Conference Call

Arrived at the hotel around 6PM DC time and my room wasn't ready, so they put me in one room for the evening and the hotel staff just transfered to my "real" room.  It's been a bit of a zoo but things seem to be settling down now.

My first night (Tuesday) I went for a run around the neighborhood and it's a very nice area.  I ran over a very scenic bridge and then by the National Zoo entrance.  On my way back - on the opposite side of the road - I passed a line of folks waiting to see the new Harry Potter movie.  Ah, I'd love to have a line like that when my first novel is published - whenever that will be.

On my way out for my run, I "ran" into Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Greene, and Eloisa James.  They were trying to get a photo of the three of them where they all had their eyes open at the same time!  I'm eager to see what pops up in the online photo galleries.  In case you missed it, USA Today profiled Eloisa James for an article titled, "Scholarly Writers Empower the Romance Genre," and it is a very interesting read.

Here's the link:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2009-07-06-romance-novels_N.htm

This morning I retraced my steps on my run, but walking this time, and found a market with orgranic products, so that was a great fine.  I couldn't resist stopping at the liquor store next door and picking up some wine.  The bottle cost less at the store than a glass does at the hotel.

Lunch was a fun time with Chris Foutris, Susan Gibberman, Christine Segina, Blythe Gifford, Melody Thomas and Kelle Z. Riley, whom I hadn't seen since she relocated.  We went to Open City and it was a great time catching up with everyone.

We're off to dinner tonight and tomorrow the conference starts in earnest.  Internet connection in the room costs $12.95 for a 24-hour period so it's difficult to know how many times I - or anyone else - will post on the blog but we're all taking good notes to blog later.

Take care and have a happy writing day!

Terri Stone