Sunday, November 18, 2007

Of Editors

A perfect weekend. I had one. The driving was pretty dull given all the road construction between here and Gainesville, FL, but once there everything went perfectly. I had a signing at Borders Books in Gainesville and it was fun. Lots of traffic and books sales, even though there was a U of F game going on. But I wasn't in FL only for the signing, but to meet two people: Adrienne deNoyelles & Ed Klein. Adrienne is my editor, the woman who uses the "Comment" tool on Microsoft Word to ensure my stories flow and the characters aren't doing stupid stuff. Obviously, she's very good at what she does. Ed is her wonderful hubby who looks dynamite in a tux.

Adrienne joined us at the signing and then we went off to a yummy Singaporean restaurant for dinner. Lots of talking occurred as we've only communicated via the email in the past. Adrienne is not only a professional cellist, but a grad student, a mom and a freelance editor. I don't know how she does it all (and I suspect neither does she). Ed is also a professional musician (and dad to a two year old!) and we got to catch up with him in Valdosta later that night after he'd played a concert with the Valdosta Symphony. One other nifty talent Ed possesses is the ability to go through a manuscript and find mistakes, both typographical and continuity issues. I feel much better knowing a manuscript has been "Ed-ed" after Adrienne and I are through with it.

So in all, it was an absolutely wonderful weekend. Now we're home, we're tired and we need to get back in gear tomorrow. Luckily it's a short week for my hubby because of T'Giving. Just taking a quick look around, we have a lot to be thankful for.

My hope is that the same applies to you and yours....

2 comments:

ldyAndúril said...

It was a pleasure to meet you at the signing. Both my husband and I walked away happy to be clutching your book to our bosom er my busom I suppose would be correct.
Thanks for signing it and I believe it truly deserved RT's pick of the month. It is a very good book.
Thanks Christian in Gainesville

Jana Oliver said...

Hi Chris!
You made my day when you said you noticed the RT reviews! Wow!

I'm glad you're enjoying the book. I'm currently slaving away on #3 (Madman's Dance) which will help resolve some of the stuff that goes so tragically wrong in #2 (Virtual Evil). Life for Cynda, Alastair & Jonathon is never easy.

Of course, I just got hooked on Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series, which isn't helping my productivity one darned bit. Sigh.

Happy Thanksgiving!