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There are very few reasons to go to Orlando in June…but a writer would go to the ends of the earth to meet up with the nation’s librarians. The annual conference of the American Library Association gives us a chance to tell the most avid readers about upcoming books. Here are a few highlights of my visit:
1. Looking super official with badge swag and easel.
…but it’s always a good idea to read the fine print:
2. Where else do you need crowd control for meeting writers? In the #HarperCollins booth…
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3. It’s not every day you get to tango with a #BerenstainBear.
4. #alaac16 had its serious moments. Check out this beautiful message wall. $5 was donated for every message that appeared on the wall. Really. Which is a big deal, when you consider how many writers were wandering around. I wrote SEVERAL messages in support of #Orlando.
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5. My vote for most beautiful booth goes to #LibraryOfCongress.
I was on a panel with some of my favorite writers–Shelley Shephard Grey, Heather Graham, Meg Rusoff, Brenda Novak and Mary Kay Andrews.
Sometimes a conference hotel is better than it has to be. The Hilton had awesome pools and a spa.
#books #libraries #newfiction
…never to forget your anniversary.
it won’t go well for you
Really! I’m so happy to see my short story, The Key Ingredient, in that #1 Bestseller slot on Amazon. Being on the same list as Tim O’Brien and George R.R. Martin is no small thrill.
Thank you so much to all who downloaded this little tidbit. Just a heads up–it’s a short story. SHORT. It’s an introduction to the irrepressible Annie Rush, star of Family Tree…and there’s a bonus excerpt from the novel.
#bestsellers #newfiction #MondaySurprises #grateful #TheKeyIngredient #FamilyTree #Susanwiggs
My anniversary is coming up, so I thought I’d revisit and update a post for you. This was a fun assignment from my local chamber of commerce. I had to come up with ten romantic things to do in my town. My overachiever tendencies came out, and I listed 11. Comment below–what’s romantic about your town?
heart of stone cropped straightened
hearts of stone
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11 Most Romantic Things To Do On Bainbridge Island 
compiled by Susan Wiggs
1. Watch the sunrise from Fay Bainbridge State Park.
2. Breakfast options-Café Nola-white table cloths, good coffee, luxurious food. Or if it’s a beautiful day, grab some pull-aparts from Bainbridge Bakers and take them down to Waterfront Park and share. If it’s a Saturday, buy fresh berries at the Farmers Market.
3. Recreation! Rent a two-person kayak and paddle around, even out to Blake Island if you’re feeling brave. Or get a Laser sailboat or dinghy and explore; you’ll probably encounter sea lions. Seeing wildlife up close together is inherently romantic. Landlubbers can bike along the south end, taking in Fort Ward State Park to watch the boats go by. Romantic walks depend on your mood and fitness level: It’s an easy beach walk from Lynwood Center toward Point White and back, offering matchless views of Mount Rainier and a bird-watcher’s dream at the estuary. Or you could hike a secluded woodland trail, like Peters Trail and not run into a soul. If you have access to a horse, go for a ride in the Grand Forest. (Good luck with that, sez Jay.) For the athletes-try a round of golf or tennis at Meadowmeer followed by a nice drink on the deck.
4. Get a picnic lunch from the New Rose Café at Bainbridge Gardens, or at Hitchcock Deli take-out and share at one of the shady picnic tables at Strawberry Hill Park.
5. Go for a stroll in the Bloedel Reserve. A really long stroll, and don’t take any shortcuts. Nobody will think less of you if you engage in naughty role play in the main house or the Japanese tea house. And do not ask me how I know this.
6. Stop in at Bainbridge Gardens because after Bloedel, you are going to want to bring home a fancy plant like Nightshade. Then go shopping along Winslow Way-don’t miss the original jewelry creations and vintage collection at Gilbert Thomas. At Eagle Harbor Book Company, you’ll find signed books from every one of the island’s 13,447 (and counting) famous authors.
7. Get dual massages at Spruce Day Spa.
8. Most romantic restaurant, bar none: A corner booth at Restaurant Marche. Lovely setting in a historic building, gorgeous food and wonderful service.
9. Catch an indy film at the historic Lynwood Theatre and afterwards, stop in at the Beach House for coffee or a nightcap.
10. Stargazing at Battle Point is a must.
11. Romantic places to spend the night abound. Our favorite, of course, is Point White Guest House.
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The View From Here 