escaping the frame: Outings Archives

December 6, 2005

Holiday Party at Books of Wonder

So Herm and I went to the "author/illustrator/related" party at Books of Wonder, and had a good time. Ate some cheese, drank some wine, talked books, talked projects, laughed a lot. It was good fun. As always, we were surrounded by so many great books. Every time I am in that store (or really, any good bookstore), I am simply awed. Awed by all the talent and beauty and lore, and awed that I get to be a part of it.

Talked a little bit about possibly working on a project with Michael Buckley, something he is writing now? Who knows what will come of it, but it was nice to be thought of (as illustrator) for a project. He and his wife were very good people, friendly. I have to send Alison an email, got her card last night. Which reminds me, now...I was speaking to Jon Scieszka, too, about a project when we were at a signing together. but haven't spoken since on that. Well, I'll wait to see if he contacts me, as I think that's how we left it.

So yeah, I recommended the smoked mozzarella to many folk, and I think I was drinking Pinot Grigio. I was also sampling the Gouda and Extra Sharp Cheddar, as well as some round, rich, wheat crackers for the cheese that tasted like cookies. I augmented this with many grapes, celery sticks, and grape tomatoes. At the end of the night, we were given a Thank You box containing truffles. It was a good night, a good night for eating.

Now, I begin again on the book. Or rather, I pick up. I'm closing in on the end. Dont know when that will want to write itself, but I keep moving toward it. I am getting close, now. I have to have it done by Friday, I know that m uch.

I love picking up the manuscript and holding it. It's huge, feels massive. I smile to myself, remembering when I banged out stuff on my Olivetti electric typewriter. How precious each page was. You couldn't just print out another. And when I made a mistake, I had to xxxxxxxxxx it out. I had no corrective ribbon, don't even know if that old beast used it.

Here I go.

joaquín ramón herrera writes for children, adults, and other humans found elsewhere in the continuum of development. He is also an illustrator, musician, and surprise protagonist. If you have found his glasses, wallet, or keys, please contact him here.

(neuralpermalink established at 06:35)

December 2, 2005

Fried Eggs, Jalapeños, and Brain.

OKAY, SO MY SCHEDULE HAS BEEN completely manhandled by the fumbling mitts of Fate. Between traveling into Manhattan last night for the signing, and going into the city again this evening for a private party (for authors/illustrators/spouses/invisible parasites), and getting temporarily bogged down in some website stuff this morning, I'm just all out of whack, and my silver fuel cells have metabolized into oyster grease.

Went into the kitchen to get my cup of coffee, and saw that I somehow did not push the mug back far enough under the mug-dripper-inner and instead of a quick cup of coffee waiting for me to help buoy me up and into the writing, I had ten minutes of mopping and sponging a counter and rinsing and.... Heated up a pan, sizzled some butter in it. Sliced some jalapeños on the fly, cooked an egg with cheese melted. Toasted a whole wheat English Muffin (or was it Swedish?), slapped together a "meal," and came back in here. Trying to settle into the book, but find my mind is preoccupied with the oncoming evening engagement. That's my muse for ya. She is twice as difficult as I am, and that is saying a lot. If I do not devote a massive, wide-open space for her, she just pouts her lip and lights out for parts uncharted. She does not negotiate wiggle-room.

Tomorrow, then. Back on it. Early. Well...when I wake up, that is.

EDIT: I really, really, really, love those "Saturday Morning Revelations," as I call them. Remember when you would wake up on a Saturday morning, or a Summer Vacation's first day and think, immediately, Ugh....time for school.., only to realize you had no school that day? Man, that is the best.

I just got up and looked, forlornly, at the invitation and realized the party is not until Dec 5th! How sweet. How very, very sweet. Looks like I get to write after all!

Saturday morning, baby.

December 1, 2005

Book Signing for SCARY: A Book of Horrible Things for Kids, NYC - Dec 1, 2005

I WILL BE AT MANHATTAN'S Manhattan's Books of Wonder (fabulous independent bookstore) speaking and signing, along with a few other authors. If you are in the area, please stop in!

Meanwhile, I just left off on page 195 of the new book. It's going well. I had to leave it at only seven pages for the day. But at least I managed to squeeze those in. I do wish I could just keep writing! (A lot of fun, scary, exciting things are happening, now. We are at the very end. Or at least I think so!) But going out and talking about the book is important too.

I was given another week, so the manuscript is due next friday.

Okay, I'm out. Maybe I'll see you in a few hours.

November 21, 2005

Book Signing for SCARY: A Book of Horrible Things for Kids, NYC - Dec 1, 2005

There will be another book signing on Dec 1, so if you are in the NYC area, feel free to drop by, buy a book, and get it signed! I'd be happy to see you.

The signing will involve myself and four other authors talking for a bit about our books, taking questions, and then signing. For times and directions, go to http://www.booksofwonder.net and click the "events and happenings...more" link.