Dirty Laundry

Portland and The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association’s Fall Show

Here I am in Portland gearing up to do a book signing at the PNBA’s fall show (it’s 10:45-11:15, Saturday September 12th in case you’re around and a bookseller in the Pacific Northwest).  What I should be doing is working on the new book as my deadline rapidly approaches.  What I AM doing is blogging because I was warned by my wife that I need to be fully present for this signing instead of in “hazy writer’s head” which is where I float for several hours after I finish working.  Thinking about the scene I just wrote, what scene I should write next, if I’m ever going to be able to finish this story, etc. etc. 

Last night I had a wonderful dinner with Ted and Kathi Lucia (the fantastic Candlewick reps here in the Northwest) as well as three really cool booksellers.  Kira Porton (A Children’s Place), Judy Hobbs (Third Place Books), and Melissa Opel (Auntie’s Books). 

I was all set to take a cab from the hotel to Salty’s Restaurant and was minding my own business in the lobby when I noticed this guy looking at me.  He smiled, then walked away.  Came back again, smiled, nodded, and walked away again.  I was trying to remember if I’d seen him before (tanned, well coifed hair, great teeth) but nothing was coming to me.  “Are you?...” he said to me.  “What’s your name?”  I introduced myself and he smiled even bigger.  It was Ted Lucia and he told me to cancel my cab because he would give me a ride.

Dinner was delicious and the company was even better.  Independent booksellers are some of the nicest people in the world.  So passionate about books.  About what they do.  So knowledgeable.  They are an incredible resource that everyone should tap into.  I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it.  SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE!!!  These people are invaluable to the book industry.  And to us writers. 

Throughout the evening I learned that Melissa Opel (not unlike myself) is a pretty average golfer who has great hand-eye coordination despite her swinging a golf club like a softball bat.  That Kira Porton is a children’s book fanatic who majored in philosophy (though isn’t sure why).  And that Judy Hobbs is a nurse-come-bookseller-come-cello player.  In fact, between these three fabulous booksellers (who all happen to play instruments) and myself we could start a pretty mediocre band.

Ted and Kathi were the perfect hosts and Melissa was spot on with her recommendation of the crab cakes!

Anyway, it’s time for me to get some breakfast.  I’ve made myself hungry thinking about last night’s food.  Bye for now…

Posted by Don Calame on 9.12.09 at 06:40 am in Prattlings. (0) Comments