I'd Rather Be Reading

Bouchercon 2010

2010-11-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

So I went to Bouchercon and had a great time! I’d been thinking that I wasn’t really a part of the book world anymore – that I’d feel out-of-place. My pal Lita assured me I wouldn’t feel that, wouldn’t be that, and that I should just have fun. So we did.

Some thoughts and memories:

Panels were all over the place, authors famous and not-so-famous spoke or argued or just chatted on a huge variety of mystery/thriller-related topics. The first session I attended was with Jeff Somers, in a “30 on 30” discussion. He was solo, to chat for 30 minutes on the topic “Science Fiction and Crime Fiction: The Most Exciting Combination since Whiskey & Soda.” I remember three things about Jeff Somers: he was funny; I sadly did not answer one of his trivia questions so did not win a cool baseball cap; and he served whiskey! So…Bouchercon…that’s how it’s going to be, eh?

On Friday, Lita and I had hard and fast plans to attend “The Hard Breed,” with our pal Gregg Hurwitz. The topic: Beyond Novels – Writers who Write More than Just Novels. Gregg writes comics and screenplays, and he’s darn funny: when asked why he writes a variety of things, he blurted out, “FUN! I would be a total tramp if I was a girl in high school!” As to writing for a variety of genres, he said, “God, I hate what adaptive creatures we writers are.” (Added to Kate’s Reading list: The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson and The Signal by Ron Carlson.)

In “The Glass Dart Board” panel, with Santa Barbara writer Gayle Lynds, the discussion was about politics. “Champions of a genre have a certain political stripe,” said moderator David Corbett. He was explaining how Glenn Back, on the right, promotes thrillers, while no one on the left does so. S.J. Rozan narrowed it down for us: “The right wing ‘gets’ there are no opposing views of good and evil; the left ‘sees’ the opposing view.” (Added to Kate’s Reading List: Do They Know I’m Running? by David Corbett.)

The big treat of Friday was Gregg Hurwitz’s interview with Michael Connelly. When Gregg asked, “If you could remake any movie…?” Michael answered, “I’d remake ‘Bullitt,’ and I’d be driving the mustang.” We all laughed, as he went on to explain, “I’ve been on ‘Castle,’ and I got my SAG card, so…” Gregg asked, “What's the quality you most like in a man?” Michael promptly blurted, “Tattoos!” and started laughing right along with us! (Added to Kate’s Reading List: Nine Dragons and The Reversal by Michael Connelly.)

Connelly with Hurwitz

Lita and I suffered through the poorly moderated panel about serial killers called “In the Midst of Strangers.” But it was worth it. The panelists were bright and funny and interesting, and brought the ‘serial killer’ world right to the forefront. Jonathan Hayes, a forensic pathologist from Britain now working in NYC as a medical examiner, really put everything into perspective with one quiet comment: “Most murders are sad, brutal things.” True, that. Luckily, Chelsea Cain kept us laughing with her unique view of the genre…and how to use crochet needles to one’s best advantage. (Added to Kate’s Reading List: Dharma Girl by Chelsea Cain, as well as her novels and Precious Blood by Jonathan Hayes.)

Next panel was “The Drop,” with some big names, authors I’ve read and very much enjoyed: Mark Billingham, John Connolly, Denise Mina and Karin Slaughter. It’s always so interesting to learn that mystery writers often have a great sense of humor, and these four were no exception. The topic was the good, the bad and the ugly about the unknown bits of being a writer – the fans, the tours, the rejections, etc. “I take an AA’s look at my schedule – one day at a time,” said Karin Slaughter. The anecdotes flew, as well as the cheerful insults: “John, when you travel and wear sunglasses, do you get mistaken for Bono?” The fact that all four authors all had different – and thick – accents only added to the delight of the audience. (Added to Kate’s Reading List: Denise Mina’s titles, Karin Slaughter’s new book).

Bouchercon Goodies.

My pal Elizabeth Sims was part of the afternoon “Continuous Conversation” panel, about the business of books. I stayed for a bit, but then bopped over to “A Collection of Eagles,” with Martin Cruz Smith, Joseph Finder and Santa Barbaran Andrew Klavan. Always fun to run into pals at a big conference! Spent a bit of time with good pal Harley Jane Kozak as well.

Harley meets fans.

