transported Harlequin revellers to the Women's museum in Dallas where the party was to be held.
The modern structure was impressive, though not 'my cup of tea'. However, the exhibition of Annie Liebowitz photographs upstairs more than made up for the rather soulless ambience of the towering interior. One image in particular, that of a battered woman will stay with me, perhaps forever.
The band at the Harlequin party was the best, as always, and the drink flowed freely. This year, being without any members of my family, I chose to return early to the hotel with Jessica Matthews, who writes for medicals, and eat a quiet meal and enjoy some good conversation.
Saturday was devoted to business, with agents and editors abounding. I really couldn't face another workshop, excellent though they were, and after my business dealings were through, I spent some valuable time with friends I won't see again until the next major conference.
Exhausted? Yes. Would I do it again? Most certainly.
To make my journey complete, I have to say I had the kindest and most helpful British Airways cabin crew imaginable. Nothing was too much trouble for them (and no, I don't get a free flight next time.) I have to say that the new business class was perfect for someone of my stature- but if you're a big, beefy alpha male, you might find the 'flat bed' a little cramped, to put it mildly!
I was lucky to share the flight with two Harlequin editors- who proved why I write for the line... through Harlequin I have met the nicest people-
Love to everyone, and happy reading!
Susan
Friday night saw us all splitting off into author dinners with editors, and then as eight-thirty came around a fleet of mini-buses transported Harlequin revellers to the Women's museum in Dallas where the party was to be held.
The modern structure was impressive, though not 'my cup of tea'. However, the exhibition of Annie Liebowitz photographs upstairs more than made up for the rather soulless ambience of the towering interior. One image in particular, that of a battered woman will stay with me, perhaps forever.
The band at the Harlequin party was the best, as always, and the drink flowed freely. This year, being without any members of my family, I chose to return early to the hotel with Jessica Matthews, who writes for medicals, and eat a quiet meal and enjoy some good conversation.
Saturday was devoted to business, with agents and editors abounding. I really couldn't face another workshop, excellent though they were, and after my business dealings were through, I spent some valuable time with friends I won't see again until the next major conference.
Exhausted? Yes. Would I do it again? Most certainly.
To make my journey complete, I have to say I had the kindest and most helpful British Airways cabin crew imaginable. Nothing was too much trouble for them (and no, I don't get a free flight next time.) I have to say that the new business class was perfect for someone of my stature- but if you're a big, beefy alpha male, you might find the 'flat bed' a little cramped, to put it mildly!
I was lucky to share the flight with two Harlequin editors- who proved why I write for the line... through Harlequin I have met the nicest people-
Love to everyone, and happy reading!
Susan
