The best thing today

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Sat October 19th, 2013, 1:36 am

Tomorrow I'm pitching Deborah Grosvenor, the agent who launched Tom Clancy. Yay for the James River Writers conference!

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Sat October 19th, 2013, 3:55 am

Good luck, Diane!

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Sat October 19th, 2013, 11:09 pm

Thank you, MLE! I got a request for synopsis/first chapter from Deborah Grosvenor (and expect no fruit, but every pitch is practice), and also pitched Victoria Skurnick of Levine Greenberg. She requested the full MSS.

The Conference is energizing every year, and I love meeting other authors, seeing old friends, and generally marinating in literature of such a remarkable variety. We had a simply wonderful 14-year-old poet, Chip Kidd, and I learned that one utterly charming acquaintance has published a novel about Gabriel's rebellion, a part of history literally close to my heart. I sat and read it through to chapter 3 at least, sitting out the late afternoon seminars; would HIGHLY recommend this work, and Gigi Amateau was brave to take it on. She is a very fine author. I bought a copy for my niece as well; she and I have walked Gabriel's birthplace.

This year's Conference has attracted attendance from the U.K., Canada, and eleven states. I'm so proud of this community - and so grateful for it.

And, when I came home, I got a note that a very very dear friend of mine and her husband will be here for Thanksgiving. My family all love her. And we need the laughter both of them bring. It's been a hard year.

Nefret · Post by **Nefret** » Sun October 20th, 2013, 2:16 am

Got to go out of town this afternoon. Visited a few favourite places, and couple places I had been meaning to go. Then I went by an animal shelter, and played with some cats; but I had to leave before one came home with me. (Cats can't move in with me until I get new roommates.)

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Sat November 30th, 2013, 2:19 pm

Through this year, though I've tried to be circumspect about this, things at my job have become scarier and harder. Since August, I've been quietly looking for another job - and, last week, I received an offer. I've accepted that and given notice, and will leave my current employer effective next Monday the 9th. I start the new gig 12/16. It's been dizzying and terrifying but I feel I have done the right thing. Interesting times for me!

fljustice · Post by **fljustice** » Sat November 30th, 2013, 4:12 pm

[quote=""DianeL""]Through this year, though I've tried to be circumspect about this, things at my job have become scarier and harder. Since August, I've been quietly looking for another job - and, last week, I received an offer. I've accepted that and given notice, and will leave my current employer effective next Monday the 9th. I start the new gig 12/16. It's been dizzying and terrifying but I feel I have done the right thing. Interesting times for me![/quote]

Congrats, Diane! Best of luck in your position.

Nefret · Post by **Nefret** » Sat November 30th, 2013, 4:48 pm

First real day of my new job. It was a more fun way to earn money on that Friday. (Though it's only seasonal.)

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Sun December 1st, 2013, 6:06 am

yesterday's best thing: our fourth grandchild was born in the afternoon. Brooke Evelyn, good sized and with a full head of hair and astonishing lungs.

Both parents are quite smitten, and the grandparents (us) are hoping and praying that fatherhood will be a major incentive for our bipolar son to progress toward maturity.

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Sun December 1st, 2013, 5:37 pm

Congrats to both Diane and MLE.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Mon December 2nd, 2013, 9:59 am

Congratulations to both Diane and Nefret on your new jobs! Nefret, I'm so glad to hear you got something at last.

And congratulations MLE and to both of the parents