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June 27, 2007

D.C. Diary

Remember the birthday you really, really wanted a new bike with pink streamers on the handles and the cool banana seat and you got it?

That's what the last few days of my life have been like. Only better. Last Wednesday, Neil and I flew to Washington, D.C., where we were picked up by the kind and generous Edie Ching, librarian extraordinaire. Edie served on the Newbery committee and when she and I met in Seattle in January, it was like we were old friends. I think her husband is now used to all the stray authors (and their spouses) that Edie drags home. At any rate, he cheerfully barbecues for said authors, even in the rain.

I slept in Thursday (Edie said I was the princess so I could!) and then we were driven back to the city where Neil and I spent the rest of the day sightseeing. We aged Edie a few years when we told her we'd sought shelter under a tree during a rain shower -- evidently not a bright idea in lightning country. Except for getting wet, we thoroughly enjoyed our time wandering through the Museum of the American Indian, the Botanical Gardens, the National Gallery and many monuments. My new favorite is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt which captures many of FDR's wise words, including, "I hate war."

Friday, Edie -- who volunteers there -- took us for a whirlwind tour of the National Cathedral before delivering us to our hotel where we caught up with the arriving family. Saturday night, Random House hosted a lovely cocktail party and dinner. I was introduced to several people and then saw a man I hadn't met yet. I held out my hand and introduced myself. "I'm Jerry Spinelli," he replied. What else could I do but curtsy? He laughed and then I told him how much I loved his new Star Girl book. I later shared a taxi with Lois Lowry (going to dinner) and David Almond (coming back); talk about star gazing!

Sunday morning kicked off with a book signing. I was touched by all the Hattie fans in line. Afterwards, I took a quick tour around the conference floor, greeting old publishing friends and making new ones. Then off to a lunch, hosted by Random House, celebrating the members of the Newbery committee. What tickled me most is that these passionate, articulate, warm, professional librarians are really proud of "their" books. I felt even more honored by the Honor after meeting all fifteen committee members.

I hope you're still with me on this post. I know it's long. And there are no photos (yet) because some Newbery Honor winner (whose name we won't mention) forgot to bring the charger for her digital camera so her spouse had to run out to buy a disposable camera and those photos aren't ready yet. As soon as they are, I'll post them. I promise!

So here's the part you're waiting to read. The Newbery Banquet. Short version: WOW!

Slightly longer version: much chaos and merriment at the pre-banquet VIP reception, with cameras flashing right and left as groups formed and morphed -- the Newbery Committee, the Caldecott Committee, the Newbery Committee with the award winners, the award winners by themselves. . . you get the picture. If we weren't dazed before this photo-fest, we certainly were after, thanks to all the flashes going off.

Then it was time to head to the banquet room. A room filled with a thousand of my new best friends. Any discouragment you might be feeling about the future of books is completely obliterated when you see all those people who can't imagine a future without books.

I got to sit with Neil and several Newbery committee members, with Judy Blume across the table from me. I actually enjoyed my dinner and didn't feel nervous at all until Geri Kladder, Newbery Committee chair, stood up to speak. Then I began to shake.

And I got even shakier when she began to talk about Hattie. She described the story so beautifully, it made me want to read it. Just before she called me to come up to receive my plaque, I glanced over at the nearby table and saw my dad. Crying.

This is something I have never, ever seen before. So that when Geri said to come up, I couldn't do anything else but walk over and kiss my father. And then my mother. And then Tyler grabbed me in a hug and I kissed Quinn and Matt. I'm sure the folks in the back thought I'd gotten lost on my way to the stage.

I wasn't lost, except in the magical, life-changing moment. I climbed the stairs and stepped across the stage -- wearing the dress my daughter had picked out for me and the bracelet of stones my Write Sisters had selected -- carrying the love and support of all my family, all of my friends, and accepted that unbelievable award.

Following the ceremony (bravo to Susan Patron for a heart-felt and honest acceptance speech), we all stood in a receiving line for nearly 2 hours, shaking hands. Near midnight, I turned into a pumpkin and we headed back to our hotel for a glass of champagne.

I was beyond exhausted when I crawled into bed and fell immediately asleep. Then I woke up at 2:30. With an idea of how to fix the manuscript I'd set aside a month or so ago. And I smiled. Because though the fuss and fanfare is terrific, writers write.

And I'm ready to get back to work.

Posted by kirby at June 27, 2007 12:51 PM

Comments

Posted by: Stephenie at June 28, 2007 01:03 PM

Posted by: Susan at June 30, 2007 07:14 AM

Posted by: Donna Gephart at August 3, 2007 07:05 AM

Posted by: Mary Cunningham at August 8, 2007 07:55 AM

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