Speaking of pals – although I’m sure she wouldn’t be able to pick me out of a crowd, I worked with Sara Paretsky a couple of times, both in Oak Brook, IL and Indianapolis. So I was looking forward to, at the very least, hearing her speak at her panel, “Timelock.” She wasn’t there, and I never did find out if she had cancelled or what. Sad…would’ve loved to have touched base.

As for the evenings – I had dinner with great friends, Nancy and Bob, from Santa Barbara. They just moved to San Francisco earlier in October and she was eager to show off her new city. They have a nice apartment in a fabulous neighborhood, with a great view - the best of all possible worlds. This is the street view from my hotel window. I'm always so interested in this kind of big-city view from a hotel room; always such a different "beat" than what I'm used to.

Hotel view.

(And yes, I did a bit of shopping in San Francisco, so sue me.)

Saturday, Lita and I went to a Harper Collins party, where I caught up with Mike Spradlin, a wonderful publishing friend. And Sunday, after a yummy brunch with Borders Buddies (former and current), Lita and I went to the airport (thanks again, Kathy!) for the return home.

The Ladies Who Brunch

Next stop, according to Lita – Book Expo in New York City, next year. We’ll see…

Shopping in the big city.

2010-10-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Of Parents & Painting

It was a bigger project than I thought it would be. All I wanted to do was a bit of accent painting, in one area of my condo - you know, a light color, framed by a darker color in the same palette (a painter's word), in one location, to make that location "pop." Simple, right?

Not so much. Agonized over color choices. Five trips to Home Depot and/or Ace Hardware. Ran out of that darn blue tape. And paint is surprisingly expensive...especially when the paint guy gives you huge cans of paint, for your "one area" in a condo.

The paint!

When my Mother saw my painted walls (after, ahem, I pointed them out to her), she said, "Where did you learn to do this?!?" Well, Dad, mostly. In fact, although my brother Tom has most of Dad's tools, I took one small, important-to-me piece: his paint-stirring screwdriver. It's big and heavy and paint-splattered. I treasure it.

Dad's Screwdriver

And I wanted it, that tool specifically. Why? Not sure. But it's one tool I watched him use, many times. Squatting over a paint can in the garage, the crappy old radio scratchily playing a ball game - any ball game - stirring a can of paint with that thick screwdriver. When the paint guy in Home Depot tried to up-sell me a paint can opener, I just smiled and said, "No thanks, I'm good."

When Dad and I painted bookshelves for my room, I did the stirring, as sort of a rite of passage. I loved those shelves, for many years, before I left for college.

"YOU!" I answered my Mom. "You taught me how to paint! Remember, when we painted my room, in Huntington Woods? We painted it that very pale purple."

She looked at me, blankly. "Remember?!? We painted the walls together, and we glopped so much paint on the ceiling, you went back and painted a border on the ceiling, all around the room. I used to lie in bed and stare up at that border, growing up."

She was stunned by that memory, that confession. 'Tis true though: I learned painting tips from both my parents. From my Dad: long, smooth strokes, with the occasional bop-bop-bop with the brush, in corners or at edges. And from Mom: if you make a mistake, just paint over it!

Painting is one of those jobs that requires dedication and NOT an attitude of "Oh, well...no one will see that part, anyway." Painting walls really is a job that comes with a healthy dose of: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

Which I learned the hard way.

After two weekends of trips to purchase/return/re-purchase/another return, lots of clean-up, many hours of DVR'ed shows, drips, smears, sighs and swipes, I'm done. Or at least, done for now. As I gaze at my beautiful accented wall and trim, I see spots where I missed and need to retouch. But the paint is safely stored in the garage for now. Next weekend, I'll pull it out again.

For now...let's not and say we did, OK?

Little corner, before.

Little corner, after.

The New Look to my Blog

2010-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Ahh, see? I've done a bit of work, despite being tired after a long week, on my humble little blog! Changed the name of it, to more reflect me and where I am in my life at this moment. Because it's true: I'd almost always rather be reading.

The picture, by the way, real is a picture of me. I was about, well...let's say 2 or 3 years old. At my Grandparents' house, Grandpa and Grandma Sensenbrenner. I could always count on Grandma Sensenbrenner ("Nana") having something to read by the toilet. It was "Guideposts" magazine. And I'm pretty sure it was fascinating.

