Catching Up & Moving On

The time I spent in DC last summer/over Christmas break was invaluable. Not only did I learn a lot about publishing, but I learned what it was like to live in a place that wasn't Cows Town, Wisconsin (I wonder if that's actually a real place...?). More importantly, though, I made some really great friends. I stopped by my old internship last week to play catchup, only to find that a manuscript I'd edited last summer recently sold in a three book deal! Soon enough I'll be able to hold a copy in my hands and talk everyone I know into buying it. (And as soon as I know I can officially say something, I'll let you guys know -- that way you can start getting excited too!) It was fun meeting the new foreign rights person/former intern, and catching up with Elaine. I'm jealous I'm not at RWA, though I can't say I'm sorry to be missing out on the 14.7% tax on hotel rooms in Manhattan.

Then this week I got to have dinner with one of the girls I interned with last summer, who now works at the Sagalyn Literary Agency, which is just outside of DC. It's always good to hear that your friends actually like their jobs, and hear about all the stuff they're learning. It just reinforces how much I want to work in this industry. Lauren and I had dinner, then headed over to Kramerbooks, which is a staple here in DC. It's a really fantastic indie bookstore in Dupont Circle, and if you're ever in the area, make sure you check it out. Not only does it have a wide selection of books, but there's food and alcohol to boot. It's like the best of pretty much everything. We also made our way up toward U Street and had dessert at ACKC, which was incredible. Another place to check out if you're ever in town.

Today I caught up with Naomi, who used to do foreign rights/handled YA submissions with Elaine. (As long as I'm plugging local DC hangouts, I'll tell you guys to hit up Nooshi as well. I'd never been, but it was awesome.) Seeing her brought back memories of last summer and how much I loved my internship and the people I worked with. And now, even though none of us work there, it's good to know those friendships are still intact, if not stronger. (Anna's included in this, but she's in New York right now, so I haven't had the chance to see her yet.)

So this is basically me being a big ol' sap and saying how glad I am I had the opportunity to intern out here last year. It was, by far, the best experience of my life. (Minus graduation, which goes without saying because, hey, who likes homework?)

Now, I don't know what's in store for me. Sometime next week, or the week after, I'm going to take the train up to New York City for a few days and see if I can't track down an apartment. I've applied for jobs, but even if I don't get any of them, it's time to head up that way. DC was always just a stop on the way, and as much as I love it here, I've got cabin fever. I'm itching to dive head-first into New York City living. So while my Plan That's Not Really a Plan is still kind of vague, it's slowly but surely solidifying. I'd definitely say things are looking up.