Just got back from a week’s vacation in lovely Hughesville, Maryland, courtesy of Ann and her husband Michael. We had a busy time–visited the National Arboretum in Washington DC plus several local gardens (both Michael and I are plant nuts), walked the picturesque streets of Annapolis, spent some time at a historic site that recreated a 17th-century tobacco plantation, ate a lot and talked a lot and generally had loads of fun. The weather was hot and sunny–not normally an item for comment, but I’m from Massachusetts, and after May’s torrential rains and way-below-normal temperatures, it was nice to be reminded that, yes, June is actually summertime.
We also attended Balticon, where Ann and I did a two-hour workshop on how to acquire an agent. We were prepared for 15-20 attendees, but nearly 30 people showed up. It went very well and we’re considering doing it again next year. We also participated in a Writer Beware panel–lots of interesting discussion and questions–and a well-attended Lost panel–lots of speculation and conspiracy theories about the future of the show. Neil Gaiman was the guest of honor; Ann was able to speak with him for a few minutes and thank him for his support of Writer Beware, Absolute Write, and the fight against writing scams on his blog. The Barbara Bauer Affair has definitely increased our visibility–we were thrilled by how many people came up to us to say thanks, and to let us know that they value what we and Preditors & Editors and Absolute Write do. Very gratifying!
As I’m sure most of you know, the fight to revive Absolute Write continues. Right now, the technical wizards are trying to install the data onto AW’s new host, run checks, and make sure that everything is in stable condition. This is a slow and meticulous process, and it’s hampered by people trying to log onto the AW site to see what’s going on. Please DON’T log on; stay away from AW until there’s an official announcement that it’s open for business. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll post it here.
Legal and other bills have piled up over the past week, and with the forums in the dark, AW hasn’t been able to generate any income to support itself. To keep going, AW needs our help. Please consider making a donation–it doesn’t have to be large, every little bit will help. Donations can be made through the PayPal button on Jenna’s blog, or by sending a check or money order to: Absolute Write, PO Box 621, Islip NY, 11751.
Other ways to support AW:
– Dawno’s CafePress site.
– Jason Tudor’s CafePress site.
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Thanks, everyone.
Disgusting that cunt Glatzer is asking for free money. With all those books under her belt I’m sure she can pay for her stupid hobby wih her own dime instead of preying on writers for cash.
Disgusting.
Victoria is a terrific house guest. She’s fun to have around, cleans up after herself, and pitches in enthusiastically when there is work to be done.
One thing we did this time relating to Writer Beware was to go over materials and books sent to me by iUniverse as a result of my requested investigation into the iUniverse/Barnes and Noble “publishing program.”
I’m putting together a report now, and will be posting it as soon as I’m done.
-Ann C. Crispin