Mainly sunny, hot, temps 31
As you can see by the celcius, we're back in Canada. Montreal actually. Came here instead of the country house because Michael has a dentists appointment Tuesday, so we thought we'd just come straight here.
Had breakfast again at Friend of a Farmer. Got an outside table again, on the terrasse. I realize there might be one or two other places in NYC for breakfast - and I'm sure we'll find them in future visits...but I know I'm a creature of habit. I adore finding places I enjoy in a city, and making it my 'local'. Makes me feel part of the community - like I belong.
And it was a great breakfast. But I have to tell you - the BEST meal Michael and I have had in years was Friday nights Lebanese meal at Ilili - on Fifth Avenue. We walked there...lovely evening, and so thrilling to walk by the Flatiron (where my publisher is) then up fifth ave, the Empire State Building in view. Gives me chills. I think of all the films I watched over the years...the old black and whites, from the 30's and 40's...The Thin Man, the Tracy/Hepburn films- the Hitchcock films...Gentleman's Agreement - etc, etc. it's so thrilling to be in the same city.
And it gives me chills to be there, and be to be a writer, in new york city. I just floated. Amazed at my good fortune.
Anyway - I was telling you about the Lebanese restaurant. It was fabulous. They serve the food like tapas...in that we order a number of small dishes and share. I can't begin to tell you what we had, except that it was delicious and the waitress helped us a lot. it also was a very cool atmosphere...modern, great design. A terrific experience all around.
When we left one of us noticed across Fifth Avenue was the Museum of Sex.
We went in. Didn't make it to the MoMA or the Met or the Frick...but we made it to the Museum of Sex. Sadly there were more things there neither Michael nor I recognized or could even guess what they're for. A rubber duck??? Don't tell me. I don't want to know.
Then walked back through the magical city - pondering the sights, the lights, the rubber duck, the food.
Woke this morning, went to breakfast, then headed to the airport. And there had the strangest experience.
As you know, we travel a lot. Fly alot. This time it was one of my favorite airlines...jetBlue.
In fact, here's part of an email I sent from the airport lounge...
"So far the trip has turned out to be too easy. We're at the gate at the airport - checked through security etc - and still have our suitcases!! Not carry-ons, mind you, but full size mama and papa suitcases.
At security, when it came time to put the cases on the belt with shoes, purse etc, Michael and I turned to each other and said, 'this is odd.'. But the bags got through - no one stopped us - and we just figured they'd changed the configuration. That the bag check was now on the other side of security. But... Nope.
So now we're at the gate and all the other passengers (like the reindeer) are looking at us oddly. I don't blame 'em. I would too. I'm actually looking at Michael oddly, hoping they figure we aren't together. But he keeps talking to me and offering me sips of his diet pepsi, so the strategy is failing badly.
Thankfully the jetBlue woman at the gate says we can gate check them, at boarding time. But she seems a little shaky on that.
We'll see.
Oh well. We learn. And now we're watching espn, who have decided to broadcast bowling instead of the World Cup.'
That's the end of the letter, more or less...as it turns out the jetBlue woman was able to check the luggage, so all was well. But between us??? What was security thinking??? And those bags had tons of stuff that should never have made it through screening...nothing illegal, but when we were sitting at the gate thinking about it we realized there were bottles of cologne and eau de toilette, and toothpaste and scissors and all sorts of things that security and the scanning machines should have picked up.
Oh well...they didn't. And here we are, happily lying on the bed in Montreal...eating pizza and watching 60 Minutes.
What a fun few days in NYC. And thrilling to finally feel for that city what I always thought I could, and should. But never did. Until this visit. Michael started falling for NYC a few months ago when he visited with his sons and they had such a fabulous time. So he's helped lead me, and inspire me. And now we're both discovering, late in life, the wonders of New York.
But we're happy to be home.
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Friday, 9 July 2010
Falling in love, with NYC
sunny, hot, humid - but wonderful!!! temps 85
We're in New York City. Heat wave broken, for the most part. Now it's just hot, but not sizzling. Everyone here is sighing with relief and saying, "you should've seen it earlier in the week.'
I'll tell you, 85 and humid in NYC is hot enough for us fragile Canadians. Very delicate.
We're having such a great time. Arrived via Jet Blue from Burlington at about 1pm, at hotel by 1:45. W Union Square. Did the usual and asked for an upgrade, and they were happy to give it to us. Very gracious. But (oh dear) the room they gave us while very big was more than a little dreary and had a sliver of a window with a kind of turret wall blocking out half the view.
Sooo - I was in the embarrassing (though not unfamiliar position) of asking for an upgrade on the upgrade. They were lovely and sent a manager right up who showed us to a slightly smaller room on the 15th floor - with a huge window and a view over Union Square.
Now, Union Square (as we're learning) is a fabulous location in New York...just at the border with Greenwich Village and the East Village. The park used to be very scary - drug deals, prostitutes, violent crime. But now it's great...trees, benches, a market Friday's to Sundays. Lively without being frightening. After we'd unpacked we asked the concierge where to have lunch and she pointed us across Union Square to the Blue Water Grill. Off we went and had a great meal. Michael had the watermelon gaspacho and I had a fruit and cheese salad. Then he had the grilled cod and I had grilled shrimp.
Oh. Jesus, take me now.
Then we walked back across the park, to the hotel, and had a nap. First good sleep in days - thanks to the air conditioning. Ahhh.