K8.

2010-05-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Watch this space for many upcoming changes. I guess it's easier to keep this blog, and that's fine...as long as I can change the name of it, the theme, my profile, my goals, and the email address associated with it.

So watch this space for blog changes!

And thanks for sticking with me - Kate.

What?!? Kate is Blogging Again? Really?!??!

2009-07-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

OMG, as David would say - I'm posting a new blog! Yes, sorry, you're right, my bad, blah, blah, blah. Moving on.

I just finished my third solo week at work. No Sarah. She and her husband are, I'm guessing, well into getting to know their new home and their new city, Portland. They'll be starting a new chapter in their lives. I've only known Sarah for 2 months, but even I knew - it was time.

So know, I'm all alone in my job at MTD. And for the past couple of weeks, I felt a bit like a deer in the headlights. I know, I know - Sarah and I worked together for two months, right? I should've learned it all in that time, right? The whole job, no questions or fears, right?!?

Wrong.

From the first day I met her, I had an inkling about what would happen: we'd have so much fun giggling, gossiping and getting to know each other, the "learning the job" thing would, umm, sort of fall by the wayside. Turns out, I was right.

Oh, sure - I learned the basics, and as everyone in a new job should, I'll put my own stamp on this job. But these next few weeks are going to still be a bit of "hurry and catch up," to learn all the details.

And honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way, would you?

Sarah's last day at MTD was, I hope, memorable for her. I planned it to be, so I hope it worked. I sent out an email invite to the staff, before 8:00 AM that day: "Join me in the kitchen, for Sarah's Going Away Breakfast! Just the first stop of the day on the Sarah Farewell Tour (just like Cher!)."

So, bagels, fruit and coffee for Stop 1; Lunch at Mulligan's for Stop 2 (see photo). A driver brought in a cake (!) for her, so "dessert" became Stop 3.

Stop 4 was Happy Hour at the Sand Bar. See? Here's proof - Martha, Sarah and me, margaritas close by.

I invited everyone to Stop 5 on the Farewell Tour - Jazzercise the following Monday night. Oddly, no takers, except me. Well, I had a great time, anyway! Might just make this Jazzercise thing a real part of my life. No promises, of course - only if I can find some really cute jazzer-togs.

And yes, thanks for asking, there was a Stop 6 on the Farewell Tour: Sarah and I met to share a bottle of wine, on Stearns Wharf. Why the Wharf? Because it has one of the most stunning views of Santa Barbara: the mountain, the ocean, the beach, the Riviera. Sarah was - and is - keen to move on with her life, excited about what her new Oregon life will bring. But one last look at Santa Barbara, her second home, from such a gorgeous vantage point...who could blame her?

I'll miss her, but as it turns out, I did learn a lot from her:

*Keep that smile on your face;

*Wear heels whenever possible;

*Greet everyone you know as if they already like you, and treat them nicely;

And lastly:

Bitchiness be damned, keep rocking that ponytail!

Miss you, Mrs. Herbold. Wish you well, but really, really miss you.

From Paradise, Farewell Tour Stop #7.

Last Weekend of May

2009-05-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

And now we head into June. Summertime in Santa Barbara. June Gloom. Solstice Parade and all the fun that goes along with that.

May was a crazy month, what with starting a new job, dealing with the Jesusita Fire (yours truly drove around for three days with a packed car, "just in case") and my Best-Kept-Secrets event.

The Jesusita Fire - very huge, very scary. But for the courage of our first responders, this lovely town would be horribly devasted. But those brave folks, many from all over the state, fought hard and long. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden was a battleground - we lost a chunk of it, but a great deal of it was saved. We lost nearly 80 homes, but many more were saved. And although three firefighters (from Ventura, actually) were injured, no residents were harmed (unlike the huge Tea Fire last November).

Here's a photo of the huge smoke plume on Wed, May 6th - the second day of the fire:

That Wednesday, May 6th, was also the date of the Best-Kept-Secrets Author Tea. Honestly, it was a great afternoon, despite the fact that the lights went out, right as the panel discussion began. And we all watched, over the heads of the authors, the wind pick up and blow up State Street with great ferocity. And it was exactly 100 degrees that afternoon.

