East Coast meeting in April/May for book release?

[TygerCub]

I see there are several east coast stops in the April/May time frame to promote the "God of the Hive" release.

There was some mention of meeting in Boston in April, but I saw on the website several mid-east cities too. Anyone interested in the Maryland or Virginia events?

I might be able to make the Boston event, but it's a ten hour drive for me, so anything closer would be appreciated. :)

TygerCub
Kim

[LaideeMarjorie]

There is no reason to go to Boston unless you really want to! The events in Virginia or Maryland sound much easier for you and generally Laurie does a talk followed by a Q&A and then a book signing at all of them. And generally there is a nice number of FOLs (Fans/Friends of Laurie) at any of them. As the events get closer you can post about meeting them before the event to say hello and in some cases Laurie might be able to stop by and have a cup of latte with you. (I know know that book tours are crazy in terms of the pull on Laurie with her schedule, so in general you will never know until the last minute if something can be set up. But meeting the other readers is always a delight.)

The only big exception in terms of quality LRK time, IMHO, is a book conference like Bouchercon where you get to see Laurie on various panels and generally get to have a meal with her at one of the group events (like the VBC or LOM).

On the other hand, I have certainly done crazier things than drive 10 hours to see someone I admire! So whatever you decide will be fine.

--Marjorie

[Strawberry Curls]

The Boston event it the launch of GOTH. I've never attended a launch and have purchased my cross country plane ticket and booked a room. I'm going to this one! I know Meredith is coming...anyone else?

[2bnallegory]

The Boston event it the launch of GOTH. I've never attended a launch and have purchased my cross country plane ticket and booked a room. I'm going to this one! I know Meredith is coming...anyone else?

Burning with envy. Hope you take lots of photos to share along with your usual excellent coverage.

[tangential1]

*whines* I really want to go... But it's a Tuesday... I'd have to take at least three days off work... Blarg.

[Strawberry Curls]

*whines* I really want to go... But it's a Tuesday... I'd have to take at least three days off work... Blarg.I'm taking two days off, and cutting it close on getting there Tuesday, but flying across country and the darn three hour time change makes it difficult to get to the East Coast any earlier.

I suppose I should also acknowledge the fact I'm much older, and can now take the time off, which I don't deny is a benefit of all those decades I didn't do anything but work.

[TygerCub]

I admit part of the reason I want to go to the 'launch' is to meet some folks from this site. It's just too much fun. If I do drive up, it will be part of a vacation stay. I'd take the entire week off to do the trip, see the area, meet folks and then head home later.

Hmm... Have to think about this one some more.

Strawberry Curls, where are you staying while in Boston?

[Strawberry Curls]

I admit part of the reason I want to go to the 'launch' is to meet some folks from this site. It's just too much fun. If I do drive up, it will be part of a vacation stay. I'd take the entire week off to do the trip, see the area, meet folks and then head home later.

Hmm... Have to think about this one some more.

Strawberry Curls, where are you staying while in Boston?I'll PM you.

[TygerCub]

I'll PM you.Sorry, that was an incredibly stupid question for me to post publicly. :o

However, for anyone else who is interested in going, I hope to do some research to find some nice, inexpensive places nearby and post them here just in case anyone else needs to know. :)

[wsmvgn]

I suddenly find myself "at liberty" and anticipate making both of these events. Would love to attend related tie-ins if anybody wants to put 'em together.

[KarenB]

The launch for GOTH is scheduled at the Boston Public Library as listed on the events page of LRK's website, but I do not see it listed on their events calendar. Does anyone know if one needs to register for the event?

[Strawberry Curls]

The launch for GOTH is scheduled at the Boston Public Library as listed on the events page of LRK's website, but I do not see it listed on their events calendar. Does anyone know if one needs to register for the event?I doubt it, but I'll see what I can find out.

[TygerCub]

Using Expedia, I found the following hotels that are within walking distance (1 mile or less) to the Boston Public Library (listed in no particular order):

John Hancock Hotel & Conference Center (.17 mi) - $150 avg.
Hotel 140 (.23 mi) - $150 avg.
Newbury Guest House (.24 mi) - $210 agv.
Copley House (.38 mi) - $125 avg.
Chandler Inn (.44 mi) - $117 avg.

There were more, but offer the above for folks who want to explore their options. Note the "avg." prices listed are quoted from Expedia, so your mileage may vary.

[Strawberry Curls]

The launch for GOTH is scheduled at the Boston Public Library as listed on the events page of LRK's website, but I do not see it listed on their events calendar. Does anyone know if one needs to register for the event?The latest word from our fearless leader (as Vicki would say) is that the Boston launch does not need any pre-registration. It will be open to any and all who show up.

[nkk1969]

I suddenly find myself "at liberty" and anticipate making both of these events. Would love to attend related tie-ins if anybody wants to put 'em together.