Up by 5pm, dressed and into a cab to the Hyatt Regency in Times Square for the St Martin's Press/Minotaur cocktail at Thrillerfest. Met loads of people...very fun, and loud. Then Hope, Michael and I hopped back into a cab for dinner at the Gotham Bar and Grill. Michael had seafood ceviche salad as a starter, I had the corn chowder. Hope resisted. She had the grilled steak as a main course, Michael and I both had halibut. Delicious. Michael topped it off with the Gotham chocolate cake. The boy was lost beneath a sea of moans.
Home to the hotel by midnight - an easy walk. And a lovely night for a short stroll.
Then up by 7am - breakfast at a nearby bistro - l'express - with Sarah Melnyk, my publicist at Minotaur, and a really terrific writer for Publisher's Weekly named Lenny. Michael was there too. So it was cafe au laits, and talking, for two hours.
Then off to the Flatiron building, and a taped interview with Laura, the head of Macmillian Audio. Ralph Cosham, who narrates the audio books, was supposed to be there, but wasn't able to. Disappointing, but I know we'll meet one fine day.
Then off to a nearby greek restaurant for lunch with 14 people from Barnes and Noble, as well as my publisher, Andy Martin and a number of others from Minotaur. A fun, relaxed lunch. though I realize it's a Friday and normally these people would scoot out of the city at noon - so I'm very grateful they delayed that to sit down for lunch.
And now Michael and I are relaxing in the lobby bar of the W, with lemonades (well, I have a Shirley Temple). Michael's finished the latest draft of his brilliant book, so I'm taking him out tonight to celebrate. I asked where he'd like to go...and do you know what he said???
The Blue Water Grill! He loved it so much he wants to go back!
Tomorrow morning we plan to wander the Union Square market...then I'm off for a birthday celebration with my friend Dan (taking him to the Union Square Cafe) while Michael enjoys himself in quieter pursuits.
We are growing to LOVE this amazing city. If you've been following the blog since the beginning you know it's been very slow boil. NYC intimidated us at first...and we'd creep back with some trepidation. We realized after a while that we weren't helping things by staying in large mid-town hotels. We need a sense of community, of NYC as smaller neighborhoods. So we've re-located south...to this area. the area of villages. And now, finally, we feel at home. And we still feel how dynamic and exciting this city is. Indeed, we're even considering finding a very small pied a terre in this area, and maybe renovating it. Not to live it, but to be here when we visit.
Probably won't...but fun to dream. And such a blessing to be falling in love with this wonderful city.
Off now to walk around, stop for ice cream, find a quiet place to read the Times. Then off for Michael's celebration dinner. So glad you could come with us!
We're in New York City. Heat wave broken, for the most part. Now it's just hot, but not sizzling. Everyone here is sighing with relief and saying, "you should've seen it earlier in the week.'
I'll tell you, 85 and humid in NYC is hot enough for us fragile Canadians. Very delicate.
We're having such a great time. Arrived via Jet Blue from Burlington at about 1pm, at hotel by 1:45. W Union Square. Did the usual and asked for an upgrade, and they were happy to give it to us. Very gracious. But (oh dear) the room they gave us while very big was more than a little dreary and had a sliver of a window with a kind of turret wall blocking out half the view.
Sooo - I was in the embarrassing (though not unfamiliar position) of asking for an upgrade on the upgrade. They were lovely and sent a manager right up who showed us to a slightly smaller room on the 15th floor - with a huge window and a view over Union Square.
Now, Union Square (as we're learning) is a fabulous location in New York...just at the border with Greenwich Village and the East Village. The park used to be very scary - drug deals, prostitutes, violent crime. But now it's great...trees, benches, a market Friday's to Sundays. Lively without being frightening. After we'd unpacked we asked the concierge where to have lunch and she pointed us across Union Square to the Blue Water Grill. Off we went and had a great meal. Michael had the watermelon gaspacho and I had a fruit and cheese salad. Then he had the grilled cod and I had grilled shrimp.
Oh. Jesus, take me now.
Then we walked back across the park, to the hotel, and had a nap. First good sleep in days - thanks to the air conditioning. Ahhh.
Up by 5pm, dressed and into a cab to the Hyatt Regency in Times Square for the St Martin's Press/Minotaur cocktail at Thrillerfest. Met loads of people...very fun, and loud. Then Hope, Michael and I hopped back into a cab for dinner at the Gotham Bar and Grill. Michael had seafood ceviche salad as a starter, I had the corn chowder. Hope resisted. She had the grilled steak as a main course, Michael and I both had halibut. Delicious. Michael topped it off with the Gotham chocolate cake. The boy was lost beneath a sea of moans.
Home to the hotel by midnight - an easy walk. And a lovely night for a short stroll.
Then up by 7am - breakfast at a nearby bistro - l'express - with Sarah Melnyk, my publicist at Minotaur, and a really terrific writer for Publisher's Weekly named Lenny. Michael was there too. So it was cafe au laits, and talking, for two hours.
Then off to the Flatiron building, and a taped interview with Laura, the head of Macmillian Audio. Ralph Cosham, who narrates the audio books, was supposed to be there, but wasn't able to. Disappointing, but I know we'll meet one fine day.
Then off to a nearby greek restaurant for lunch with 14 people from Barnes and Noble, as well as my publisher, Andy Martin and a number of others from Minotaur. A fun, relaxed lunch. though I realize it's a Friday and normally these people would scoot out of the city at noon - so I'm very grateful they delayed that to sit down for lunch.
And now Michael and I are relaxing in the lobby bar of the W, with lemonades (well, I have a Shirley Temple). Michael's finished the latest draft of his brilliant book, so I'm taking him out tonight to celebrate. I asked where he'd like to go...and do you know what he said???
