At Long Last News

[jmward14]

You can always tell when a lot is happening in my RL; my LJ gets werry, werry qwiet.  But I haven't been hunting wabbits--more like vampires. 
Yeah, vampires, the creatures I never planned to write about, because I couldn't think of anything new to say.  It's amazing what somebody waving money in my face will do.
Especially when it involves the Frankfurt Book Fair.

It all began in late August when realthog introduced me to an English editor seeking someone to write text for a how-to art book.  It was a fabulous opportunity.  The only hitch was the editor needed a two-part proposal in a real hurry.  The first part was due the week after DragonCon.  Ulp.  But I made my deadline, and the editor decided I didn't suck.
Which is really interesting considering the next project we discussed: a YA vampire story.  Needless to say, I found a lot of inspiration in a real hurry.  I submitted another proposal, and the next thing I knew I had not one, but two proposals set to be discussed with the publisher's overseas partners at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
This goes beyond exciting for me.  I attended the Buchmesse when my dad was assigned to Germany.  It was my first introduction into the mysteries of wholesale and retail.  And then there were the books.  And the displays.  And did I mention all the books?
The hitch here is The Powers That Be may approve one, for both or for neither.  But still, my projects at the Frankfurt Book Fair.  Wow!

Then there is the convention news.  I will be attending both Capclave in Washington, DC, October 17-19, and World Fantasy Con in Calgary, Canada, October 30 - November 2.  I don't yet know if they'll be able to squeeze me into the WFC program, but my Capclave panels and readings are:

Friday, 6 p.m.

Do U Rd on Scrn?

How is technology changing writing and reading? Do you write differently on a computer than with a pen or typewriter? Do you read differently on the Internet? How will e-texts, audible books, and the Kindle change the act of reading? How will writers write for readers accustomed to reading twitters and text messages? Traci Castleberry (m), Neil Clarke, Resa Nelson, Jean Marie Ward

 

Friday, 8 p.m.

SF Pictionary

Fun game show comes to Capclave. Can you communicate SF ideas through your drawings? Danny Birt (m), Steve Stiles, Jean Marie Ward

 

Saturday, Noon

Appeal of King Arthur

What makes so many writers from Twain to Mary Stewart to Lerner and Lowe produce their own takes on 'the matter of Britain'? Why do King Arthur books thrive while other legends like Robin Hood get far less attention? What are the best takes on the Arthurian legend? Christopher Cevasco (m), Tom Doyle, Jean Marie Ward, Mattie Brahen

 

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Reading

Am I the only one scared of the prospect of Pictionary?  I should be scared of the empty room I'm going to have for my reading, but I figure it'll be a good time to catch up on my sleep.  Writer/editor Danielle Ackley-McPhail will be staying at the house for the con, and if past experience is any indication, we could be talking all night.
There are worse fates.
Cheers and grins,
Jean Marie

Comments

[realthog.livejournal.com]

"Which is really interesting considering the next project we discussed: a YA vampire story."

Strange that Kate didn't ask me about this! No Xmas card for her this year, dammit.

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure she thought you were too busy when the direction came from on high. It's also a very girly project, emphasis on the girly. Really, really girlie. So girlie, I may have to learn how to swoon to do it justice.
Of course, I'm going to stick in cursed jade, Chinese ghosts and female empowerment. But in a girly sort of way.
So don't drop her off your card list just yet.
And to repeat what I said in my email last month, thank {{{{you}}}} so very much for the intro.
Much love to you and pds_lit,
Jean Marie

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Hmmf!

[vonandmoggy.livejournal.com]

Oh, that sounds exciting. Exciting enough to make me jealous, so it's gotta be exciting. Congrats! :)

Von

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks {{{{Von}}}}. Even if they don't green light the books, I'm really pumped to get this far.
Hugs and smiles,
Jean Marie

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

woowooo, thats excellent news, or Ist Gut Hier Ja?

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Sehr gut!
Hugs and smiles,
Jean Marie

[arhyalon.livejournal.com]

I'm so sad that I'm going to miss you and Danielle. I go to that convention every year, but this year I have to be in NY.

Bah!

Have a great time!

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! But New York is good. Except for Danielle, I'd trade. NYC is a playground, a different continent and a foodie paradise all rolled into one. :D
Hugs and smiles,
Jean Marie

[arhyalon.livejournal.com]

Oh, it will be a lovely trip! But I really enjoy the Writing Workshop I got to do each year at Capclave with Allan Wold, so I wish the trip to NY could have been another weekend. Didn't work out that way, though, so I will make the best of it. ;-)

Sleep is over-rated

[damcphail.livejournal.com]

How ironic...I've started a vampire novel myself...mine is in no way girly though, so we're safe ;) Looking forward...counting down the days...If I can convince my driving buddy we'll be leaving by 9am so we can get to your place by noon...that way we can indulge in da special lunch treat I'm bringing ;)

Hugs,

D-

Re: Sleep is over-rated

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'm all about lunch with friends. :-) Are we still talking Friday, or can we look forward to seeing you both tomorrow? No prob either way. I'll be doing laundry tonight. Hugs and smiles, Jean Marie

Re: Sleep is over-rated

[damcphail.livejournal.com]

Sadly, she has to close at work tomorrow, so not until Friday :( But that's okay...gives me time to actually MAKE lunch ;) hehehehehe

Re: Sleep is over-rated

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

LOL Looking forward to seeing you both then, with or without lunch. Hugs and anticipation, Jean Marie

Re: Sleep is over-rated

[damcphail.livejournal.com]

Wheee! 24 hours to go...okay...27...but still!

Awww! Jagi

[damcphail.livejournal.com]

We'll miss you too...don't worry, we'll have some fun for you...maybe keep Allen in line ;)

[quietselkie.livejournal.com]

*\0/*

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks {{{{quietselkie}}}}}. I'm cheering a little myself.
Okay, I'm cheering a lot, when I'm not trying to wrestle the current story to the ground.
Hugs and big grins,
Jean Marie

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Well, one of the projects was approved. I just don't know which one. LOL I suspect it's the how-to art book. I should know later this week, after my editors realize I won't be going to Thailand after all. Hugs, Jean Marie