But still - the authors were delightful, the food was fabulous and the audience had a wonderful time! Many thanks to the panel: Mara Purl, Harley Jane Kozak and Kathryn Cushman, and a big shout-out to Starshine Roshell, our moderator.

Almost forgot my other event this month! Michele Carbone, author of Friday Evening, conducted a fabulous food demo, tasting and booksigning at Borders on May 1st. It was well attended, but her event today at Borders in Thousand Oaks, according to my sources, was even better. I wish her great success - her book is absolutely gorgeous! (www.pentolapress.com)

Yes, it's been a crazy month. I'm glad May is over and I look forward to June. But I know that May 2009 will be one I'll think about for a long time to come. Heck...I haven't even mentioned Bike to Work Day yet! :-)

As always, with love from paradise - K8.

2009-05-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings - last day of a three day weekend. What a great invention, the three day weekend. And it leads to a four day workweek. I think I love four day workweeks - can I have one of those every month?

I wanted to make sure I did not let something go unnoticed to my blog followers. My young neice Lily recently starred, as a sixth grader, in her school production of "Alice, Junior." This is the elementary school version of Alice in Wonderland.

And did I mention that my neice, Lily Kathryn, was the STAR of the show? I was so proud of her! Alas...tickets back to Indiana were grossly expensive (and at the time, I was still gainfully umemployed), so I was not able to go back home to see her play. But with the photos Lily's mom sent, and the breathless and excited phone call I got from Lily after opening night (on the way to the Opening Night Cast Pizza Party - always the best part of any production), I can only say that she was a huge hit!

She's named after me and following in my footsteps! See photos below:

Truth be told, I'm proud of all my neices and nephews - four of each. Dominic is home after his sophmore year at Dominican University; his sister Maria heads to Marian in the fall. She is a true beauty and very talented - she got a scholarship for being named to the Marian Dance Team!

My mom heads out every Saturday, this time of year, to FOUR soccor games with Zoe, Lily, Olivia and now Jack. They are all really growing up.

I'm looking forward to the annual Arizona Schwab Family Vacation in Santa Barbara, in July. Brendan and Matt are also growing like crazy. I can safely say these two boys love coming here for vacation - often, the temp here in Santa Barbara is 30-40 degrees cooler than in AZ! Matthew, my youngest nephew, is reading on his own, at only 5-years-old, and I have proof:

Dunno...maybe having an Aunt who worked at a bookstore helped, a little bit?

Hey - I'm on Twitter, look for me: K8Reader.

That's it for now, from Memorial Day in Paradise.

K8.

Finally, an Update...albeit a teensy one...

2009-05-22T19:58:00.001-07:00

OMG! I know, I know! I've been terribly remiss and haven't blogged for ages! And yes, I'll catch up soon (lots of news, events and general yada-yada-yada to blog about), but in the meantime, please check out the fabulous blog of my good friend and favorite cookbook author, David Lawrence: http://www.forkingdelicious.blogspot.com/.

It's amazing, he's amazing...and wait til you see the AMAZING grilling recipes! Stop the presses, change your holiday weekend plans - you must grill THESE burgers this weekend!

Oh, David? Yeah, he's this guy:

2009-03-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Paradise!

What a week - I was immersed in book events, and I couldn't be happier! I felt in my element, that's for sure.

First up, the second annual Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation AfterWORDS event (http://www.scvsf.org/)! What an event this was - truly special. Last year, as a Borders person, I helped the organizers kick off the first AfterWORDS in great style. This year, as a freelancer, I worked like crazy to make year two work as well as the first year. And I'm please to say, AfterWORDS 2009 was a fantastic sequel!

Cursed event - that's what my AfterWORDS partner Linda called it. And perhaps, in a way, it was...a bit. Bookended by personal tragedy (not mine, but still - close partner to the event), with not one but two date changes, this plucky little event staunchly kicked off on March 7th, with all the best intentions. And it stood on its own, fun, fabulous and profitable.

Four of the five original authors were there, standing tall, interesting and compelling. My pal Cathy Silvers couldn't make if after all, but my great friend David Lawrence (http://www.chefdavidlawrence.com/) took her place with professionalism, aplomb, and a wonderful sense of fun and mischief. He, as always, sold out; although I was only able to secure about 13 copies, I'm just thrilled we had any at all!