Bill, I think we may have to attend the DC event instead of the much closer Pittsburgh one. Has anyone said anything yet about a VBC dinner?

[Elizabeth Cornwall]

Bill, I think we may have to attend the DC event instead of the much closer Pittsburgh one. Has anyone said anything yet about a VBC dinner?

Oh, do please come to Pittsburgh! I know it's a bit early to be thinking about that event, and I don't know if I could do any coordinating, but you must not pass us by! There is an excellent restaurant across the street from the bookstore in Pittsburgh. http://www.hoffstots.com/ It's quite a lovely part of town, and if dinner's not a option, then there's a decent coffee shop nearby. http://www.yelp.com/map/cafe-vita-oakmont

And that's not even leaving Oakmont. It's not a long drive to get downtown or to Oakland, which is a wonderful college town with a ton of excellent restaurants and coffee stops, not to mention rare bookstores galore, museums, Carnegie Library, Phipps, etc.

So, have I marketed my city enough for you? People might be able to come up Friday and spend the weekend poking about before the event on Monday...:D

Liz

[nkk1969]

Oh, do please come to Pittsburgh! I know it's a bit early to be thinking about that event, and I don't know if I could do any coordinating, but you must not pass us by! There is an excellent restaurant across the street from the bookstore in Pittsburgh. http://www.hoffstots.com/ It's quite a lovely part of town, and if dinner's not a option, then there's a decent coffee shop nearby. http://www.yelp.com/map/cafe-vita-oakmont

And that's not even leaving Oakmont. It's not a long drive to get downtown or to Oakland, which is a wonderful college town with a ton of excellent restaurants and coffee stops, not to mention rare bookstores galore, museums, Carnegie Library, Phipps, etc.

So, have I marketed my city enough for you? People might be able to come up Friday and spend the weekend poking about before the event on Monday...:D

Liz


You market your city quite masterfully, m'dear. In fact, you should probably apply for a job at the CVB when you graduate. :D Unfortunately, marketing is not the issue. Pittsburgh has many things going for it. The fact that it is 1.5 - 2 hours closer than DC and the comic possibilities of taking Laurie out for a Primanti Bros. sandwich after the gig are huge benefits.

The big problem is Caitlin's final exam schedule. We just found out there is no way for us to make it to P'burgh by 4 that afternoon. It's a 5 hour drive from here to the airport and I'm not sure how much longer it would take to make it to the other side of the city. That means we'd have to leave by 10 a.m. because we all know to leave an hour of extra time for bathroom breaks and scrounging some food somewhere. Caitlin's last final that day starts at 12:15. Nope, just not gonna happen. :(

[Elizabeth Cornwall]

Sigh, I try... but totally understandable on your part. Finals, bah! I' pretty sure I'm skipping crew to get to the event, though. Dr. B can make of that what he will. Give Caitlin (sp?) the best of luck, and tell her " no pressure"! :D

Anyone else?

Liz

[TygerCub]

Well, looks like I'm out of the running for the April event. I'm alternately bummed and happy. Bummed:( because I'd like to see everyone and attend my first launch. Happy:), though, because I may get to go to Alaska with my Grandmother in June instead. :D

I can definitely make it up to the event May 1 at 4 PM: Borders Books, 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Bailey’s Crossroads, VA. This one is only 3 hours from me, so I can make a day-trip out it.

I'll miss seeing youz guyzes! :(

[nkk1969]

Well, looks like I'm out of the running for the April event. I'm alternately bummed and happy. Bummed:( because I'd like to see everyone and attend my first launch. Happy:), though, because I may get to go to Alaska with my Grandmother in June instead. :D

I can definitely make it up to the event May 1 at 4 PM: Borders Books, 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Bailey’s Crossroads, VA. This one is only 3 hours from me, so I can make a day-trip out it.

I'll miss seeing youz guyzes! :(

Some of us will be there. We are investigating the idea of staging a dinner somewhere nearby. I've been to other book events at this store. There is a restaurant just across to parking lot--it used to be a Ruby Tuesday's, but I have to check and see what it is now. I emailed Laurie to see if she's available to come, but I haven't heard back from her yet.

We'll keep you updated as plans come together.

Nikki

[TygerCub]

Excellent! Yay! I am happy I'll get to meet some of you. Please do keep me informed.

[Staci]

I'm trying to find a way to make it to the Pittsburgh one. I just found out about it tonight and I know where it is (I pass it everytime I visit family in Plum). My only problem is it's during the week and I'm about an hour and a half north and currently don't have a car. :( I'm working on a plan to get there somehow. With a little work and a lot of praying, maybe a miracle will happen....

[wsmvgn]

Some of us will be there. We are investigating the idea of staging a dinner somewhere nearby. I've been to other book events at this store. There is a restaurant just across to parking lot--it used to be a Ruby Tuesday's, but I have to check and see what it is now. I emailed Laurie to see if she's available to come, but I haven't heard back from her yet.

