MY PRIVATE AIR SHOW
Just What Every Romance Writer Dreams of
I don’t think of myself as flamboyant; I try to project an air of judicious dignity, which is frequently mistaken for pomposity. Every once in a while, however, I like to step out of that stuffy image and display a bit of theatrical razzmatazz. The perfect opportunity presented itself at the Romance Writers of America convention in Chicago at the end of July, 1999.
Every genre – science fiction writers, western writers, horror, mystery, thriller, fantasy etc. - holds an annual convention where business, education and fun are commingled and the achievements of authors, editors and publishers are honored (agents never). Of all of them, the one hosted by the Romance Writers of America was by far the most glamorous (and clamorous), attracting thousands of established and would-be authors and the cream of editors and agents in the romance field. The weekend was climaxed by an Academy Awards-type trophy dinner followed by a lavish “Death by Chocolate” dessert and dance party sponsored by Harlequin, then the powerhouse of the romance industry.
Our agency boasted an imposing list of writers in the romance field, and I decided to lay on a luncheon for them in an elegant private room high atop Chicago’s Sheraton Towers Hotel.
That morning at breakfast I read an intriguing item in the Chicago newspaper: later that day there was to be a flyover of vintage airplanes on a practice run for the upcoming Chicago Air & Water Show. I noted the expected time and formed a stratagem.
Luncheon was served, at the end of which I rose to give a welcoming speech. I kept my eyes peeled out the windows of the suite, however. Sure enough, on the horizon I spied a cluster of gaily colored bi-wing airplanes approaching the city, Stearmans, Nieuports and, I think, Jennies and Sopwith Camels (my plane-spotting skills have deteriorated since The Great War). I concluded my speech: “Friends, I have arranged a special display in your honor. If you’ll be good enough to get up from your seats and go to the windows. . .” They rose and stood by the windows just as the planes floated majestically past the hotel, eliciting rapturous murmurs and delighted applause for their extravagant host. Was there another agent in the world who could conjure such a unique party favor!
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The Romance Writers of America. HA! I remember them. One time the LA Times send me to cover it in NYC. Well, not exactly. They said they would print an oped in the book review--700 dollars. So I went. It was kind of unbelivable. I will never forget the HUGE conference hall and discovering a line a mile long. I asked a lady what the line was for? Jennifer Horsman's Awaken My Fire. OMG! That was me, my book. I was finally famous, headed for the elusive best seller list at long last. I passed all my waiting readers to the head ot the line. An Avon editor there informed me I had to get to the end of the line.
I pointed to the book and breathlessly announced: "That is my book. I am the author!"
She paused, before consulting with another editor. ""Okay," she said. "You do not have to wait in line."
Confused, I said, "Wait for what?"
"Your picture with Fabio! He is on your cover."
HAHAHA. Sigh. Fabio always increased my sales a good twenty percent, if you can believe that. I should be grateful.
I never did get that picture..
Adore this!!!! And I am in away of your wonderful life!
Carola