Love Means Always Having to Say You’re Surrey

What do Anne Perry, Hallie Ephron, Diana Gabaldon and Susin Nielsen – have in common?  We were all authors/presenters at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference this past weekend. I know, I know – lil’ ol’ me, with the likes of them! And they’re just the tip of the iceberg of talent that convened at the Sheraton Guildford starting Thursday night.

On Thursday afternoon I packed my bag. Here it is.

 

 

The organizers of SIWC treat their presenters like kings and queens. I was driven out to the conference on Thursday night because I live so far away (that’s a joke – my house is about a 45 minute drive). I was told there was a hospitality suite, so I nervously made my way to it. You know when you were in high school and you got the crappy lunch time that none of your friends had, and you had to walk into the cafeteria by yourself and scan the room to see if there were any friendly faces? That’s what I felt like, walking into that room. And who immediately took me under his wing but one JJ Lee.

I hope JJ doesn’t mind that I lifted this image from the web. It’s such a handsome photo and well-represents his personal style. We hit it off immediately. He’s written a memoir, “The Measure of a Man,” that was nominated for the GG in 2011. I bought it the next day. He signed it. Heart soared.

Later I met ZsuZsi Gartner, and had a great, free-flowing conversation with her. I bought her Giller-nominated book, “Better Living Through Plastic Explosives.” She signed it. Heart soared, squared!

A true delight was meeting Hallie Ephron. She’s been to the SIWC a number of times, and she was immediately so welcoming and warm. We kept running into each other, or having breakfast at the same table.  She writes delicious-looking novels of suspense. She also runs, along with a group of other authors, an amazing blog, called Jungle Red Writers.  How’s this for a logline? “8 smart and sassy crime fiction writers dish on writing and life. It’s The View. With bodies.”

I love it! Seriously, check out the blog – it’s my new favorite. Anyhoo, I bought “Never Tell a Lie.” Hallie signed it. Heart soared cubed!

It’s an intense conference – they keep you busy with panels, workshops and blue pencil sessions. All very interesting, and I met some great conference participants. The meals were really good, and the wine in the hospitality suite, plentiful. On Saturday morning I had to give the keynote speech – nice and short, just 10 minutes. My heart was pounding in my chest, but it went over really well. At lunch that day, the esteemed and regal-looking Anne Perry stopped by my table and said, “Nice speech, dear. Everyone can use some encouragement.” (My speech was encouraging to all the writers in the room). I said, “Anne, I understand you’ve written 81 novels.” “Something like that.” “Do you still need encouragement?” “Oh, heavens yes!” I was in awe!

I also met Ivan Coyote and wished I’d had more time to talk to her – that gal’s got a great vibe. And Katie Lane! No, not the romance writer, quilter or porn star – Katie told me she shares a name with all three – but contract negotiator for artists. She lives in Portland with her wife Dylan Meconis, a graphic novelist (who gifted me with her great book, “Out Foxed”). Again – just good eggs. Had a lot of fun and laughs with them. And Eileen Cook! She lives right on the north shore, she’s a bestselling YA novelist, I think she’s a warm and funny and lovely person – and our paths hardly ever cross. We are going to work to change that.

Then there were KC Dyer, Crystal Stranaghan and PJ Sarah Collins, all fellow CWILL BC members. I’m sure I’m missing the names of many other wonderful people I met. It was a great conference, and I hope to be invited back.

What a “Week That Was.” First the Vancouver International Writers’ Festival, then this. I heart autumn and writers’ events!