Deborah Lipp

Saturday I attended Book Expo America, the publishing industry event of the year. Last time I attended was 2002.

It was a great opportunity for me. I had time to spend with all three of my publishers. I also spent time with two of my former publicists who are now working elsewhere; it was good to renew those relationships. I ran into Kenaz Filan, whom I know from FSG; he’s just written The Haitian Vodou Handbook, and I was delighted to get an autographed copy.

It feels good to schmooze the industry, y’know? What are publishers publishing? Who’s talking about what? Get a feel for things. And the people who know me; it’s good for them to put a face on the emails. Promotes good relationships.

But the thing is, you walk your FEET OFF. The Jacob Javits Center is five blocks long, and I walked from the entrance at 37th Street to Sterling & Ross near 39th street, all the way to Weiser near 34th Street, and back, and then did the entire circuit again. I think I walked more than 30 blocks all told, much of it toting, well, totebags. Full of books. Books are heavy. I want to go to a Feather Convention next. And tote totebags of free autographed feathers. Because ow. My arms my neck my feet.

Still, it was great.

Oh, and I met Voltaire. About whom I know absolutely nothing, except that Arthur is crazy about him and can’t shut up about him. And you’d think I’d know something, what with all the not shutting up, but I don’t. So I said “My son is a huge fan” and he said, “Great! Let me give you autographed free stuff for him!” and I called Arthur and said “I’m talking to Voltaire!” and Voltaire grabbed the phone and Arthur chewed his ear off and he is now the happiest offspring ever.