I've done many events like this, but honestly - this one was one to remember. The vibe, the feeling in the room...unmatchable. The audience oozed love and interest and support. The authors were all wonderful and a revelation to the crowd. They all were connected in some way, to each other, as Harley Jane Kozak (www.harleyjanekozak.com)pointed out. And those connections, the fact that all of them had met one or two of the others before (thanks to me!), really made for a casual, easy-going and stressfree event.

On top of which, since I stayed with David over the weekend, I was able to indulge in some wonderful meals at the hands of my good buddy, the professional chef! And many thanks to Allan, who ran my register and took that concern off my mind! Allan - couldn't have done it without you, my love!

I've include some photos here. And the websites:

http://www.joshconviser.com/

http://www.marapurl.com/

http://www.seldenedwards.com/

AfterWORDS group photo.

Josh and David at AfterWORDS.

Another great event in Paradise - K8.

Post-Launch Party Report

2009-03-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Paradise!

Yesterday, the Take Me Out to the Book Launch party was, to say the least, a huge success!

We had such a great time at Hollister Brewing Company (http://www.hollisterbrewco.com/)! I got there early - it's easier to be nervous at the venue, rather than nervous at home. But there was no need for nerves.

HBC had the section all set up, and when I arrived, Larry was working the popcorn machine. We started a bit early - two attendees got there about 2:45pm, from Solvang. One woman wanted a signed copy for her new daughter-in-law. Seems her son proposed to her while at a Yankees game, and she thought Jane's book would be a great birthday gift for the She-Fan in her own family!

I was so thrilled to see Tab Hunter striding in at 3pm - he's a delightful, wonderful person, and he was such a huge hit! He chatted with folks, met some new friends, and was supportive of Jane and her book. How funny, to see this Damn Yankee and the She-Fan, together!

Tab was gracious as I "interviewed" him - he said, "I'm really looking forward to reading Jane's book!" Jane, after I introduced her, cheerfully recounted the REAL first time she met Tab Hunter - as a young girl, her mother took her to the legendary Sardi's. There, at the next table, was Tab Hunter - at the time, one of the hottest actors in Hollywood. At her mother's urging, Jane shyly approached her favorite actor with a Sardi's menu for him to sign. Funny...small world, isn't it?

(Jane discusses her book, next to the She-Fan Beer Tasting table.)

All told, in and out for the two hours, I'd say we easily had 100 people there. Bill Pintard, the coach of the 2006 and 2008 champion Santa Barbara Foresters was there, local writers such as Gayle Lynds were there, and of course, fans of all sorts were there. I had a wonderful time, bopping around, chatting with fans, sampling the ballpark snacks served by HBC, and just keeping an eye on everything.

I think it's safe to say that a great time was had by all - mostly because this event was different. It wasn't your usual "booksigning in a bookstore" event, and that's what helped make it unique, interesting and fun.

That, and of course, free beer. What sports fan doesn't love that?

See you at the ballpark - K8.

Holiday Photos

2009-02-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

I know, I know - I'm woefully behind on my blogging. I really must put myself on some sort of schedule.

Since returning from Arizona, I've snagged a parttime job (at the SB Region Chamber of Commerce), revved up the Launch Party for my client, Jane Heller, and whipped through a month and a half!

But at this time, in this posting, I really just want to share some photos from the holidays:

Matt waxes poetic about the See's Candies Aunt Kate brought for Christmas:

Mom and Kate get ready to celebrate!

West Coast Schwabs, Christmas at Joe's House:

Kate and Matt get ready to greet the New Year:

Arizona Christmas Tradition, with the Schwab Boys:

And that's all for now, from here - a chilly, overcast day in Paradise.

K8.

It's January, right?

2009-01-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

As we stand on the brink of an historic inauguration, I'm a little surprised to raise my head, look around, and find myself in 2009. Not that 2008 wasn't full of surprises, fear, doubt and lots of fun. But wow...2009.

I am, as I told my friend Sue, "nearly 50!" And now, that's enough of that.

Spent the holiday, as I have for the past several years, with my brother John in Arizona. I've been in AZ every Christmas since Brendan was a baby. I told him, "It wouldn't be Christmas if I wasn't here with you guys!"

