Quick Post For Some Quick Sharing

Hi All! I know I promised to post earlier about my fabulous Washington DC trip, but I've been working on copy edits for NO CHANCE almost from the moment I returned. Though I hope to have those out in the mail tomorrow, SECOND CHANCE is due this week, so I'm expecting an even busier week.

I did want to share a few of the highlights of my trip with you because it was just so fabulous.

Monday, April 13, my friend, Marie Campbell, and I arrived in DC. It was probably one of the smoothest trips we'd ever had. Everyone was friendly and helpful. As much as I hate to travel, the trip was downright pleasant.

Tuesday, we set off for a day of sightseeing, which included the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII monument and the Vietnam Wall. What incredible sights and how sobering they all were.

Wednesday, we were fortunate to be able to tour a small portion of the White House. Wow, that was so cool. No presidential sightings, but we saw lots of pictures and some very handsome Secret Service Agents.

Wednesday night was the RWA Literacy Signing. My first as a published author. With the exception of three damaged books that I refused to sell because they'd been cut by box cutters, I sold out! Yay! What a blast that was. A massive ballroom with over 500 published authors and thousands of fans. Loved every moment!

After the signing, I met with my wonderful editor and we talked about my favorite subject...writing!

Thursday was filled with meetings. I had breakfast with my fabulous agent. Attended some great workshops and did some work on SECOND CHANCE. The luncheon was fantastic. Linda Howard is not only one of my all time favorite authors, she's incredibly funny. She was the keynote speaker and had everyone in stitches. Oh, and did I happen to mention that RESCUE ME was given away to each attendee, along with her incredible book, DEATH ANGEL? That was just the coolest thing and I'm so grateful to Linda and to Ballantine for that!

Friday was once again filled with workshops and work. The luncheon was great and the keynote speaker, Eloisa James, inspired everyone. Also, I attended the Ballantine party and met some awesome authors and Ballantine associates.

Saturday was cool because it was the Ballantine signing and I had lots of nice folks come by for my books.

Saturday night was the Rita and Golden Heart awards ceremony and as always, I ended up crying during almost everyone's acceptance speech. I love hearing people thank those who have helped and supported them in their career. So many thanked their spouses and I just can't help myself...I tear up every single time. What can I say? I'm a sap and proud of it.

Sunday was great too. Marie and I stayed an extra day and spent hours at Arlington Cemetery. Oh my, such a sobering but inspiring place. I love the respect and dignity that is required there. We saw some incredible sights, but one that astounded me was the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What discipline those young people have! Loved it!

Monday we headed home and once again, our flight was smooth and enjoyable. I even did quite a bit of work on the plane. And snagged a couple of naps too. Which is very unusual for me since I am terrified of sleeping on a plane. Long story that I'll have to share another time!

All in all, it was a wonderful trip, but I was so happy to be back home with my sweethearts. And they seemed pretty darned happy to see me too. I do have quite a bit of work ahead of me the rest of the year and I am more inspired than ever to go forward. Nationals always does that to me.

Wow, this turned into a larger post than anticipated, but I had to share as much as I could. Every day and every moment was so very special.

Okay, that's it for this time. Since I'll be crunching pages this week to reach my deadline, I probably won't post again until week after next. As always, if you'd like to drop me a note, email me at christy@christyreece.com and I'll try to get back with you as soon as I can.

Until later!