The Blue Water Grill! He loved it so much he wants to go back!
Tomorrow morning we plan to wander the Union Square market...then I'm off for a birthday celebration with my friend Dan (taking him to the Union Square Cafe) while Michael enjoys himself in quieter pursuits.
We are growing to LOVE this amazing city. If you've been following the blog since the beginning you know it's been very slow boil. NYC intimidated us at first...and we'd creep back with some trepidation. We realized after a while that we weren't helping things by staying in large mid-town hotels. We need a sense of community, of NYC as smaller neighborhoods. So we've re-located south...to this area. the area of villages. And now, finally, we feel at home. And we still feel how dynamic and exciting this city is. Indeed, we're even considering finding a very small pied a terre in this area, and maybe renovating it. Not to live it, but to be here when we visit.
Probably won't...but fun to dream. And such a blessing to be falling in love with this wonderful city.
Off now to walk around, stop for ice cream, find a quiet place to read the Times. Then off for Michael's celebration dinner. So glad you could come with us!
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Only a brother!
sweltering, stiffling, sizzling - temps, a gazillion, celcius
OK, more like 33...but wretched enough. Although, it is also wonderful. Hard to complain too much when we also had minus gazillion in the winter. And as someone mentioned, humorously, in the comments - people with a pool lose the right to complain in a heat wave. Can't say I disagree with that! loved hearing that the NY times ran photos of the blizzard.
Did a load of laundry today...in anticipation of NYC and having to change every hour. Drove to Richford to mail a couple of books. Stopped at Alban Houle's fruit and vegetable store on the way back, for watermelon. I love watermelon, and this seemed the day. But seems I wasn't the only one with that idea. They were out. But Alban let me sample the honey dew melon. Oh. My. Gooood.
Better than watermelon...so guess what we have dripping down our chins now.
The flagstones scorch our feet - we 'yip' our way across them on our way to the grass.
Heading to New York tomorrow...staying at the W. Love that hotel. We're going to the St Martin's/Minotaur cocktail at Thrillerfest. I'm not actually going to Thrillerfest...a convention for readers and writers of thrillers. But fun to be asked to go to the cocktail. Then we're going out for dinner with my editor, Hope Dellon. She's wonderful. Someone I'd choose as a friend...can't say that about everyone.
Will try to blog from NY.
Received a hilarious birthday card today from my older brother, Rob. It showed a bowl of fruit and a man mooning. It said, Still Life with Butt Crack.
Only a brother...
OK, more like 33...but wretched enough. Although, it is also wonderful. Hard to complain too much when we also had minus gazillion in the winter. And as someone mentioned, humorously, in the comments - people with a pool lose the right to complain in a heat wave. Can't say I disagree with that! loved hearing that the NY times ran photos of the blizzard.
Did a load of laundry today...in anticipation of NYC and having to change every hour. Drove to Richford to mail a couple of books. Stopped at Alban Houle's fruit and vegetable store on the way back, for watermelon. I love watermelon, and this seemed the day. But seems I wasn't the only one with that idea. They were out. But Alban let me sample the honey dew melon. Oh. My. Gooood.
Better than watermelon...so guess what we have dripping down our chins now.
The flagstones scorch our feet - we 'yip' our way across them on our way to the grass.
Heading to New York tomorrow...staying at the W. Love that hotel. We're going to the St Martin's/Minotaur cocktail at Thrillerfest. I'm not actually going to Thrillerfest...a convention for readers and writers of thrillers. But fun to be asked to go to the cocktail. Then we're going out for dinner with my editor, Hope Dellon. She's wonderful. Someone I'd choose as a friend...can't say that about everyone.
Will try to blog from NY.
Received a hilarious birthday card today from my older brother, Rob. It showed a bowl of fruit and a man mooning. It said, Still Life with Butt Crack.
Only a brother...
Friday, 9 April 2010
Michael back
overcast, cool, temps 11
Cool front came in yesterday...very strong winds. but good sleeping weather! I wrote yesterday morning then instead of driving straight to the Burlington Airport from Montreal, to pick up the guys, I thought I should drive home to sutton, drop my bags off, then head to Burlington...which is what I did. The forecast had been for torrential rains, but they never came - at least, not before getting home from the airport...thank heaven.
Got to the airport with about an hour to spare...their jet Blue flight got in about 6pm. The driving yesterday was wonderful. Easy - but also relaxing and wonderful to listen to music, and just let my mind go. float. Imagine the scenes in Three Pines. Conversations Gamache would have with Clara. Conversations between suspects. Where various scenes would take place. Some issues I'd forgotten that Gamache needs answers to. Very fun.
Took the proofs for Bury Your Dead with me to the airport, thinking I could sit over a coffee and read them. But I couldn't find a restaurant or place for coffee there (it's a terrific but quite modest sized airport). So I waited at their gate and read.
their plane got in half an hour early. Now, I ask you, how does that happen on a flight that is itself only an hour long. Did they break the time barrier? but it was great to see them!
We got back to Richford, VT, yakking all the way, then stopped for gas, and stopped at a restuarant Michael and I rarely go to, called The Crossings. Very old fashioned. Not sure it's changed in 40 years. Same decor, same menu. Very comfortable and comforting.
So I got really caught up there. They went to two broadway shows, had lunch at Sardi's, dinner at the Oyster Bar. Another dinner at Broadway Joe's. they walked the elevated park...not sure that's what it's called, but it's where the old elevated rail went...instead of tearing down the rail the city of new york simply turfed over it, planted trees and flowers and now people can walk quite a distance through downtown...or actually slightly above downtown. It isn't finished yet, but the guys had a great time. The took a tour of the NY library. Visited the Neighborhood Playhouse, where Mike (Michael's oldest son) was a student many years ago. They just went, went, went.
by the time we got home they were exhausted. So we went to bed and awoke today to lots of rain, and cool.