John, Stephanie and I put together our Annual Schwab Family Holiday Puzzle - a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass artwork. As I watched John, time and time again, reach across the puzzle, from the opposite side of the table, to the pile of pieces in front of me, pluck one out and place it without hesitation into the puzzle, I wondered if this skill of "puzzle-ing" is hereditary.

For my answer, I only had to look over to Brendan on the family room floor, meticulously piecing together a huge pile of Legos, into a Star Wars spacecraft. Or to Matt, moving his Thomas the Tank Engine trains on the track, murmuring to himself, giving voice to Thomas or Bertie or Jack, as they race or haul, or whatever it is those trains do.

It was a great Christmas. A wonderful way to end 2008.

I'm glad it's over, though. Bring on 2009!

2008-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

On this magical Sunday before Christmas, I finally feel like I have a moment or two to write! "Finally," indeed - it's been a month since my last entry!

Today, by the way, is not a day off - I'm working my final day at The Granada. After today's matinee performance of A Christmas Carol: Scrooge & Marley, I'm hosting the Book Group Reception.

It was my idea, I'm proud to say - after the show, several actors and the director will return to the stage and have a short discussion, a la "Inside the Actors Studio." After the discussion, Book Group members are invited to the gorgeous Founders Room, for a casual meet-n-greet, and some food, provided by local restaurant, The Chase. We've promoted this, albeit perhaps a bit late, in my mind. But I have about 25 people from book groups, coming to this show, for this event, and I'm thrilled! There may be more - who knows what groups finally read the Book Group Reception info in Thursday's Independent, or Friday's Daily Sound.

As I told my friend Irene, the Director of the SB Library - anything that has the word "Book" in it, with my name on it, I want to be a success."

And speaking of success!

Starshine and Cupcakes!, on Tuesday, December 9th, was a HUGE success! I arrived at Sullivan Goss early, to set up with Grant, who helped me immensely by running the register and handling all the book sales - about 165 sold that evening! We had a few very minor scares, before the 7pm start time, but nothing horrible, and the evening went off without a hitch.

Did I mention "success?" We had, in-and-out that evening, about 300 people at the party! Unbelieveable! I wanted this to be big, not just for me, but mostly for Starshine - and it was! She started signing books a bit before 7pm, and I had to cut the line and escort her to the microphone, about 10 minutes after our planned "event part" start time. Jerry Roberts was fantastic - he did a great intro, with some jokes and teasing, but very heartfelt support.

Starshine spoke a bit, read a bit, took some questions, and then back to the signing table. As I predicted (and hoped!), both lines were huge - to buy books and to get them signed. We planned the details quite well, I thought. John Roshell was invaluable to me - he got a "sound guy," who brought great sound equipment; that helped keep the audience's attention while Starshine spoke. Also, we all learned a valuable lesson after the last event we attended at this location - the speaker needs to up, on a platform, or a "stage." That way, all attention is focused on the speaker. John's makeshift platform worked like a charm!

We had a such a great time and it was such a wonderful and delightful surprise to see the turnout, to hear the happy and excited chatter of the crowd - they all seemed thrilled to be a part of what really felt like a fabulous and successful evening! The cupcakes were amazing! And Jen Malkin from the Independent was a fantastic partner, setting up "supplemental" food and pouring wine - all compliments of the Independent.

I've included a few photos here: John and Starshine, Starshine signing a book for Councilwoman Helene Schneider, and Starshine holding her "Star of Balloons." Another fantastic partner - Georgette Owens, of Festivities. Her balloon contribution was amazing and huge and was the frosting on the cake that evening - or perhaps I should say "frosting on the CUPcake!" This photo, by the way, appeared in the December 15th issue of Publishers Weekly. Guess who?!? :-)

Remember, you can purchase your copy of Keep Your Skirt On at local stores, Amazon.com, and http://www.keepyourskirton.com/.

As for plans for my next Launch Party - I've added a photo of my next client, Jane Heller (http://www.janeheller.com/). Clear your calendars for the Launch Party for Jane's book, Confessions of a She-Fan, February 28th, at Hollister Brewing Company, in Goleta (http://www.holllisterbrewco.com/).

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

K8.

Welcome to the Weekend

2008-11-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Another week gone, with lots of work done. Between Thursday night and Friday morning, I added three potential clients! "Yippee!" as my Mom says.

