Mountain Girl Goes to NYC

Today, I fly to New York City so that I can speak at the upcoming American Society of Journalists and Authors conference. My topic is finding and maximizing your blogging niche. But, first I have a long travel day ahead.

With help from a writer friend who also works as a travel agent, I got a good deal on a direct flight from Denver to New York City. I had to pay a little extra to fly nonstop, but a shorter overall trip combined with less stress and no connection worries made sense.

You probably know this, but I’m not a big fan of the urban landscape. It’s a bit like taking Lilly into a loud, crowded dog event. I suspect it’s gotten a little weirder for me since we’ve been living in a rural spot since 2001. I can go 7, 10, 14 days without leaving the house or seeing anyone but Tom and the pups. So, suffice it to say, that I’ll get more human contact in the next 4 days than I’ve had in many years combined.

Oh, boy!

Mountain Girl Goes to the City, Day 1

As soon as I arrive, I’ll speed my way to the hotel in midtown Manhattan, where I’m sharing a room with my colleague and friend Kerri Fivecoat Campbell, who asked me to speak and who will moderate the session I’m doing Saturday. Kerri blogs about animal rescue and about her life, living in a tiny house in the Ozarks.

Because hotels in the city are silly expensive, sharing helps both of our travel budgets. Plus, even though we’ve known each other for years, we’ve never met in person. So, it’ll be fun to share our city adventure.

Thursday night, I’m also excited to have dinner with one of my longtime editors. She lives just blocks from the hotel and has promised to bring one of her dogs over to get me. She’ll leave her fearful pup at home, but I’ll get to meet her before we go grab dinner.

Mountain Girl Goes to the City, Day 2

I saved Friday for a couple of important meetings that alas have fallen through, leaving me deflated, but I’m going to have fun anyway.

I’m having lunch with one of my young, hip, urban friends who works at a law library near my hotel.

Dinner will include several fellow pro-writer pals and blogger friends. Nothing better than spending time with your mentors. Truly.

Mountain Girl Goes to the City, Day 3

Saturday, I speak first thing in the morning, then I get to attend the conference and take a bunch of other classes. Not sure, yet, what I’m doing … other than collapsing … Saturday night.

I’m trying to convince a friend who lives in Connecticut to take the train down to the city, but if she cannot, then Kerri and I might fit in a dinner.

Mountain Girl Goes to the City, Day 4

Sunday, I’m SUPER excited to have brunch plans with Sam and Marge. So, I’ll spend time with them in the morning, then hustle my way back the airport for my flight home.

Stay tuned for photos and all that, after I get back and get some rest.

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I’ll probably be too busy and too tired to post anything tomorrow, so have a great weekend.