It's Mike's birthday - indeed this trip was to celebrate Michael's, Mike's and Vic's birrthdays! So we put candles in the hot cross buns for breakfast and sang.
Then Michael and I hopped in the car and headed into Montreal. Michael has a hematology meeting happening here at the Queen Elizabeth hotel. Our original idea was to stay there, but I had such a great time at the Hotel Le Crystal - just down the street from the Queen E - that we decided to stay here for another 2 nights. And, after I dropped Michael off and came to the hotel, I discovered they gave me the same room.
Feels like home! And everyone remembers my name. Very impressive.
Just finished the writing for the day. I've decided to keep track of the daily word-count, but not add up the cumulative, anymore....since it doesn't really matter now. This first draft will be as long as it needs to be. The worst thing I could do now is get freaked out about length and start doing it in short-hand. Drop scenes, or make them more threadbare than they should be.
So, now I don't know how far along I am. But I suspect 2/3rds....it's important to know where I am in the story arc, for structural reasons - but not to worry about the word-count.
happy birthday, Mike!!
Happy birthday, Mari.
Michael's birthday is tomorrow. Fun to celebrate it in Montreal. He has a 7am breakfast meeting with a colleague at the conference...but we'll see what happens after that. see what he wants to do.
Speak to you tomorrow - or if not, Sunday.
Have a great weekend.
Cool front came in yesterday...very strong winds. but good sleeping weather! I wrote yesterday morning then instead of driving straight to the Burlington Airport from Montreal, to pick up the guys, I thought I should drive home to sutton, drop my bags off, then head to Burlington...which is what I did. The forecast had been for torrential rains, but they never came - at least, not before getting home from the airport...thank heaven.
Got to the airport with about an hour to spare...their jet Blue flight got in about 6pm. The driving yesterday was wonderful. Easy - but also relaxing and wonderful to listen to music, and just let my mind go. float. Imagine the scenes in Three Pines. Conversations Gamache would have with Clara. Conversations between suspects. Where various scenes would take place. Some issues I'd forgotten that Gamache needs answers to. Very fun.
Took the proofs for Bury Your Dead with me to the airport, thinking I could sit over a coffee and read them. But I couldn't find a restaurant or place for coffee there (it's a terrific but quite modest sized airport). So I waited at their gate and read.
their plane got in half an hour early. Now, I ask you, how does that happen on a flight that is itself only an hour long. Did they break the time barrier? but it was great to see them!
We got back to Richford, VT, yakking all the way, then stopped for gas, and stopped at a restuarant Michael and I rarely go to, called The Crossings. Very old fashioned. Not sure it's changed in 40 years. Same decor, same menu. Very comfortable and comforting.
So I got really caught up there. They went to two broadway shows, had lunch at Sardi's, dinner at the Oyster Bar. Another dinner at Broadway Joe's. they walked the elevated park...not sure that's what it's called, but it's where the old elevated rail went...instead of tearing down the rail the city of new york simply turfed over it, planted trees and flowers and now people can walk quite a distance through downtown...or actually slightly above downtown. It isn't finished yet, but the guys had a great time. The took a tour of the NY library. Visited the Neighborhood Playhouse, where Mike (Michael's oldest son) was a student many years ago. They just went, went, went.
by the time we got home they were exhausted. So we went to bed and awoke today to lots of rain, and cool.
It's Mike's birthday - indeed this trip was to celebrate Michael's, Mike's and Vic's birrthdays! So we put candles in the hot cross buns for breakfast and sang.
Then Michael and I hopped in the car and headed into Montreal. Michael has a hematology meeting happening here at the Queen Elizabeth hotel. Our original idea was to stay there, but I had such a great time at the Hotel Le Crystal - just down the street from the Queen E - that we decided to stay here for another 2 nights. And, after I dropped Michael off and came to the hotel, I discovered they gave me the same room.
Feels like home! And everyone remembers my name. Very impressive.
Just finished the writing for the day. I've decided to keep track of the daily word-count, but not add up the cumulative, anymore....since it doesn't really matter now. This first draft will be as long as it needs to be. The worst thing I could do now is get freaked out about length and start doing it in short-hand. Drop scenes, or make them more threadbare than they should be.
So, now I don't know how far along I am. But I suspect 2/3rds....it's important to know where I am in the story arc, for structural reasons - but not to worry about the word-count.
happy birthday, Mike!!
Happy birthday, Mari.
Michael's birthday is tomorrow. Fun to celebrate it in Montreal. He has a 7am breakfast meeting with a colleague at the conference...but we'll see what happens after that. see what he wants to do.
Speak to you tomorrow - or if not, Sunday.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Gems and the other stuff
overcast, some cloud bursts, temps 15
Walked half an hour to breakfast over on Greene Ave with a friend - Nancy. As we had breakfast i noticed it was getting very, very dark outside. Then there was a murmur around the restaurant as everyone noticed. And then the heavens opened. Very dramatic. It had been a long time since I'd seen it that dark. It was like a total eclipse. Actually a little frightening.
But then the cloud burst passed and the sun came out. Walked back to the hotel listening to the ipod. Ali in the Jungle. Falling by Alicia Keys, Lux Eterana.
Then got down to writing. Actually took me a while to settle. As always I re-read what I'd done yesterday...and edited and smoothed. the mist-steps are much clearer the next day. Someone asked in a comment if I just sit the whole time or if I get up and walk around. I actually get up quite a bit. Wander. Pour a coffee or soft drink. Meander around.
