Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Co-Directing a Conference

I am so excited to be co-drecting the 2012 NESCBWI "Keeping it Real" Conference. The past eight moths have flown by and now we are truly in the throes (it's like giving birth, Really) of getting it done.

I've traveled to the heart of Springfield, MA, twice, to tour the Sheraton Monarch Hotel and plan out where each workshop, academy, and event will take place. It is an amazing building, with an amazing soaring atrium, plenty of comfortable seating for intimate conversations or robust group gatherings between workshops.

There are some excellent restaurants you can walk to if the weather is nice. Here are a few you can check out now.
1000 West Columbus Avenue
(413) 737-5800 · pazzohof.com
Category: Italian Restaurant
 

201 Worthington Street,
(413) 736-6000 · theobbq.com
Category: Barbecue Restaurant

 
1390 Main Street
(413) 737-7373 · nadimsmediterranean.com
Middle Eastern · Lebanese · Eastern cuisine
 

1688 Main Street
(413) 732-8011 · sitarindianrestaurant.net
spices · tandoori · curry

1000 West Columbus Avenue
(413) 746-6299 · maxtavern.com
8 Fort Street
(413) 788-6628 · studentprince.com
Category: German Restaurant Deli 
 


137 State Street
(413) 301-6286 · montenia.net

Down Home - sweet potato pie · mac and cheese · soul food · comfort cuisine · the ribs

91 State St.
(413) 306-3151 · dillweedzcafe.com


1414 Main Street
(413) 746-1025 · cornerstonecafe.net

1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA
(413) 746-9435

The train and bus stations are approximately 4 blocks from the hotel. So get planning! Want to reserve your room now? Go to NESCBWI 2012 Conference, Springfield, MA.

See you in April!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

22 Days Until 50!

That's right, I turn 50 in 22 days! Kind of shocking when I think about it. So many thoughts are racing around in the old gray matter but I won't go there now. 

What I really want for my birthday, is for my friends and and family to pledge $15 and support my kickstarter Book Project, The Casting. Not matter what happens, this book is debuting on April 1, 2012.

Spending $15 gets you a dedicated and signed softcover copy ($25 gets you a hard cover copy), and some other awesome swag! Please make an old lady happy, and pledge $15 today!

Don't make me beg, it might get ugly.

Please!



Now go have a glass of wine and celebrate with me!