I had a blast at the conference (except for being more than mildly offended when a woman opined that romances were crap–after I’d already told her I’d written some!) and took reams of notes at all the workshops.

One thing that surprised me was learning how many mystery/thriller writers are pantsers. I had assumed the vast majority were big plotters, with at least some idea of where their stories were going (if not story boards or color-coded index cards).

There was also a small debate on whether or not critique partners were a good idea. Some (like me) swear by them, for their ability to point out logic/motivation errors the author couldn’t catch herself. Others said CPs can be bad because, as a CP, they feel *obliged* to be critical, just to look like they have intelligent feedback.

I learned writing a 4-act spec episode for a TV program is probably way more than I will ever attempt, because a) you pretty much have to pick an existing show that you know inside and out (which, for me, is nothing) and b) what if I got hired and they needed me to move to LA?

I also learned all four networks rejected Law & Order, before it eventually found a home. So take heart, those of you with rejection letters. It’s a rite of passage. =)

David Black told a hilarious story about Chris Noth. I would repeat it here, but it’s much better in person so I can gesture accordingly. Next time you see me, remind me, and I’ll dish.

Oh, and I was unbelievably annoyed during a Q&A session when a woman went up to the microphone to ask her question, and instead chose to give spoilers for seasons 1 and 2 of Dexter (which, you may recall, I had *just* ordered on DVD.) I might’ve forgiven her if she at least had a question, but she did not. Aaargh! Why do people do that?!

Also heard the term “refrigerator moment” to describe that moment when you come home after going to the movies, open the fridge to grab a beer/soda/OJ, and go, “Hey, waaaaiiiit a minute… Why didn’t [protagonist] just do [some obvious and logical course of action that would've totally derailed the plot and ended the movie an hour early]?!”

The

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless LGVX9900 device.

Just went to my first MWA workshop! Good stuff. The first main difference between this and RWA is the quantity of workshops and quantity of attendees.

That said, everyone here is super nice, and Lee and Leslie are both personable speakers and the workshops are great so far. I’ll write up my notes back at the hotel–Gotta run to the next class!

Off to the MWA conference! I will text the blog with updates…

E

Dinner rocked–Gnocchi al pesto rosso and tiramisu. Mmmm. And I stopped at the bar down the street (Hey, it’s a two hour hike to the metro) where the guy next to me at the bar not only (correctly) used “patina” in a sentence, he totally schooled the bartender in the nature and origin of the Chelsea “Rye-P-A” I agreed to sample. Funny! But not as funny as this snippet overheard of a quartet of umbrellaed nyc guys…

“How does John *do* it?!”

“Easy–He has a guitar *and* a puppy!”

Client work over at last (well, long enough for me to grab some grub) so off I go in search of Little Italy…

I made it inside moma at last!!!

Who says new yorkers aren’t friendly? already half a dozen have rushed to my aid when i stood around gaping at the subway exit. i dont know why i assumed my stop was the end of the line. hindsight being 20 20, maybe i shouldve, yanno, read the map or glanced at a sign. ah, well, found the hotel w/ no trouble thanks to several friendly folk, one of whom was a puerto rican who thought i was from spain for some reason. (Only if it’s contagious… hehe. never mind.)

i wanted to go to the wtc memorial before my monday afternoon client conference call, but its rainy and gross, so i’m standing in a wraparound line at moma, hoping to get in before i have to go back.

i did snack on some delish vegi grub at a roti cafe… mmm, nyc!!!

first adventure–tromping thru the rain in search of something called an air train, which is apparently not the metro. Not sure I brought warm enough clothes… this FL girl is chilly! (and lets not discuss the wisdom–or lack thereof–of my faux suede mary janes in these mud puddles…)