Friday, October 16, 2009

Thank you, Cassandra!



Today I met Cassandra. That's her in the photo above. And that's me next to her in my new orange sweater.

Cassandra came to an authors' panel held today in Encinitas.

The panel consisted of Mary Pearson, Marlene Perez, Laura Preble, Cindy Pon and myself. On Monday, I'll write more about the panel and about tomorrow's panel at the Poway Library. I'll probably reveal a few of the panelists' deep, dark secrets (not any of mine; my life's an open book!). But that Cindy Pon...

Meeting Cassandra was a wonderful opportunity for me.

Because she is an expert on Sherry and company, having read I So Don't Do Mysteries five times. And, yes, my heart did speed up just typing that.

Here's the deal. I did something very mean to Sherry at the beginning of I So Don't Do Famous, the book I'm working on. Very mean. Editor Wendy doesn't know about it. Nobody knows about it. Except for me and Sherry. And now Cassandra.

I was thrilled to be able to confide in Cassandra, a real live avid reader, and to hear how she felt about it. Cassandra said it was okay to be that mean on one condition... No problem. I'm on it.

Cassandra, it was a pleasure meeting you, and thank you for being there for Sherry and me!


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36 comments:

  1. Love your new orange sweater and love Cassandra. What a cool experience to have such a fabulous reader! You're such a natural at this, Barrie.

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  2. Hi Kathy! Well, I don't know that I'm a natural. It was a fun group on the panel and that definitely makes it easier.

    Mac and Cheese: This is a great age group for re-reading book. I have to say, though, it was very flattering to hear about Cassandra.

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  3. Congratulations, Barrie!! And I love your new orange sweater. How great to have such an avid fan. I bet you have lots more of them.

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  4. It was great meeting you, too, Mrs. Summy! I loved meeting a published author, no matter my FAVORITE AUTHOR, because you reminded me of what I love to do - writing and reading. And with the business of middle school, sometimes I forget to do what I love. So you helped me tremendously to remember my loves.
    I will never forget the day I met you. You are my favorite author and always will be.
    From your biggest fan, Cassandra.

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  5. Wow, this story is full of awesome! I can't decide which is cooler, that you were on a panel with Cindy Pon and Mary Pearson, or that you have such an amazing reader.

    Also, I've read lots of books five times. Cassandra sounds like my kind of girl. :)

    Again. Wow.

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  6. And, also, Mrs. Summy - I loved your recipe card book idea. Sometimes it's hard for me to find a sufficient way to organized the plot points so that it makes sense. And your idea DOES make sense. Don't be embarrassed about it! You should be happy you found a way that works for you. If I use your idea, it must not be THAT embarrassing, right?

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  7. So, you have a new editor - one totally in tune with your audience. She's a keeper!

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  8. Cassandra!! You left a comment! How exciting! It really was great meeting you. You're smart and talented and interesting. Also, I really appreciated your input on the plot. I feel so much better about being mean now! :)

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  9. Miriam: Guess what else? I had lunch with Mary too. And we ALMOST ordered the same meal! Cindy Pon? She's adorable.

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  10. Beth, I know, I know. It was quite amazing. On the drive home, I kept thinking of other questions I should've asked Cassandra.

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  11. Teresa, I hesitated when buying that sweater because it's so orange. But I really like it now.

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  12. I would love to and I will ALWAYS answer any questions you might have for me, Mrs. Summy!
    You have my email - and I check it daily.
    Good luck writing!

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  13. Okay, people, do you see what a gem Cassandra is!

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  14. how nice to have such a devoted fan. what a sweetie.

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  15. Whoa! This is so cool. It's so nice to read about good things happening in the publishing world and this sure is one. Cassandra proves books are not going the way of the dinosaurs.

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  16. Cassandra knows good reading!! Wonderful picture. So good to be able to confide in a plot with a true fan of your writing.

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  17. Oooh, the title has been revealed! And I love it! What a wonderful fan. She seems so sweet!

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  18. Cassandra is the type of fan you want to keep forever. Now you've made her your buddy by giving her a secret. Congratulations, Barrie!

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  19. What an incredible day that must have been!!


    And what a lovely girl.

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  20. Cassandra!
    So cute!

    And she calls you "Mrs. Summy!"

    I love it.

    In addition. POWAY LIBRARY??? Hello! My neck of the woods. I'm so extremely sad I missed you.

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  21. Deb/San Diego Momma! You're in Poway! Drat! I would've loved to have seen you again! I'll be out and about signing around town when I So Don't Do Spooky comes out Dec. 8! Maybe then...

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  22. That's so great! Did I tell you that I'm getting I So Don't Do Mysteries for my oldest for Christmas? Yep.

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  23. I LOVE that you shared that little secret with Cassandra. What a fun little secret for the two of you to have. I bet she was just delighted.

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  24. I love that picture! What a special fan you have, what a wonder opportunity indeed. Five times, should tell you something, start writing more, your fans are waiting.
    Love the orange sweater. Looks so nice on you, perfect for the season.

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  25. I have a feeling Cassandra will have my job one day :)

    Okay, Barrie, please don't be mean to my Sherry. I'm feeling uber nervous! I'm going to read your outline RIGHT NOW!

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  26. Hello Editor Wendy! Please don't be uber nervous. Sherry is strong and resilient. Plus, there's always revisions. :)

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  27. How sweet! And something mean? Hmmm, I'm betting it's not REALLY mean, right???

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  28. Bina--it's middle-grade mean. ;)

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  29. Orange goes so well with Sherry's turquoise blue debut. And 'I so don't do famous' - she so does do it - no matter what you do to her - she's famous and sharing that secret with Cassandra is so ... cool. Really cool

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  30. What a cool experience! Oh I have reader envy...

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  31. Cassandra looks so excited to be standing next to you! That's great that you told her the plot secret. I bet that is going to be a very special experience that she never forgets.

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  32. JOSH BREAKS UP WITH SHERRY!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Comments are always welcome!