This is the puddle jumper one takes from DC to the cute little airport in Charlottesville.
Who did I find my first night in town? Judy Merrill Larsen (All the Numbers), Therese Fowler (Souvenir) and Kim Reid (No Place Safe)! The four of us met in the hotel bar for a very serious discussion about books. :) Kim, I already knew. This was my first time talking with Judy and Therese in person, but I'm sure onlookers would have never guessed. It was like getting together with women I've known for ages.
The UVa Women's Center sponsored a reception for women writers. Here's a great group! The author in the hot pink jacket is Jenny Gardiner, author of Sleeping with Ward Cleaver. Thanks Jenny for the rides over to the U!
The Ballantine Babes at the Author's Reception, which closed the festival Saturday night. We also met Mike Farrell (BJ from MASH), but I didn't take his pic. Judy introduced me to Rosemary Harris, author of Pushing Up Daisies. Hello, she's a gardener and a novelist? How did we not know each other?
On Sunday morning the Charlottesville chapter of the Links, Inc. threw a spectacular brunch to celebrate the African American literary tradition. I am so grateful I was able to be there! Thanks to Tamyra Turner, Donna Martin and all the Links members! This photo is of 2 of my new favorite writers: H.G. Carrillo, author of Loosing My Espanish, and Stacy Hawkins Adams, author of Watercolored Pearls.
Stacy and me at brunch. (Another room service flower in my hair)
One of the big highlights for me was meeting Walter Mosley at the brunch. When we were introduced, he recognized the title of my book! I know why he looks suspicious in this picture--I started a line of groupies taking his photo. Why I look suspicious, I don't know.
Other cool writers I met at the fest: Evans Hopkins, author of Life after Life, Adam Bradley, The Collected Manuscripts of Ralph Ellison's Unpublished Second Novel (which isn't out yet), Emilie Richards, author of MORE THAN 60 NOVELS!!!, Jennifer Niesslein, author of Practically Perfect in Every Way, Rachel Bagby, author of Divine Daughters and Peter Melman, author of Landsman: A Novel.
14 comments:
I am so envious, but less so because I got to see the the pictures. As I mentioned on Therese's blog, it's sort of surreal to imagine my long time blogger friends (who I've never met) and my hometown writer friends all together.
And Walter Mosely! How cool is that? You two look like you're planning a murder or a jewel heist. ;)
We had such a blast--and you're right, it felt like we were girlfriends from way back. I loved it!
Great pics, too, by the way. Mine will be up later this week!
I am so envious as well. Wow Walter Mosely. Very cool indeed
Sounds like a wonderful time. I'm with Lisa and Lafreya in the jealousy club.
Ladies, ladies, ladies. No need to be envious. Sure we ate, drank and got really merry (and Therese, Judy & I saw a movie), but we also worked. We worked hard. There was lots and lots of talking to lots and lots of people. All that schmoozing takes a lot out of a girl. :)
Therese entitled her Saturday post, "There will be pictures..." but you delivered them, Carleen. ;) A huge thank you to all for capturing and sharing the weekend!
Wow! I love the pictures. Carleen you look so beautiful with your hair down! And what a great time meeting all these authors - especially blogging buddy authors!
nice, carleen. there should be a 'caption this' for that pic of you and walter mosley.
Looks like a great time.
Carleen! It is so great to see you on this journey. At at time when this part of the process seems like it will never end, there you are with the proof. Thanks so much for sharing.
I had no idea you were so tall. Me, too! :-)
Looks like you guys had a blast.
OH MY, Carleen! I'm grinning from ear to ear and laughing out loud reading all your recent posts. So happy you're happy! What a way to kick off spring! K.
Oh excellent photos of an excellent time!
I'm still in the Keys, no time to post at my place...
Awww maaaaaan...this looks so cool! I'm sad I missed it but so glad you had such a wonderful time! Walter Mosley! New girlfriends from way back! Links brunch!
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