Saints & Sinners day 3
The day could’ve started out better, but all hope was not lost.
I officially detest my doctor’s office. I normally don’t bitch about a particular person or group of persons on my blog, but today I’ll make an exception. Now I know I packed my thyroid meds, I am sure of it, but for some reason they never made it to New Orleans with me. So I went to the local Walgreens (there are everywhere after all) and they pharmacist (my hero) called my doctors office to get the prescription (since it seemed I was out of refills).
And hour later they finally called back (after the pharmacist called three times at least). This is not to say they haven’t gotten on my nerves in the past, but an hour to call in a script? Ridiculous. Maybe be looking for a new doc when I get home. He was kinda a prat anyways, but this was just plain rude. Luckily I got my meds and was able to take them before I had to make my first panel.
At a pub down the street from the hotel they did a panel called Creating and Sustaining a GLBT Writing Support Group which had Robert Klein Engler, Trebor Healey, Timothy State, and Carol Rosenfeld. They certainly had some interesting suggestions about how to start and maintain a community, as well as how to deal with problems as a facilitator. I’m going to look into groups when I get back home, and if nothing else I can likely get space to start a LGBT group at the community center.
I had a great lunch with Linda and Barb which unfortunately caused me to miss the Dangerous Minds: Women and Mystery panel but I had a great time and it gave me time to walk forever to the electronic store and get my tape recorder. $50 bucks, ouch.
I was going to go to Now What? Working with Independent Bookstores to get your books in the hands of readers, but I found out there was a panel called Short and Sweet: The Art of the Personal Essay, Short Story, or Thematic Memoir with Peter Dube, Amie M Evans, Trebor Healy, Robert Taylor, and Arin Black. With the trouble I have tackling short stories, that didn’t seem a panel to miss.
The info I got there was amazing. They gave tips like “Always read everything you write (during editing) aloud” and “If you get stumped, mark the section and skip it to move on” Also great advise. They said transitions (if necessary) in shorter fiction should never be a jump in time, but should be smooth. And the classic, “Don’t be afraid to kill your darlings”. It was very helpful. They also talked about MFA programs, got me curious about looking into that too when I get back home.
We had a PD author/publishers dinner out at the most amazing restaurant, and I am feeling very stuffed still. Soon as my battery charges I’m gonna post this up for ya’ll and hit the sack. Have a great night and chat with ya’ll tomorrow.