Literati Life

Apologies for the late posting on last night's party. Deadlines and dentist appointments took priority for most of the day.

So... where to start? Well, first off, I had an amazing time. Ami was just as I imagined her to be – warm and down-to-earth, funny and bright and just a delight. Naturally she was the toast of the town for the evening, but any chance I could get, I stole a few moments to chat with her, and get to know her a little better. I do recall that at one point we were posing together for a pic, taken by my hubby, and Bravo! Television was filming us. God, if those guys have any sense they will edit that part out (only 'cuz of my funny mug – not Ami's!).

The beautiful and elegant Louise Dennys, executive vice president of Random House of Canada, was the host of the evening and gave a wonderful speech about The New Face of Fiction programme, and its many talented authors. I have seen Ms. Dennys interviewed on TV quite a few times, and she just shimmers in person.

Ami also gave a lovely talk about her book, her inspiration for writing The Birth House and she read some really juicy sections of the novel, too. She seems like a real pro when it comes to entertaining a crowd.

There were many people I didn't know at this party, as well as many faces I recognized. Yes, Ann-Marie MacDonald was there. Without a doubt, the tiniest person I have ever, ever encountered! But when she got on the small stage to talk about The New Face of Fiction programme, and her feelings about writing, she seemed like she was ten feet tall. What a presence!

Antanas Sileika, the Artistic Director of the Humber School for Writers was there, and boy he's a lot taller than when I used to see him as a regular on the now defunct Imprint. I also saw Paul Quarrington and Marnie Woodrow. And Silken Laumann, too! I heard that she's got a book coming out soon. Boy did she look amazing. The delightful Richard Bachmann, owner of one of my favourite bookstores, A Different Drummer was also there, and we had a lovely chat. It was also great to see Michel Basilieres again. What a friendly, funny guy! Michel introduced me to Geoffrey Taylor, the artistic director for the International Festival of Authors.

Forgive me for saying this to those who love high-heel shoes, but I gotta say: High-heel shoes are dumb, ok? Just plain dumb. And I was dumb for wearing them last night. Oy. I wore a pair of long black pants that required high heels, without realizing that it was a stand-up-the-whole-night party!!! No chairs!! Eventually I could not take the pain anymore, and right in front of Michel Basilieres and Geoffrey Taylor, I took off my shoes. Classy, huh?

It was also a real treat to finally get to meet another blogger friend, Deanna! She's warm and friendly and very attractive and she's a book luster, just like me! (Sorry Liam, I couldn't find you! Where were you?)

There's probably a hundred things that I'm forgetting to add...my brain is still trying to soak up the whole evening, and I'm tired and flustered with deadlines, too. I will try and post some photos tomorrow if they come out ok (yes, I still don't have a damn digital camera yet).

I can't say this enough... thank you soooooo much Ami, for inviting my husband and me to this wonderful party. It was an absolute joy to get to meet you! Congrats on a fabulous book!

Comments

[eliane]

Wow Patricia, sounds like you're becoming a celebrity reporter!

[Isabella]

High-heel shoes ARE dumb. (So is no chairs.) You did the right thing taking them off. I'm sure Basilieres and Taylor had they been wearing some would've done the same thing.

[Lori]

Man I know what you mean about high heels. Last night one of the stylists at the salon I go to was wearing high heeled boots. How could she wear high heels all day at her job? I just don't get it.

Glad you had a good time!

[callie]

Thank you for giving a peek into your lovely literary evening. Not only am I now itching to find a literary evening here, but I'm also adding The Birth House to my list. Ah, the growing list. Thanks. I think.

[Slimbolala]

Great illos. Loose, sketchy style.

[Arethusa]

Wow, it sounded like loads of fun so I'm glad you got to go!! Great report, felt like I was there.

[Marta]

I don't know why I'm commenting on this when Ami's book is beautiful, and she is amazing, and there are at least two thousand and three more important things to discuss, but...first, I belive everyone should take off their shoes. I LOVE taking my shoes and try to do so wherever I can get away with it. That said, i love my high heels. I love how I feel in them, and they don't hurt my feet--unless I got the wrong size. So, by all means, take off shoes that hurt--life is too short, after all--but really, there are those of out here who would never give up our heels!