Monday, July 20, 2009

Ever Have One of Those Weeks?

You know the kind I mean. When you’re supposed to be home packing to go to a conference and instead you’re in the hospital? When your publisher sends 200 books for you to give away at a signing and someone steals all five boxes? When you’re rushing to get ready for a couple of important parties and there’s a fire in the hotel that requires everyone to evacuate right away?

Still, I had a great time at RWA’s National Convention in Washington, D.C., last week, even though I spent a big chunk of it lying down in my hotel room resting, as per my doctor’s orders (“You’re not STILL planning on going, are you?”). I had some interesting conversations with heads of publicity and sales (more about that later). I got to catch up with my agent and both my editors. And although I didn’t win the RITA, I met so many ardent fans of my books—both the Sebastian mysteries and my old romances—that I was both amazed and humbled.

So it was worth it. But all I can say is, I’m glad to be home!

15 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

wow, stole all five boxes? I've never had even one of my books stolen. I will know I arrive when that happens. I hope you are feeling some better now. Just being home may help.

Steve Malley said...

Geez, you're tough... They should have got you instead of Bruce Willis in UNBREAKABLE. :)

Lainey said...

Sorry that you had so many setbacks. But you looked great under pressure! A friend who attended emailed me photos of you wearing a white sweater set, signing a copy of The Archangel Project for her.

Barbara Caridad Ferrer said...

No, you didn't win the RITA, but you definitely have a new, very ardent reader who is currently mainlining Sebastian and his adventures as a result of having the honor of judging the RITA.

It's a win, I think.

I hope you feel better. (And if it's any consolation, you looked wonderful and I had no idea you were under the weather at the signing.)

cs harris said...

Charles, I guess this means I should feel honored? And I am feeling much better, thanks. I think getting away from that chemical spill for five days was probably the best thing I could have done.

Steve, if only! I'm turning into a terrible wimp these days.

Lainey, it's great to hear I wasn't looking green!

Barbara, thanks so much.

Susan/DC said...

I'm sorry you weren't feeling up to par and that your boxes got stolen. Cold comfort, but at least you know there's a literate thief out there somewhere. I'm sorry I missed you at the Literacy signing. It was the first time I'd attended and I was so excited that I was totally disorganized, going down certain rows five times and completely missing others. As a reader, not an author, the Literacy signing was the only event I attended, but I had a lovely time, which would, I admit, have been even lovelier if I could have told you in person how much I've enjoyed your books.

orannia said...

(((Candy))) Considering all the hurdles, I'm glad that you were able to have a good time at RWA Nationals. Says a lot about you IMO :)

And Barbara Caridad Ferrer isn't the only new reader mainlining Sebastian :) I 'pimped' (if I can be so bold as to use that word) the books to my favourite paranormal romance author - Nalini Singh. She was talking about them on her blog (http://www.nalinisingh.blogspot.com/) last week.

I hope you are feeling better soon!

Silvercrown said...

Just wanted to say that I have only recently discovered St. Cyr and can't get enough! Now, I'm going to start on all your others. Your style is so easy and engaging. Very honest and unaffected and very real. Thank you for your wonderful books.

Beth Barany said...

Happy to have met you, and be one of your new fans. Ironically, the fact that your books weren't at the signing made me doubly curious! Can't wait to read THE ARCHANGEL PROJECT!

Hope you're feeling better.

Beth Barany

cs harris said...

Susan, Sorry I missed you at the Literacy signing. Those things are always crazy. I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed my books.

Orannia, thanks so much! Nothing sells a book like word of mouth.

Silvercrown, thank you so much for your kind words.

Beth Barany, so sorry you weren't able to get a book at the signing, but I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet.

Unknown said...

Sounds like quite a wekk but reading the comments - you've found new fans which is brilliant and totally deserved.

I also hear you were sitting next to my RNA buddy,Fiona, at the signing.

Hope you are definately on the mend.
lx

cs harris said...

Hi Liz, yes I was sitting next to Fiona. I kept thinking, I've seen that name before, where? Then she said something about her blog, and it clicked. And I am feeling much better, thanks. I think getting away for a few days was great medicine.

Rae Ann Parker said...

It was great to see you at the literacy signing.

cs harris said...

Rae Ann, good to see you, too!

Huyen said...

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