I sent my email blast for Starshine & Cupcakes, including the link to this blog. We'll see if anyone clicks and checks it out.

And the job at The Granada is getting more interesting.

Now, for a weekend off. You know, it took a bit of "work" to get used to being off on the weekends. When at Borders, I was often traveling or handling an event, or logged on to work on newsletters or press releases on the weekends. In fact, Sundays were pretty much given over to Borders DMM work - I would even go to the store and work there on Sundays.

But now that I'm no longer with Borders, I find myself with the weekends stretching before me, in what seems like a huge amount of time OFF. Today, I planned to spend all day cleaning my condo. All Day. Instead, even with my A.D.D. method of cleaning, I was done by 10:30am!

So now, I hit the road to run some errands! What a great thing a weekend off is.

K8.

Wednesday at Work

2008-11-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon!

I'm working at my Granada job, trying to get inspired. What group or groups can I reach out to next, for tickets to A Christmas Carol? It's not easy, this group ticket sales world.

In my other life, I've added a new client, Erik O'Dowd, author of Gaviota, a novel. And planning Starshine Roshell's Launch Party, "Starshine & Cupcakes!" That will be a blast, I think, but a lot of work. Still - looking forward to it. Today, when I'm back in the home office, I intend to send out the email-invite, to my email list. "Presented by Great Books Literary Services." How cool is that?!?

K8.

After a Strange Weekend...

2008-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

On this Monday morning, after that horrible weekend, all is nearly well. The Tea Fire, here in Montecito, is now 80% contained. That's great news, but the fires in Northern L.A., Sylmar and Orange County continue to rage.

I never got back to the SCIBA posting - sorry about that. It was a lot of fun, I think I made some contacts, but most importantly, I reconnected with that Book and Author Lover within me, that part of me that has driven me and my life and dreams for over the past two decades; or indeed, nearly my whole life. I was thrilled to see some of my favorite authors (and favorite people, actually): T. Jefferson Parker, Robert Crais, Kim-from-LA and Wade Lucas, to name a few. I met Joseph Wambaugh for the first time! And Whitley Strieber -as I told him at dinner, "I have been listening to you on Coast to Coast AM for years!" I really enjoyed our conversation. A new pal, I hope, will be Paula Yee - what fun we had for the few minutes she sat at my table during dinner. And of course, it's always wonderful to run into my new friend, Selden Edwards.

I'm so glad I went - of course, I had my doubts and my grumblings: "why did I sign up for this, why am I schlepping to L.A. for this?!?" But I'm so glad I spent the money and made the effort. Alas, going to SCIBA has only served to whet my appetite for Book Expo 2009, in NYC!

That's it for the SCIBA Roundup.

I have to say, before I post this and log off - I had a wonderful week of books and book events recently. More confirmation that I'm still destined for a career in some way in the wonderful world of books and authors.

My Book Week started at Tecolote, in Montecito, for a reading/signing by author and poet Diana Raab. It was an event I set up, but she took it further, with a delightful launch party, attended by about 70 people, noshing, talking about books and writing, listening to poems from Diana's new collection, Dear Anais: My Life in Poems for You.

Friday, November 7th, I went to a publication celebration for Hometown Santa Barbara. My client Starshine Roshell is a contributor. It was another delightful evening, meeting writers and others, for what is a lovely book. I strongly recommend it, for gift-giving!

This past Tuesday, I not only attended a SB Book & Author Fest board meeting (I'm happy to say it's still alive and kicking - stay tuned!), I also went to another book launch party downtown. This one was for Jenna McCarthy, author of The Parent Trip. It was a great little party at Due, the maternity store, and I enjoyed reconnecting with Jenna.

Although last Saturday's AfterWORDS event in Santa Clarita was cancelled due to the fires, it was still an amazing week of books and authors. Honestly, I feel reinvigorated, in this new career I've chosen!

Gotta run - meeting a new client today, at Borders. See? I just keep moving forward!

K8.

SCIBA!

2008-10-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

I attended the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association trade show and Author's Feast, last Saturday.

I'll write more about it later, but in a nutshell - it really made me miss working with books, authors, bookselling and being a part of that world. I saw some old friends, scooped up some great books, made some wonderful connections.

