I'm still processing the last two weeks, so this post might be scattered.
I'll start in Bologna, where I had dinner in a restored medieval tower with my editors / publishers from Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland, and Spain (both Castillan and Catalan), not to mention my wonderful agents and scouts from all over Europe. The dinner took place on the middle floors of the tower, but beforehand, we climbed up the steep (and I think it would be fair to say perilous) steps (and, closer to the top, ladders) to the roof, for a toast. The view of Bologna at night from the roof of the Torre Prendiparte was just... well, let's just say that I started to cry. I simply could not believe that I was on top of this beautiful tower looking out at this beautiful city with all of these beautiful people.
A knight accompanied me to my press conference and stood behind me the entire time. I've never felt so safe in my life. I almost wished someone would try to rob me just to see what would happen. I hope to post photos soon.
Later in the week, I got to meet my Brazilian editor, and then my U.K. editor showed up and we played! yAt!
Also, the German edition (out next fall) is going to have one of those ribbon bookmarks. This makes me happy.
Also, the Italian edition is out (I saw it in stores before I left), and so are the Spanish (Castillan), Catalan, and Dutch editions. The cover I'm using for this post is the Catalan cover. I used the small version just for space considerations, but if you click on it, I think you can see a bigger version.
I had the immense pleasure of spending some time with Melina Marchetta, who is as wonderful as her books.
The Penguin Fire ARCs are beautiful. The cover is metallic and shiny!
I had a rough patch on Tuesday morning, when I was being driven from Manhattan to Greenwich, CT for the Penguin sales conference, where I was scheduled to give a speech. I think the long days of travel and of so much EXCITEMENT finally hit me and combined with my tendency toward car sickness and my terrible nerves about speechmaking. I was pretty green; I wouldn't be surprised if the driver began to worry about his upholstery. It was one of those times when you just keep counting down the minutes, and every minute that passes is one more minute in which you have successfully not thrown up, which feels like the world's greatest achievement.
Finally, the silliest thing comforted me and made my nerves and nausea go away. I noticed we were driving on I-95. It takes a certain level of jet-lagged exhaustion to make a person start to feel sentimental about an interstate highway, but the thing is, I-95 isn't just an interstate. It's a ribbon that connects not all, but many, of the important people in my life. My sisters, my parents, other family members, and a lot of friends are part of the I-95 ribbon, from Massachusetts down through New York and Philly, all the way to my Great-Aunt Marnie, who lives just beyond the end of I-95 in the Florida Keys. And all of those people love me, and I love them, and they all know what it's like to be tired, overwhelmed, and a little bit scared.
I cannot tell you what a comfort that was to me. And I just want all of my friends and family, even the ones not on the I-95 corridor :o), to know that I was holding on to you on Tuesday, and you gave me courage.
Anyway, it was just a speech -- you'd think, from the way I'm talking, that I was being driven to my own execution or something ^_^. The speech turned out to be a lot of fun to give! It was a very kind crowd. I ♥ book people.
So, this is a post about people. It's a thank you note and a love letter to all the friends I've always had, and all the new friends I've made.
When I got home, two new young trees had been planted in my front yard.
Welcome home dear friend!! Many hugs from I-95 in Massachusetts!!! We love you too!!!!!!
A very warm welcome home to you! Not to sound like a stalker, but I thought about you the whole time you were gone, wondering what you were seeing, who you were meeting, if you were having fun or pining for the states. My 'big trips' have been to Alaska and Ireland *sigh* oh Ireland... And all of those people! All of those little strands in the spiderweb that is the Graceling phenomenon! How ravishingly exulting and absolutely terrifying all at the same time!
Sounds like you had a pretty nifty trip. Lucky duck. Glad to have you back. I had to find new blogs to read while you were away to pass some time while I am alone at work in the mornings!
I love the color of the Catalan cover and that it says "violent" on it. Also love little ribbon bookmarks. Why can't ours have that?!
And, the last thing I want to comment on is that I totally feel your pain w/the carsickness thing. I can't even read in the car. It makes me so sick. But the worst, I think, by far, is the trip to the North Cascades from Seattle I took w/my bro (code name:Art), uncle and his wife and my nana. Somehow, the night before, my brother coerced me into drinking WAY to much red wine. Now, wine doesnt usually give me a hang over. Usually. But, coupled w/a long car ride...not good. We had to stop a billion times because I just knew I was going to throw up every one of those times. Ever the loving brother, Art was there with his camera every step of the way...We finally did make it and got to see a lot of pretty stuff we wouldnt have if I hadnt had to stop along the way so many times! It always works out in the end. Congrats on the speech giving. No small feat!
what a wonderful experience!! All the best!!! Can't wait for Fire and your tales of your many more journeys to come.
So glad you're back and that you had a fantastic trip. I've missed your blog posts.
I just think it's great that the rest of the world appreciated how wonderful Katsa, Po, & The 7 Kingdoms are! Your work is loved! So awesome!