Yesterday afternoon I put the ipod on the player in the room and pretended I was 'in concert'. used the small umbrella as a microphone. Very satisfying. The concert was a huge success.
Then I went back to writing.
Not too sure about what I wrote today. All these choices affect the structure. But I need to remember I can always go back and change it. This is just the first draft. No one else has read it.
I need to change the name of a character. I realize two fairly prominent characters have similar names. This is one of the many, many reasons no one should ever read one of my first drafts. They make no sense. Characters change names. Some disappear completely. Others appear. things are repeated often two or three times, until I decide in subsequent drafts where they are best left. It's a complete dog's breakfast. Actually, it's a lot like Trudy after she's rolled in skunk poop. Really, nothing much to redeem it.
Except that somewhere in there is something precious.
But the process is scary...I have to let go and acceot that along with the gems there will be smelly stuff. My major pre-occupation with this book is structure and pacing...and when things need to be revealed. But the fact is, that's always the issue. Right now all the characters have been introduced and established...and the job of narrowing, revealing, exposing has begun. But what and when is the issue.
Oh well. No job is easy. And I have to say, any job, no matter how difficult involves sitting in my pajamas and sipping diet coke and eating room service is pretty good.
And really, for the most part I've totally loved writing this book. There are scenes I (a little embarrassing to admit) love. In fact, I found myself crying as I wrote one. I think today's scenes were just complex. But I'm happy with them...just not sure they'll make the final cut.
Will write tomorrow morning - hope to get late check out. And then head off to Burlington, VT to pick the guys up. Sounds like they're having the best time! Went to Sardi's today for lunch. Went to the MoMA. Are shopping now on Fifth Ave. Tonight they're seeing a musical called 'Promise's, Promise's.'
Yesterday they went to dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and saw the comedy, God of Carnage. Yes, I know, but it's actually a comedy.
Home tomorrow. Then back to Montreal hotel Friday and Sat. There's a big hematology meeting in Montreal and Michael need to go. Some of the people he's writing about will be there. Quite a week for the big guy. And his birthday is Saturday!!
76. Just a kid.
Walked half an hour to breakfast over on Greene Ave with a friend - Nancy. As we had breakfast i noticed it was getting very, very dark outside. Then there was a murmur around the restaurant as everyone noticed. And then the heavens opened. Very dramatic. It had been a long time since I'd seen it that dark. It was like a total eclipse. Actually a little frightening.
But then the cloud burst passed and the sun came out. Walked back to the hotel listening to the ipod. Ali in the Jungle. Falling by Alicia Keys, Lux Eterana.
Then got down to writing. Actually took me a while to settle. As always I re-read what I'd done yesterday...and edited and smoothed. the mist-steps are much clearer the next day. Someone asked in a comment if I just sit the whole time or if I get up and walk around. I actually get up quite a bit. Wander. Pour a coffee or soft drink. Meander around.
Yesterday afternoon I put the ipod on the player in the room and pretended I was 'in concert'. used the small umbrella as a microphone. Very satisfying. The concert was a huge success.
Then I went back to writing.
Not too sure about what I wrote today. All these choices affect the structure. But I need to remember I can always go back and change it. This is just the first draft. No one else has read it.
I need to change the name of a character. I realize two fairly prominent characters have similar names. This is one of the many, many reasons no one should ever read one of my first drafts. They make no sense. Characters change names. Some disappear completely. Others appear. things are repeated often two or three times, until I decide in subsequent drafts where they are best left. It's a complete dog's breakfast. Actually, it's a lot like Trudy after she's rolled in skunk poop. Really, nothing much to redeem it.
Except that somewhere in there is something precious.
But the process is scary...I have to let go and acceot that along with the gems there will be smelly stuff. My major pre-occupation with this book is structure and pacing...and when things need to be revealed. But the fact is, that's always the issue. Right now all the characters have been introduced and established...and the job of narrowing, revealing, exposing has begun. But what and when is the issue.
Oh well. No job is easy. And I have to say, any job, no matter how difficult involves sitting in my pajamas and sipping diet coke and eating room service is pretty good.
And really, for the most part I've totally loved writing this book. There are scenes I (a little embarrassing to admit) love. In fact, I found myself crying as I wrote one. I think today's scenes were just complex. But I'm happy with them...just not sure they'll make the final cut.
Will write tomorrow morning - hope to get late check out. And then head off to Burlington, VT to pick the guys up. Sounds like they're having the best time! Went to Sardi's today for lunch. Went to the MoMA. Are shopping now on Fifth Ave. Tonight they're seeing a musical called 'Promise's, Promise's.'
Yesterday they went to dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and saw the comedy, God of Carnage. Yes, I know, but it's actually a comedy.
Home tomorrow. Then back to Montreal hotel Friday and Sat. There's a big hematology meeting in Montreal and Michael need to go. Some of the people he's writing about will be there. Quite a week for the big guy. And his birthday is Saturday!!
76. Just a kid.
Monday, 5 April 2010
ahhhh
partly cloudy, mild, temps 16
Well, I'm sitting in the Hotel le Crystal in Montreal! What bliss.
Michael and two of his sons are in New York City, having a fun "boys" week. Staying close to Times Square. Just got an email from Michael to say they'd arrived, sorted out a problem with their hotel, headed to Rockefeller Square and been up to Top of the Rock...for a fabulous view of New York. And are now sitting down below, having a very late lunch and watching the skaters.
The forecast for NYC this week is sunny with temps ranging from 70 to 79!!!
