2006: A Literary Year

I was looking at Noel Alumit’s blog, wherein he borrowed from someone the idea of
Literary Highlights of 2006.
Here are mine.

–Most difficult literary moment–
Knowing we weren’t going to finish TJB5 when we were scheduled to.

–Most literary dinner–
I don’t know the restaurant, but Tim and I ate dinner in New Orleans with Dan Boyle, Jim Gladstone, and Kelly McQuain. I was already enjoying myself tremendously with these writers when Trebor Healey meandered in and mesmerized me with his conversation.

–Most literary uplift–
When Tim and I were chosen by Greg and Haworth to edit the MOONLIGHT AND ROSES anthology, as well as being trusted by the contributors with their short stories.

–Most literary weekend–
Saints and Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans in May. What a good time, with smart and funny people, wonderful writers, interesting topics, and a great city to host us.

–Most literary overload–
I handled writing a novel solo pretty well. But when it came time to add to it based on editorial comments, I felt overwhelmed and lonely.

–Most literary joy–
The e-mail from readers about A COVENTRY CHRISTMAS.

–Most literary regret–
What feels like my most intense writing accomplishment to date, THREE FORTUNES IN ONE COOKIE, got the least nurturing, attention, and sales because of circumstances beyond my control.

–Most literary purchase–
The abundance of good fiction I bought so that I could lose myself in other people’s writing.

–Most literary duty–
Being part of a panel discussion at Saints and Sinners on writing gay and lesbian romance.