I'm not even sure how to go about updating this blog at this point...
So much has happened, that it's difficult to brief you. Let's start with the fun stuff. I got to attend the C's conference (College Composition and Communication) in Vegas (always good stuff) where I didn't get to have the fun and relaxation I had planned on because I spent a bit too much time working with my editors and attending conference sessions, but Brian had a great time at the Hooter's casino. We did walk away pretty much even, though, so what more can you ask for?
At this point in time, I FINALLY have the reviews for the book in my hands. Actually, I have the password to the database to download them on my computer. I have skimmed them as they are pretty extensive (to put it mildly) and have found that people are a lot stupider than I originally imagined (sadly), but that they also had some good ideas. I put a lot of them into an email to my two editors last night and I'm sure their heads are spinning as they haven't even had a chance to read the entire reviews yet. I can't tell if I'm a dream or a nightmare for these people...we'll find out.
I attended a conference in Joliet today about course redesign - combining reading and writing courses into one ginormous course as opposed to two separate and, to the student and instructor, confusing, courses, and, since it was sponsored by my publisher, was invited to be on a Q and A panel. I did literally nothing but answer a few questions about my program during a 50 minute lunch yet I was rewarded with a swanky suite at a lovely hotel, dinner at a (far more expensive than my typical kid-friendly) Italian restaurant, a gift bag, and a Starbucks gift card. I tell you, this gig just keeps on giving. It was insane how much they gave me to do...literally...nothing. It was almost embarrassing.
No...embarrassing was me dancing around my luxury suite with no kids and wondering how to spend my 16 hours of free time. Sleep was high on the priority list but seemed like such a shameful waste of such a beautiful suite. There was a moral and philosophical battle held on all levels within my psyche...in the end, pajamas, Pringles, bad TV, and snacks won out. It was lovely.
Later this month I travel to Boston, again - on their dime. You have to forgive the shock and awe because I know some of you find this typical, but in my field, this is unheard of. We pay our own way to conferences and meetings and anything else we attend - and we don't stay anywhere nice because it is on our own dime. The idea that I stayed in a suite and didn't drive up crazy-ass early this morning is insane. The idea that they are flying me to Boston and will put me up in a hotel is, again, beyond my comprehension. At this meeting, I will be hanging out with the muckety-mucks. President o' the company. President of developmental learning. President of developmental publishing. Several developmental editors and graphic designers. Then some sales and other folk whose titles meant nothing to me...all to help me figure out how to ensure the book keeps selling at the rate it currently sells (or at a better rate than it currently sells).
Dude.
Where the heck did my life take this turn?
I'm a community college teacher. Somewhere along the line, someone confused me with a University professor - and a distinguished one with a "name" in the field at that.
Heh heh....fooled 'em.