Michael's son's arrived Saturday and we had such fun celebrating Easter. Our friend Wilder dropped by for a steak dinner. Pat, God bless her, made scalloped potatoes and a wonderful apple and pear crisp.
Then up at 6am for the 2 hour drive to Burlington Vt airport. Such a civilized airport to fly out of.
When this trip was coming up I wondered what to do with myself. I could, of course, go with them to NYC and stay in a different hotel - let them have their fun and I could see loads of people I adore in NYC. But the priority is to write. So I thought about it...and decided I could have the best of both worlds. Stay in a fabulous hotel, and write. And the way to do it was to go to a hotel in Montreal.
Yes, I know, we have an apartment here. But I just love hotels...such a treat. I remember when I was 8 my mother took me for our only mother-daughter expedition...and it was a doozie. We were living in Toronto, and Mom took me to the best hotel in the city at the time. The Royal York. Just for one night...but now, almost half a century later, I still remember it. The awe of walking through the grand lobby. The huge bed and soft sheets. Room service! Wow.
I've loved hotels ever since. As you might realize from reading this blog, I don't really visit cities, I visit hotels. In Scottsdale, Arizona I visit the Valley Ho (I know...quite a name - but fab hotel), in NYC I visit the W Union Square. In Toronto I visit the Soho Met. I honestly am not all that interested in what is happening outside the walls. This is not totally true. But a great hotel in a mediocre city is a wonderful experience for me. A bad hotel in a great city is a bad experience for me.
Michael, though, doesn't much care. A cardboard box is fine.
I sometimes wonder if he knew what hit him when we fell in love and married. That God for Love...it forgives so much.
So here I am, trying out this new hotel. Brand now...opened a few months. I've never stayed here before, but the rooms looked huge, and not terribly expensive. And right downtown, on de la Montagne.
The arrival at the hotel was a bit disappointing. Nothing huge. I just think when your car rolls up you shouldn't have to wait for a doorman or bellhop. I had to wait...though I could see him through the glass doors, chatting. I got out, popped the trunk, waited...wondered if maybe I need to take out my own luggage - which I'm capable of doing since I got it in. It was just sort of baffling and disconcerting. but the man finally arrived. And then into the room. Very nice. some small, odd, oversights...but I think as I settle in things will feel better. it is certainly a wonderful hotel in a fabulous location.
And - did I mention - it has a spa!! Guess what I'm doing tomorrow.
As soon as I arrived and unpacked I hooked up the computer and spent the next 5 hours writing. Editing a bit to get back into the swing. I'm finding this situation - being quietly at this very nice hotel - wonderful for writing. Relaxing. I also had the benefit of the 2 hours drive from the Burlington airport, with music, to think about the book. hear some of the conversations.
Am now writing quite a difficult series of scenes. Pivotal. Lots needs to happen, without appearing to. Such bliss to be here until Thursday.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Well, I'm sitting in the Hotel le Crystal in Montreal! What bliss.
Michael and two of his sons are in New York City, having a fun "boys" week. Staying close to Times Square. Just got an email from Michael to say they'd arrived, sorted out a problem with their hotel, headed to Rockefeller Square and been up to Top of the Rock...for a fabulous view of New York. And are now sitting down below, having a very late lunch and watching the skaters.
The forecast for NYC this week is sunny with temps ranging from 70 to 79!!!
Michael's son's arrived Saturday and we had such fun celebrating Easter. Our friend Wilder dropped by for a steak dinner. Pat, God bless her, made scalloped potatoes and a wonderful apple and pear crisp.
Then up at 6am for the 2 hour drive to Burlington Vt airport. Such a civilized airport to fly out of.
When this trip was coming up I wondered what to do with myself. I could, of course, go with them to NYC and stay in a different hotel - let them have their fun and I could see loads of people I adore in NYC. But the priority is to write. So I thought about it...and decided I could have the best of both worlds. Stay in a fabulous hotel, and write. And the way to do it was to go to a hotel in Montreal.
Yes, I know, we have an apartment here. But I just love hotels...such a treat. I remember when I was 8 my mother took me for our only mother-daughter expedition...and it was a doozie. We were living in Toronto, and Mom took me to the best hotel in the city at the time. The Royal York. Just for one night...but now, almost half a century later, I still remember it. The awe of walking through the grand lobby. The huge bed and soft sheets. Room service! Wow.
I've loved hotels ever since. As you might realize from reading this blog, I don't really visit cities, I visit hotels. In Scottsdale, Arizona I visit the Valley Ho (I know...quite a name - but fab hotel), in NYC I visit the W Union Square. In Toronto I visit the Soho Met. I honestly am not all that interested in what is happening outside the walls. This is not totally true. But a great hotel in a mediocre city is a wonderful experience for me. A bad hotel in a great city is a bad experience for me.
Michael, though, doesn't much care. A cardboard box is fine.
I sometimes wonder if he knew what hit him when we fell in love and married. That God for Love...it forgives so much.
So here I am, trying out this new hotel. Brand now...opened a few months. I've never stayed here before, but the rooms looked huge, and not terribly expensive. And right downtown, on de la Montagne.
The arrival at the hotel was a bit disappointing. Nothing huge. I just think when your car rolls up you shouldn't have to wait for a doorman or bellhop. I had to wait...though I could see him through the glass doors, chatting. I got out, popped the trunk, waited...wondered if maybe I need to take out my own luggage - which I'm capable of doing since I got it in. It was just sort of baffling and disconcerting. but the man finally arrived. And then into the room. Very nice. some small, odd, oversights...but I think as I settle in things will feel better. it is certainly a wonderful hotel in a fabulous location.
