What a great experience and a great time my sister, Kathleen and I had! It was definitely worth going to scope out the publishing business. I have now had the opportunity to experience another type of conference other then my annual PSA (Professional Figure Skaters Association) seminar & conference. This BEA Conference was much bigger than I expected. There were publishing companies from all over the world. It was a bit intimidating at first because I didn’t know anyone except my sister who was with me… and my publisher by name only. However, I soon got into the swing of things and spent the next several days asking a million questions and listening to as many educators as we had time for.
My sister flew in from Florida and I chose to drive from Ohio…quiet time for me to think and listen to music, so I don’t mind the hours by myself in the car. Kathy and I had the opportunity to stay with one of her high school friends who lives on Staten Island. We had “6 star” accommodations thanks to Lorinda and Lynn. My sister’s friend, Lorinda, was just the same as I remember her when she was a senior in high school and I was a 7th grader. I was very, very shy then…my sister’s friends made me what I am today. It is called survival!
Anyway, on Thursday morning we took a bus, the ferry, the subway and another bus to the Javits Center ( 1 1/2-2 hr. commute) and spent the day going to different lectures that we thought would be interesting and beneficial. We then milled around watching the many publishing businesses get their exhibits set up and checked out the international set up that we had no real knowledge of, but asked a lot of questions. I so know how parents must feel coming into the world of skating. It can be very confusing until you figure out how it all works and that doesn’t happen over night. Questions, questions and as a result, we met a lot of very interesting people!
On Friday morning, Kathy & I attended the Children’s & Authors Breakfast at 8am. Julie Andrews was hosting and Tomie de Paola, Meg Cabot and Amy Krouse Rosental all spoke. They were engaging as well as entertaining. Julie Andrews even brought a surprise with her…Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary. Peter came to sing for us…what a treat. We all know “Puff the Magic Dragon!” The room was filled and I am glad we chose to go….besides we met Stephan B. Wise from New York who saved us our excellent seats. We found that many New Yorkers helped us out when we were in need. New Yorkers get a gold star.
I think one of the main things that I brought back from the Expo was how much I have to learn about the industry, but also how much my sister Kathleen and I have done correctly with my book. My book was well positively received and the title definitely had multiple enquires from various and sundry people.
By Sunday, I think everybody had about had it. We were all “booked” out, but I am excited about this second or third, or 4th new career I have fallen into. I am excited, willing and able to see where it is going to take me. The ride has been fun thus far and it is so neat to see and hear about how much enjoyment different people are receiving from my book… so I will just keep going.
Oh by the way LambieAnn is now on Twitter, but as LambieAnnWooly, which is her full name. So, look for her..she has a lot to say. Stay tuned.