We'll keep you updated as plans come together.

Nikki

Great minds think alike. I've created a separate thread for this event, and gone over there and surveyed restaurants in the shopping center. See that thread for my results.

[KarenB]

It's official. I have a hotel reservation and will be in Boston for the launch!! :D

I was also thinking of going to the May 2nd, West Chester, PA signing. Anyone else?

[Strawberry Curls]

Karen, how great. I'm coming in late on the day (it was the best I could do with my time constraints in April) and may be late to the launch, but I'm thinking dinner after since the launch starts at 6PM. John, you're going to be there and Meredith, anyone else? Also I'm not leaving for the airport until around 10:30AM on the 28th...breakfast anyone?

[jtb1951]

I don't miss many meals:) so you can count me in for dinner and/or breakfast. I look forward to seeing everyone there!!!

John.

[KarenB]

There are LOTS of restaurants there with a wide variety of choices - steak, fish, Thai, Italian, etc. Some expensive, some not so. I'm definitely in for meals, please!

[Strawberry Curls]

There are LOTS of restaurants there with a wide variety of choices - steak, fish, Thai, Italian, etc. Some expensive, some not so. I'm definitely in for meals, please!Any nearby pubs? Laurie likes pubs for a nice, but reasonably priced meal. I'm not sure if she will be available for a dinner, but it would be nice to have something suitable in mind.

[tangential1]

Any nearby pubs? Laurie likes pubs for a nice, but reasonably priced meal. I'm not sure if she will be available for a dinner, but it would be nice to have something suitable in mind.

You're talking Boston, right? It's practically one big pub, no? ;)

[KarenB]

For all of you (us!:D) attending the launch, here are some suggestions for after:
Legal Seafood (good food, bar, connects to the Marriott & Westin Hotels
Solas Irish Bar (less expensive than Legal, and pub-ier) http://www.solasboston.com/solasboston/
Morton's Steakhouse http://www.mortons.com/
City Bar (great wine list and also has beer for Laurie) http://www.citybarboston.com/citybarboston/index1.htm

These are just the closest ones I can find that will have drinks and food for us. Let me know what you all think and who can make it and if you have other suggestions and if you want I can make us a reservation.

[wsmvgn]

Morton's is a little rich for my blood. ;-)

[Strawberry Curls]

I agree, Morton's is a lovely Steakhouse, but very expensive. I thought Solas looks pretty good, nice menu and moderate price. The City Bar is in the same hotel where we will have breakfast the next day, so I think it is best to try another place. Is that OK?

[KarenB]

I thought Morton's was a little pricey as well. Solas may be our best bet or Pizzeria Uno which is a block or less away.

[wsmvgn]

www.solasboston.com (http://www.solasboston.com)
710 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 933-4803

[jtb1951]

Sola's sounds great to me, Karen! (although I never turn down good pizza!)

John.

[KarenB]

I just got notification from Amazon that my order of GOTH is on its way. Yippee!! However, it seems I inadvertently ordered 3. :confused: So, if they make it to my house before I leave on Tuesday, is there anyone who was planning to be at and buy a book at the launch who would like me to bring along one of the extras? The Amazon price was $13.50.

[Strawberry Curls]

I just got notification from Amazon that my order of GOTH is on its way. Yippee!! However, it seems I inadvertently ordered 3. :confused: So, if they make it to my house before I leave on Tuesday, is there anyone who was planning to be at and buy a book at the launch who would like me to bring along one of the extras? The Amazon price was $13.50.Well, heck!!! You are the third person I have heard from saying they already got notice their copy was coming from Amazon. I pre-ordered my copy last year, when it was first available, and nothing, nada, no word. Everyone who has told me this has been on the East Coast, so I guess that distribution center got theirs leaving us on the West Coast waiting. My expected date of deliver is still April 29th. I'm still going to get a copy for Laurie to sign at the Launch, that will be my pristine, not opened first Edition extra special copy, the one coming on the 29th will become my everyday copy. I'll read it on my Kindle, which I should have (if all goes well) the morning of the 27th... at lest that is my hope so I can read it on my long flight to Boston.

[jtb1951]

I am sitting here in the quiet, enjoying the ambiance of the beautiful Abbey Room in the Boston Public Library, having just laid out RESERVED signs on some front row chairs for this evening's launch. About 5 hours 'til liftoff!!

John.

[nkk1969]

I am sitting here in the quiet, enjoying the ambiance of the beautiful Abbey Room in the Boston Public Library, having just laid out RESERVED signs on some front row chairs for this evening's launch. About 5 hours 'til liftoff!!

John.

Launch Day!!! (squeeee) We're counting down the days 'til we leave for DC. We had t-shirts made with a quote from BEEK on them to wear to the event. Can't wait, can't wait. Keep us posted. I know you'll take a ton of great pictures, John!