And - did I mention - it has a spa!! Guess what I'm doing tomorrow.
As soon as I arrived and unpacked I hooked up the computer and spent the next 5 hours writing. Editing a bit to get back into the swing. I'm finding this situation - being quietly at this very nice hotel - wonderful for writing. Relaxing. I also had the benefit of the 2 hours drive from the Burlington airport, with music, to think about the book. hear some of the conversations.
Am now writing quite a difficult series of scenes. Pivotal. Lots needs to happen, without appearing to. Such bliss to be here until Thursday.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
As If By Magic!
mixed sun and cloud, warm, temps 80
New York City...
Another terrific day. Had breakfast with Linda Ellerbee - the magnificent journalist and writer. She`d gotten in touch after reading the series and we started corresponding and chatting a couple times on the phone...but this was the first time we actually met. She suggested a place not far from her home...AOC cafe on Bleeker Street. Michael and I got there a couple minutes early since we weren`t sure how long the taxi would take. Less time than expected. One thing that strikes a newcomer to NYC is that for the most part the streets are a sea of yellow...only taxis seem to drive in the city. And there are tons of them!
When Linda arrived we all went to the back of the place, and loe and behold, a terrific little courtyard terrace. Michael was relegated to another table (lovely man is happy to sit on his own and let me meet with various people...then he picks up the tab...such a sweet and generous man). linda and I gabbed away like old friends, then she showed us her stunning brownstone in Greenwich village and her production company, Lucky Duck Productions. Then we said goodbye and made our way up to the Gramercy Park area. Our friend Susan had just written to say we HAD to stop by Union Square since it was Wednesday and there`s a wonderful street fair. We actually were geographically confused and thought Union Square was south and we were heading north...but no, there ahead was the square and the fair...and Susan (not for the first time) was right! What a fabulous scene. We hung around, wishing we could buy some of the produce. Michael drooled over the radishes, which he loves...the size of a baseball. Then off to lunch with Andy Martin, the publisher of Minotaur Books and Matthew Shear, the publisher of St. Martin`s paperbacks division. It was at the Gramcery Tavern. Dear God, it was a terrific meal. And a wonderful setting. We talked about all sorts of things, occassionally touching on my books and the next one to be published, The Brutal Telling - but mostly just enjoying ourselves. Michael got to sit with us this time!!! And I`m very grateful to Andy and Matthew for including him, and recognizing that the equation is clear and simple, `No Michael, no books.``
Then back to the hotel for a relax. heading home via Jet Blue tomorrow.
But also wanted to tell you some exciting news about a great writer and friend - Dolores Gordon Smith - a UK writer of historical mysteries. her latest book is called AS IF BY MAGIC and has just been published in the UK. If you haven`t tried her books yet you really must...and I think this is the best one yet! I wanted you to know that.
Hope you`ve enjoyed the visit to New York City...I think next time we`ll stay at the W - but the one on Union Square...great location. And we`d get to know a different part of the city.
Might not blog tomorrow - traveling. Once we get into Burlington we still have an hour and a half drive home...
We`ve had such fun here!
New York City...
Another terrific day. Had breakfast with Linda Ellerbee - the magnificent journalist and writer. She`d gotten in touch after reading the series and we started corresponding and chatting a couple times on the phone...but this was the first time we actually met. She suggested a place not far from her home...AOC cafe on Bleeker Street. Michael and I got there a couple minutes early since we weren`t sure how long the taxi would take. Less time than expected. One thing that strikes a newcomer to NYC is that for the most part the streets are a sea of yellow...only taxis seem to drive in the city. And there are tons of them!
When Linda arrived we all went to the back of the place, and loe and behold, a terrific little courtyard terrace. Michael was relegated to another table (lovely man is happy to sit on his own and let me meet with various people...then he picks up the tab...such a sweet and generous man). linda and I gabbed away like old friends, then she showed us her stunning brownstone in Greenwich village and her production company, Lucky Duck Productions. Then we said goodbye and made our way up to the Gramercy Park area. Our friend Susan had just written to say we HAD to stop by Union Square since it was Wednesday and there`s a wonderful street fair. We actually were geographically confused and thought Union Square was south and we were heading north...but no, there ahead was the square and the fair...and Susan (not for the first time) was right! What a fabulous scene. We hung around, wishing we could buy some of the produce. Michael drooled over the radishes, which he loves...the size of a baseball. Then off to lunch with Andy Martin, the publisher of Minotaur Books and Matthew Shear, the publisher of St. Martin`s paperbacks division. It was at the Gramcery Tavern. Dear God, it was a terrific meal. And a wonderful setting. We talked about all sorts of things, occassionally touching on my books and the next one to be published, The Brutal Telling - but mostly just enjoying ourselves. Michael got to sit with us this time!!! And I`m very grateful to Andy and Matthew for including him, and recognizing that the equation is clear and simple, `No Michael, no books.``
Then back to the hotel for a relax. heading home via Jet Blue tomorrow.
But also wanted to tell you some exciting news about a great writer and friend - Dolores Gordon Smith - a UK writer of historical mysteries. her latest book is called AS IF BY MAGIC and has just been published in the UK. If you haven`t tried her books yet you really must...and I think this is the best one yet! I wanted you to know that.
Hope you`ve enjoyed the visit to New York City...I think next time we`ll stay at the W - but the one on Union Square...great location. And we`d get to know a different part of the city.
Might not blog tomorrow - traveling. Once we get into Burlington we still have an hour and a half drive home...
We`ve had such fun here!
