Author returns from book expo while blog suffers from her travels. Despite my best intentions, it has been rough attempting to update the blog while my travel and event schedule is so full.
Chicago was a wonderful city! I'd love to return and spend more time. This trip was exhausting, but fruitful. The big news is that I am in discussions for a new book with my current publisher.
I have a couple of other projects I am shopping and this new development came as a surprize. However, I loved my editor and the house experience--so we should come to some decision by the end of the month.
Our perpetual travel day was met with some not-so-hot experiences with Alamo rental car. Let us just say they have lost any future business and we won't recommend them again.
The historical Congress Hotel was a great experience despite a rough start. After a quick nap we headed out for a long walk and ended up at Navy Pier. We also shopped for some wholesome groceries prior to returning to the hotel where we met our favorite security guard, John. He took time to give us the local spin and graced us with a visit to the famous Gold Room.
The Gold Room is ballroom built in the late 1800's. Most of the figures and fixtures were imported from France. Under renovation, it was too beautiful to attempt to describe and filled with historical stories and famous vistations from celebrities and dignitaries from around the world.
We didn't meet any of the famous ghosts residing at the Congress, but enjoyed hearing the amusing stories of others that did!
In Chicago, the locals steered us to Lou Millers, a pub with an interesting history and GREAT food. Although they also recommended the Legends blues club, we did not make it as we were too tired and out of time.
We did manage to attend an industry party at the Tavern Club where I discovered that my book had been entered into a contest. Alas, it did not make the finalist but some of the judges had great comments for me.
Mark Victor Hansen and I took a photo without my hat. I keep running into him everywhere and met his lovely daughter this trip. I also got to meet self-publishing guru, Dan Poynter and a wonderful group of spiritual writers from Florida.
The big news is that I was up past ten every night--something I don't do often!