And I realized that, come what may, I'm glad to be starting my freelance publicist business, working with a couple of local authors, learning as I go along, and staying in the wonderful world of books.

More about SCIBA later - right now, I have to dash out on an assignment for one of my clients, Starshine Roshell!

K8.

Real Employment Pending

2008-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

On this lovely Tuesday morning, I find myself almost too busy!

I start a new job tomorrow, at the Granada, doing group ticket sales for the holiday show, A Christmas Carol. Should be a fantastic show - local actors, produced by the Granada, this version is written by Israel Horowitz, keeping it very true to Dickens' original prose and leaving much of his great dialogue intact.

First time for me, this "group sales" thing. But I'm looking forward to it. Or maybe I'm just looking forward to being employed again. Either way, I'll keep you posted on my progress!

K8.

Tuesday in Paradise

2008-10-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Fires are raging in SoCal, and although not close to Santa Barbara, they are close to several friends of mine.

David Lawrence, my favorite cookbook author (Boy Eats World!) is in Santa Clarita. Sue R. is in Thousand Oaks. Cathy Silvers is in Valencia. Many, many Borders pals are in various Valley locations. As far as I know, all are safe at the moment.

It's one of those things a California dweller learns to live and deal with - sudden, unexplainable, often very serious, even deadly wildfires. No more horrible than hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, tornadoes in the heartland, floods nearly everywhere, heatwaves in the desert states, and ice storms in the East and Northeast and Midwest. And did I mention earthquakes?

Where to live? Where is it completely safe? Nowhere, really. Every place, every section of the country has its issues and "downsides."

I guess it all boils down to: live where you love living, and hope for the best. Just like everyone else.

Stay safe, everyone - K8.

Working on a Monday

2008-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, and I'm hard at work.

Yes, really. Work.

I'm becoming quite the volunteer these days, with all my free time. Today, I'm sending out invites to a fundraising luncheon, for a great org called Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. With a vision statement of "to give everyone equal access to the printed word," how could I NOT support this org? So some of my blog readers will get an invite to a free one hour luncheon, at the fabulous Fess Parker DoubleTree resort, on November 13th. Hope you all can come!

Sure, it's not a paying gig...OK, I promise to spend the next couple of hours trying to find a real job. How's that?

K8.

Kate Re-Blogs

2008-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! So far, I've made a blog, lost it somehow, rebuilt this one, and now I'm trying to recreate the two posts I've written thus far.

To no avail, as it turns out.

Be that as it may, I'll just move on, with this new blog post.

Today, I was on a radio show as a guest of Gigi, who hosts "Lunch Poems with Gigi." Her show comes from Kettering University, in Flint, MI. Trying to get my client on her show, she and I hit if off and she invited me to be a part of the show myself.

Who am I to turn down the opportunity to talk about myself? But Gigi threw me for a loop when she said, "Great! Think about your favorite poet, so we can discuss him/her on the show!"

Favorite poet? Me?!? I'm a haiku girl, myself.

Then I remembered a fabulous professor I had while at Indiana Central University - Dr. Allen. I took at least two of his classes, and those are the ones I remember the most (Econ Class, with my barely-squeaking by grade of D+, notwithstanding).

Dr. Allen taught Great American Novels and Short Stories, and American Writers. He was a master at deconstructing poems, showing us what the poet meant, showing us the crafting of the poems. He was really great when it came to Sylvia Plath, and her amazing poem, "Daddy."

So: Sylvia Plath, she's my favorite. Gigi didn't know much about Plath, but she plunged into Plath's journals and poems, and between the two of us, we gave a great show. Gigi asked me to read a poem I'd found while thumbing through my new Plath collection: "Ode to Ted."

It is, in short, a love poem to her husband, Ted Hughes. And it's beautiful, full of strong and lovely images. I hope I did the reading justice; for my part, I'll confess to getting a bit choked up after reading it aloud.

Gigi played an audio of Plath reading "Daddy," which makes that poem even more haunting. We had a great time discussing Plath, her poems, and poetry in general. I learned a lot, from Plath and from Gigi.

And really...that's my new goal these days - learn as much as I can, about my new life and new things, all the time!

Today, I'm heading to my pal Wayne's store, to see an author I've worked with in the past, Kathryn Cushman. Can't wait to see her - and Wayne!

Have a great Sunday - Kate.