Here I Am!

Hi, hi!  We had an Internet snafu so I haven't been able to get on much.  But I'll give you the short version of what I've been up to.  Tuesday's tours to the State Department and the US Postal Inspector's were great!  I got lots of information from the State Department about embassies and consulates and what their jobs are.  Then the postal inspectors were absolutely wonderful.  They had snacks for us, goody bags, name tags that said "Welcome to Mystery Writers' Day" and they were so forthcoming with what they do.  

Wednesday we went to the CIA.  It, of course, was AWESOME!  Although, I didn't see David Webb AKA Jason Bourne.  We had a briefing with a couple of female analysts who told us how the organization is structured and what the departments do.  Then we had a tour of the museum.  Then we had lunch where we had CIA officers sitting at each table answering questions.  It was all very eye-opening!  Then I spent way too much money at the gift shop.  

That night, I met my dear friend Cat who is rooming with me here in DC.  We've been online friends for a couple years and this is the first time we've met in person.  

I also had the booksigning, where I was well behaved and didn't spend too much money.  Then I ran to the Celtic Hearts Annual General Meeting, which was more like a party.  Not too many people came, but it was fun with the ones who did.  I got to meet Eliza Knight, who is the President (I'm VP) and more people I've been chatting with for a while!  Eliza's awesome, BTW!

Yesterday was Linda Howard's side-splitting and inspirational speech during lunch.  She talked about her dysfunctional family and how if she can keep writing with all the nuts around her, then we should be able to do it too.

Today I had my first pitch.  This one was with an agent and it went very well.  I got a request for Danger.  (Gee, guess I really better get my butt in gear after Nationals and get to work!)

I'm off in a few minutes to some more workshops and booksignings.  More later.