New York

[I. J. Parker]

I made my first visit to New York as an author. Mind you, I love the city for its own sake and I loved it again this time (in spite of a sinfully expensive hotel). But the main reason I loved this trip was that I met my agents for the first time in person. It was an incredible visit. I was treated like an important author with a gourmet lunch and limousine ride to Penguin headquarters. It's still all a bit unbelievable.

I have said so before, and many times: I'm incredibly lucky in my agent and would not trade her for the world. Above and beyond her experience, her contacts, and her past support for me, she is a wonderful friend in person. Who could have known in 2000 that she would accept my query letter and the novel HELL SCREEN?

There is some good news for the future, too: She has sold audio rights for four novels. And Penguin (perhaps encouraged by the PW and NYT reviews of ISLAND OF EXILES, which brought enough sales for another print run) have requested the mss. of the next two Akitada novels and of the short stories.

Let's hope! I'm too fond of that character not to want to see him go on and have a full life.

[I. J. Parker]

Soon, very soon! And this is your site. You can do anything you want.

[Daniel Hatadi]

I did, but only on my member blog. I don't feel quite right about making it a big deal on my on site, but I'm sure once I get a novel published I'll have no reservations. :)

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks, Daniel. Have you shared your good news on crimespace?

[Daniel Hatadi]

That is fantastic news all round, Ingrid. Congratulations!

[I. J. Parker]

Endurance? Well, yes. In a way. Mind you, I love the writing part and when things don't go well, I just write another book. Thanks, Glen.

[Glen C. Allison]

Good for you, Ingrid. And congratulations on being recognized for your talent as well as your endurance.

[I. J. Parker]

Then I wish you much good luck, Grant. May you get a fabulous contract soon.

[Grant McKenzie]

Sounds fabulous, I.J.
I too have a wonderful agent (who I've only met in person once) and hope to have a wonderful editor and publisher soon ;-)