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Sparrows song
partly cloudy, showers at times, mild, temps 20
We're back in Sutton! Feels terrific. First thing I did yesterday was take Trudy around the pond, pick some lupins and peony and made arrangements. Heaven.
What a week...exciting and exhausting. But so many weeks are like that. And how wonderful to have this tranquil place to return to. We had breakfast on the screen porch, listening to, and watching, a soft rain fall. Everything smells sweet and looks so fresh and new, and quiet.
This is the calm before New York City. We head out tomorrow - staying until Friday. Have some breakfasts, lunches and a dinner planned with publishing friends. I don't consider this a work trip - just friends...and mostly Michael and me wandering the city. And eating.
I don't like shopping (I keep telling Michael how fortunate he is to have married a woman who doesn't duck into every shop. I'm sure he loves being told how fortunate he his. However, I financially make up for it by insisting on terrific hotel rooms. I LOVE hotels - but only nice ones. Even as a kid I wasn't much in to roughing it. I don't need first class flying, or limos, or Michelin starred restaurants, but I do enjoy a splendid hotel room. Fingers crossed for NYC.
Had a 7:30am dentist appointment yesterday for the two of us. I didn't realize dentists work at that hour, but they do. Then we drove to Radio Canada and took our friend Mike out for breakfast. He's leaving the morning show - next week's his last on-air - and moving back to London to take over the news section of Guardian.com. Very exciting.
After that we drove home and unpacked...collapsed. Then I had an 8pm conference call with a book club in Baltimore. Wonderful questions. It was A FATAL GRACE (DEAD COLD) they'd read and they wanted to know about El's comment on Clara's art - the Arnot case - and lemon meringue pie, among other things.
As I write this I can hear a cacaphony from downstairs...all sorts of shrieks and calls...like a jungle. Went down to check it out. A year or so ago I gave Michael a bird book (he loves birds) with pictures, descriptions and a button to hit that plays that particular bird's call. He's been going through them trying to find what we call the 'Oh Canada' bird.
I've called it that since childhood - everyone I knew called it that. Its song sounds like the first few notes of our national anthem...sort of. But I've never known what it was actually called.
Michael just found it! It's the white throated sparrow.
And, all the nominees for the Barry Awards have been announced. As I mentioned in my last post, I was fortunate enough to be nominated for Best Novel, for THE CRUELEST MONTH. Here's the complete list in that catagory...and congratulations to all the nominees!!!
BEST NOVEL
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason
Envy the Night by Michael Koryta
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow
Like the Anthonys and the Macavitys, the Barry Awards will be given out at Bouchercon in October. This year it's in Indianapolis.
We're taking the laptop to New York, so will probably do a few blogs from there. Hope you enjoy this trip.
Oh, and since I almost certainly won't blog tomorrow...Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there. Such a crucial part you have in the family. Enjoy the day!
We're back in Sutton! Feels terrific. First thing I did yesterday was take Trudy around the pond, pick some lupins and peony and made arrangements. Heaven.
What a week...exciting and exhausting. But so many weeks are like that. And how wonderful to have this tranquil place to return to. We had breakfast on the screen porch, listening to, and watching, a soft rain fall. Everything smells sweet and looks so fresh and new, and quiet.
This is the calm before New York City. We head out tomorrow - staying until Friday. Have some breakfasts, lunches and a dinner planned with publishing friends. I don't consider this a work trip - just friends...and mostly Michael and me wandering the city. And eating.
I don't like shopping (I keep telling Michael how fortunate he is to have married a woman who doesn't duck into every shop. I'm sure he loves being told how fortunate he his. However, I financially make up for it by insisting on terrific hotel rooms. I LOVE hotels - but only nice ones. Even as a kid I wasn't much in to roughing it. I don't need first class flying, or limos, or Michelin starred restaurants, but I do enjoy a splendid hotel room. Fingers crossed for NYC.
Had a 7:30am dentist appointment yesterday for the two of us. I didn't realize dentists work at that hour, but they do. Then we drove to Radio Canada and took our friend Mike out for breakfast. He's leaving the morning show - next week's his last on-air - and moving back to London to take over the news section of Guardian.com. Very exciting.
After that we drove home and unpacked...collapsed. Then I had an 8pm conference call with a book club in Baltimore. Wonderful questions. It was A FATAL GRACE (DEAD COLD) they'd read and they wanted to know about El's comment on Clara's art - the Arnot case - and lemon meringue pie, among other things.
As I write this I can hear a cacaphony from downstairs...all sorts of shrieks and calls...like a jungle. Went down to check it out. A year or so ago I gave Michael a bird book (he loves birds) with pictures, descriptions and a button to hit that plays that particular bird's call. He's been going through them trying to find what we call the 'Oh Canada' bird.
I've called it that since childhood - everyone I knew called it that. Its song sounds like the first few notes of our national anthem...sort of. But I've never known what it was actually called.
Michael just found it! It's the white throated sparrow.
And, all the nominees for the Barry Awards have been announced. As I mentioned in my last post, I was fortunate enough to be nominated for Best Novel, for THE CRUELEST MONTH. Here's the complete list in that catagory...and congratulations to all the nominees!!!
BEST NOVEL
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason
Envy the Night by Michael Koryta
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow
Like the Anthonys and the Macavitys, the Barry Awards will be given out at Bouchercon in October. This year it's in Indianapolis.
We're taking the laptop to New York, so will probably do a few blogs from there. Hope you enjoy this trip.
Oh, and since I almost certainly won't blog tomorrow...Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there. Such a crucial part you have in the family. Enjoy the day!
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