Conference Day 2
After the agent panel discussion, I went to Suzanne McMinn’s workshop on writing emotion. As always, Suzanne did a great job. We attended Debbie Macomber’s luncheon speech and her publisher provided skeins of yarn (her last book involved knitting women I believe). At 3:00, Debbie promised to teach us how to knit. I’d always wanted to learn, so I went to the Harlequin suite ten minutes early. Unfortunately, other people had the same idea and there were no knitting needles left. Not to be discouraged, Mary Louise Wells, thought we should use ball point pens. Turns out, it worked. I learned how to do some basic knitting stitches. Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency was there, and we chatted about her hobbies of weaving and her interest in that. One brilliant author came up with the idea of snagging chopsticks from a restaurant to use as needles. 
Debbie then drew names out of a hat for some door prizes. I was excited to win a book on the Encyclopedia of Knitting. The knitted patches will be sent to Debbie Macomber and she’ll put them all together to make a quilt for charity. It was such fun chatting with the women and learning a timeless skill.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and we went out to dinner with Mary Schramski and Leanna Ells, who were a lot of fun. There was an Asian restaurant with wonderfully spicy food. We had drinks that night and I struggled to stay awake for the eHarlequin pajama party. When I arrived, I saw Dee, Dream, and Jayne. The suite had popcorn, candy bars, coffee, and a cash bar. I saw a few editors like Mary Teresa Hussey and Jessica Alvarez. Miriam Kriss showed up again as well. I also spoke with James Pearson, a representative for Audible. They intend to make audio books available for downloading, hopefully for all of Harlequin’s books in the future.
They hosted a contest for sexiest and cutest pajamas. I tied for cutest with my Curious George pajamas (as mentioned a few days ago) and won a pillow that says “The Princess Is Sleeping.” 
Then I ran into some of the Mills & Boon Historical authors (Julia Justiss, Elizabeth Rolls, etc.) and we chatted about their careers. It was great fun meeting everyone.
I staggered into bed at around 1 a.m. (4 a.m. EST), barely alive, but I had a blast. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:20 pm | Viewed 747 times
Michele Says:
Sounds like you had a great time!
Peggy Says:
Congrats on the pajama win, Michelle!
What a full day! Sounds like you had a great time.
Suzanne Says:
It was great seeing you in Reno, Michelle!!!
Mary Says:
I had such a wonderful time at conference, but I’m still trying to catch up.
Kelly Says:
I can’t believe I missed you at the knit in! I was sitting right by the table knitting away and didn’t even clue in when they called your name for the prize. I thought the chopsticks were a brilliant idea, although I was glad I got there early to get actual needles. I’m a big knitter and my mom was laughing when I got home and told her not only did I get to go to a writing conference, but I got to knit while I was there! I went to Susan’s conference on emotion as well and thought it was fabulous. She did a great job.
Tori Says:
Great report, Michelle!!!
kacey Says:
at my table at the luncheon, no one was a knitter..so I came home with a few extra skeins of yarn…
My dh just rolled his eyes
when he saw me unpack them from the suitcase. I can find new yarn anywhere we go 
Melissa Marsh Says:
Sounds like you were able to do a lot of networking at conference. WTG!
I’m always afraid that once I get to conference, my shy self will emerge. 
Amy K. Says:
Hats off to you for making the PJ party! And winning!
Steph T. Says:
Welcome back!! I’m loving your recaps - thanks for sharing!:grin:
Sasha Says:
It was wonderful to meet you, Michelle! To bad I missed the pj party ( I was at the moonlight madness) but I was so happy to at least meet you on the final night!
Congrats on the knitting encyclopedia and the pilllow!!:banana:
Michelle Says:
Kelly–oh, man! Wish I’d known you were there!
Sasha–I want to see those pictures you took Saturday night. :confused2: Hee hee.