Updatey things

[catherineldf]

Yesterday's reading with Ellen Hart, Jessie Chandler, Catherine Friend and Rachel Gold went amazingly well. The moderator/host, Heather Tompkins, did an excellent job. Everyone was funny and charming and interesting (if i do say so myself) and energy was terrific. It was at the Anderson Library at the U., so the space was less crowded than at the conference room where we read last year. Last year's reading felt more random - we were a collection of writers pulled together for an event and we didn't really play off each other. This year, we all referenced at least some of the author's works and talked about what we had in common. I think this was the result of having read before together in various combinations and having the moderator focus on commonalities between disparate bodies of work. The audience was larger and more responsive than last year's, but I will admit to being frustrated that the crowds have stayed small. I think some of it is timing and some of it is publicity but it amazes me that 5 lesbian and bi authors (there was 1 cancellation), all award winners or finalists who've had multiple books out, can't pack in more than 30 people. Not sure what it's going to take, but perhaps next year, it will top 40.

Today is getting stuff together and prepping for NYC this week. Our awesome house and cat sitters and auxiliary snow shovelers are all set up. On the docket is taping an episode of Hour of the Wolf for WBAI Radio with Jim Freund on Tuesday, Kinky Boots with music by Cyndi Lauper on Wednesday to be followed by dinner at Eataly with editor D.L. King. We're hoping to work in visits to the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum and a belated birthday party for my mom. Other than the usual family stress, it should be a good trip. Updates to follow.