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.

Pazzo

1000 West Columbus Avenue

(413) 737-5800 ‎ · pazzohof.com

Category: Italian Restaurant

 

Theodore's Inc

201 Worthington Street,

(413) 736-6000 ‎ · theobbq.com

Category: Barbecue Restaurant

 

Nadim's Mediterranean Restaurant & Grill

1390 Main Street

(413) 737-7373 ‎ · nadimsmediterranean.com

Middle Eastern · Lebanese · Eastern cuisine

 

Sitar Restaurant

1688 Main Street

(413) 732-8011 ‎ · sitarindianrestaurant.net

spices · tandoori · curry

Max's Tavern

1000 West Columbus Avenue

(413) 746-6299 ‎ · maxtavern.com

Student Prince Cafe (my fave)

8 Fort Street

(413) 788-6628 ‎ · studentprince.com

Category: German Restaurant Deli 

 

Montenia's

137 State Street

(413) 301-6286 ‎ · montenia.net

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

Dillweedz Cafe

91 State St.

(413) 306-3151 ‎ · dillweedzcafe.com

Cornerstone Cafe

1414 Main Street

(413) 746-1025 ‎ · cornerstonecafe.net

Tower Grill

1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA

Tower Square Parking Garage

(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!

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!