I am doing laundry.  This is one of the few chores I don’t mind doing.  I find there is a certain Zen to it.  And because I’m not a very tidy or graceful person, I get to relive the moments of the past few days as I pre-treat.  Today I have found Sharpie marks on my sleeve, a splotch of red wine on my jeans, and even a couple of minor bloodstains on the hem of my blouse.  Hmm.  I must have gone to TLA!

Allow me to recap via my smudges:

Sharpie stains -- I had a fantastic signing on Thursday.  I sat in the author aisle with the adorable Kelly, Random House publicist extraordinaire, and met so many wonderful llibrarians, educators, authors and book lovers.  Hearing things like “There’s a waiting list for your book” and having my own lines quoted back to me is the best validation ever.  Writing can be such a solitary and sometimes lonely pursuit.  I do it because I love the stories -- period.  But even though I don’t constantly crave attention, getting positive feedback is such an unexpected and powerful ego boost.  I found myself tearing up at times.  (Luckily I’d thought to wear waterproof mascara or there’d be more stains.)

Blood -- The counter where I was signing books had an exposed staple and every time I leaned forward, a tiny metal hook would pierce my skin.  I was so hyped I didn’t even notice it.  Then after my signing I joined up with fellow Austin author Chris Barton to explore the exhibits and went ... “Ow.”  That’s when I noticed a tiny trickle of blood along my arm.  Big thanks to Emily, Adrienne and wonder-editor Jim Thomas at the Random House booth for pulling out the first aid kit.  Just the fact that they HAD a first aid kit makes me think stuff like this must happen all the time.  No pain no gain when it comes to TLA.

Red Wine -- I had the honor of clinking glasses with many charming librarians and fellow authors during my stay in Houston.  In addition to the discussions on books, school visits and the industry in general, we also touched on the following topics:  Irish castles, boots, spirituality, Latin verbs, hairstyles, R-rated comedy, phone etiquette, and 70s dance music (a cohort even broke into a rather good rendition of “Jive Talkin'”).

There are so many wonderful aspects to TLA.  It is, of course, a business conference.  I make connections with so many amazing people that often lead to paid appearances, panel discussions, and other collaborations.  But is also part vacation, part group therapy, and part star-gazing.  I can’t possibly name all the fabulous people I met or even select high points of the trip.  Every moment seemed to have some magic.

Thank you Houston librarians and SCBWI-ers such as Diandra Mae for doing such a fantastic job!

Thank you Lone Star Committee. Your support of my book means so much to me I can’t express it in words.  So glad I got to meet you!

Thank you Random House for the incredible dinner and for taking such good care of me.  You guys rock!  (Literally!  No Jive Talkin’!)

Thank you Readergirl Divas Lorie Ann Grover, Justina Chen Headley, and Dia Calhoun for being so gracious.

Thank you Justine Larbalastier and Scott Westerfeld for the champagne and amazing conversation.  (My sides still hurt from laughing.)

Thank you Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith, Brian Anderson, Jessica Lee Anderson, Don Tate, Michelle Beebower, Kate Slaten, Celeste Putska, Gillian Redfearn, and Chris Barton for making me so proud to be from Austin.

Thank you Coert Vorhees for the delicious Beck’s Prime lunch and for being so dang fascinating.

And thanks especially to the lovely Margo Rabb, my slumber party pal, and Varian Johnson, my handsome coachman.

Can’t wait until next year!