Welcome home! The trip sounds wonderful. I have to say, the "every minute in which I haven't thrown up is a success" is a sensation I am far, far too familiar with, but you summed it up perfectly!
I also want to toss in my insignificant praise for Graceling... I had been keeping a list of books recommended by Leila from Bookshelves of Doom for about a year, and I finally started working my way through it and hit Graceling last week. I'm rereading it now, with only a break for the fourth Septimus Heap book in between. What a lovely, lovely book you have written; I'm gutted that we don't get to hear more about that set of characters for a couple years! I am picky about fantasy (though this wasn't fantasy, really, I guess), and about alternate "worlds," but everything flowed perfectly in yours, and I loved everything about it.
Sorry about the gushy lack of coherence; I haven't had my coffee yet!
My heart goes out to you for the car-sickness. It's not fair that stress makes it worse...one thing that really works to combat it is peppermint candies. And it leaves your breath nice and pleasant, too.
Congrats on the new trees. Nothing brings a smile like new plants!
Welcome home! Sounds like you had quite an adventure of a trip. You've been missed.
Wow! Your sister is pregnant with twins! Many congrats to her! The day my sister announces she's pregenant will be A shocker and I don't want to even think about it for about another 20 odd years...Italy! Of all the places Italy! You are soooo lucky! I am pleased to say I missed you:D :P I'd visit your blog everyday waiting for a comment or post...They never came:( I'm so happy your back and even happier you had fun! We love you up here in Dubai:P Well the people who know you that is... Looking forward to pictures!!!!!!
You just brightened my day SO much! Congratulations to your sister, and I'm glad you survived!
That sounds like an exhilarating two weeks, carsickness and all. As others have already noted, it's been a bit lonely around here without your blog to read! I've been busy doing what Natasha's done - borrowing the books you've recommended or that others who comment on the blog have recommended (all of you who wrote about Megan Whalen Turner - I will be forever grateful!!!!).
I love that your blog is detailing what you go through in the process of publishing a book - rewrites, ARCs, interviews etc. It's fascinating to someone like me who knows so little about the process to hear it, and also your excitement.
Glad to hear you're back! Many of us have missed your posts - and what adventures! Can't wait to hear some more about your trip.
I'm totally in agreement with J.L. LOVE LOVE LOVE The Thief and am on the final of the trilogy, King of Attolia, as we speak. After this post, I wish I could say I'm reading, but no, work calls and summer school curriculum needs to be written. But I hope to finish on Saturday.
Any more awesome recommendations since Fire won't be out for awhile?
Congrats on being an auntie again!
glad you're home, kristin. haven't read your post yet (callum won't let me sit here very long) but i've been thinking about you.
Gald your calm and home again. I just went through a period where I was going back and forth between Texas and Flordia for like a month. When I finally lay down in my bed it was like AHHHHHHH!
I heart book people as well. We don't talk as much because we're wishing we could be reading rather than maing conversation. Then you get bored with silence and pull the book out thinking "Get over it!" and the other person is like "FINALLY!"
Welcome home, Kristin. So glad that you're able to enjoy some of the fun parts of the fruits of your hard work! And thanks for sharing it - I missed your blog. Your writing is sweet-tart refreshing, and I enjoy reading your point-of-view.
Hi, I was very suprised when I read about the concept of 'Gracling', as there is an anime called 'Gakuen Alice' about kids born with 'Alices' like the 'Alice of Fire/Alic of Death' etc, that was written a number of years ago. The concept is exactly the same, just your books are with 'Graces'!
wow! your post gives me shivers! how very exciting and surreal and fantastic for you! couldn't be more thrilled for you, kristin!!!
Jen, so cool to get a comment from Dubai! :) And I'm happy to hear everyone's doing good reading. I just finished the audiobook of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, which was MARVELOUS listening. Now I'm re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time in probably 15 years. LOVE it, but am a little bit annoyed with the annotator, who over-explains everything.
I will pass on the well-wishes to Cordelia!
What a fantastic trip! I'm jealous. I love traveling.
After you finish Pride and Prejudice, maybe check out Pride and Prejudice and Zombies?
Anon makes me want to continue reading Gakuen Alice... I started reading it a while ago, but then got sucked into other things.
Welcome home. =] Sounds like you had a rouch but exciting trip. I actually feel a similar way to I-95. Its always a symbol of home for me. (mostly because I can see it outside of window XD) Im so excited for Fire =] Things are moving along. *dances* That one comment now makes me want to read that manga... XD Well anyways, welcome home.
I loved reading about your exciting time away.
Because of your recommendation I've read a few of Melina M. books. Thank you for introducing her to me.
Thanks, everybody -- especially Anon in Australia, for facing your fears for my sake!!!
My remedy of choice for motion sickness is ginger chews (http://www.gingerpeople.com/ginger-chews.html). They also gets me through migraine nausea.
rantingnerd, thanks for that... i'm going to look for ginger chews.