Hey all! I’m going on vacation! Later today, I’m jetting off to Ireland and Scotland to drink Guinness, eat fish and chips, flounce around haunted castles, drink Guinness, delight in authentic brogue, and otherwise have a great time. I’ve been to Dublin before, but never to Edinburgh, so this will be an exciting trip that mixes old favorites with, I hope, new ones. I also have a client in Scotland…and we are, of course, cooking up appropriate shenanigans.
Long story short: I will not be monitoring the blog, reading comments, responding to emails, or doing any of my usual deskbound stuff until the week of September 13th, and even then, you’d be wise to give me some time to catch up on all my correspondence.
I do have posts scheduled for the duration of my vacation, so the blog will carry on in my absence. However, if you are new to Kidlit.com and have never commented before, your comments will go into my moderation queue until the week of the 13th and won’t be posted on the site until I have a chance to check them out.
You can still query me and send me emails and all that good stuff, just know that I’ll be blithely ignoring them until I get back to New York.
In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up for my Writer’s Digest webinar, which is happening on Thursday, September 23rd. You can enroll by clicking here. It’s the next best thing for all of you who have been waiting to see me live…and you don’t have to leave your pajamas! If you have to miss the live event itself and can’t call in, you can always register for the webinar and have access to the recording of it for one full year.
I pledge to answer all questions posed to me, either during the seminar or later, in writing, and, as a registered student, you will get a critique of the first 500 words of MG or YA novel or the first 300 words of your picture book manuscript, depending on what you’re writing. If I get a good turnout for this webinar, Writer’s Digest will host me again, and you know how much I love getting teaching opportunities, so tell your friends!
Speaking of Writer’s Digest, if you pick up an October issue or order one online, you’ll find a mini-profile of me in the “27 Agents Looking for New Writers” cover feature. I’m on the “annual hot list”! Hot dog!
Have fun on this side of the Atlantic!
VERY jealous!
When I went to Ireland, I only had three goals: See a few castles, drink Guiness, see random sheep on the road. And I’m proud to say I met them all!
Have fun!
Slainte.
PLAYTIME!!!
Have fun across the pond. I wish that was my vacation! I’m sure castles and pristine natural beauty beats smog and inferno-like heat.
At least we have ribs, I guess.
That’s cool that you’re on the “hot list”, Mary. Good going! And have fun in Edinburgh. You’re going to be there for the Fringe, aren’t you? The hike up Arthur’s Seat is worthwhile – the view from the top is beautiful. There also used to be a fine fudge shop on the royal mile, and there were two nice cafes – The Elephant’s Sufficiency and another one across the street from it that I can’t remember the name of but that used to make hot chocolates that are to die for – on George IV Bridge. And of course, The Meadows are lovely. And Princes St Gardens and fountain. And the Botanical Gardens, if you’re into plants and flowers. Rose Street is the place to be if you’re into pubs. And there is an awesome Turkish restaurant on Hanover St. called Nargile. AWESOME.
I miss Edinburgh.
Have fun! 🙂
WOW! You always do the coolest things! Have a wonderful, safe vacation.
Hot dog! is right–on both counts!
Enjoy your vacation, Mary!
Makes a little squeaking mouse noise and gets ready to PLAY!
Enjoy your trip! I love Ireland and of course Vitamin G!
Have fun! I love it over there. Last time I went to Edinburgh I got lost. LOL–luckily I’m not too shy and stopped to ask random strangers for directions. The Edinburgh Castle is pretty cool.
And you’ve got to try the Haggis even if it’s just to say you’ve tried it!
May the exchange rate be with you!
I had big plans to send you something before the Labor Day weekend, but now I’ll wait!
Have a fantastic time. Ireland and Scotland are both wonderful. Get to the west coast of Ireland if you can — it was my favorite part of the country. The Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are gorgeous, and the Burren is amazing. The Scottish highlands are beautiful, too. I’m jealous!
Oh man, I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and do the exact same things
you’ve mentioned. Sitting in a pub there must be so fun.
I signed up for your webinar – it looks great! Hope you have fun in Ireland. I haven’t been, but my husband is Welsh/English and the UK is beautiful.
It sounds wonderful!!! Have a great time! =)
Have a wonderful time! I haven’t been to Ireland, but I’ve been to Scotland. Edinburgh is wonderful. Be sure and hike up to King Arthur’s Throne, visit Friar Bobby’s Grave (now there is a great story), and of course go to the castle. It’s an amazing city!
Ohmygosh, Mary! Have a blast! That has been a long-time dream of mine. I do hope you get some well-deserved r & r, but please post a pic or two for us geographically-challenged folks upon your return.
Drink a Guinness backwards! 😉
I hope you have a great vacation and bring back lots of pictures to share with those of us who must vacation vicariously. 😉
May the road rise to meet you, Mary, and may your holiday be ever so jolly.
Have fun. Take lots of pics. Stay in a haunted castle. And lift your Guinness to the poor suckers you left behind.
Whoohoo! I have a subscription to Writer’s Digest, and I’m glad I do! Congrats on being on the “hot list”!