After returning from my first trip to Atlanta, I would like to file this report: holy crap the people there are nice.
From the lady who walked half a block to help me buy a MARTA ticket out of their bizarre machines (I think it might be easier to buy a ticket to the moon), to all of the people on the street who said good morning to me as I walked by (I ummed a halting “good morning” back as it slowly dawned on me they actually weren’t crazy), to all of the awesome people at the Atlanta Writer’s Conference.
Nice nice and nice!
And I especially want to thank those amazing and talented blog readers I had the opportunity to meet at the conference. It was really great to put faces with blogs and screennames, and thanks for such a warm welcome.
I would also like to report:
– The Georgia Aquarium is really something to behold. Whale sharks, belugas and drawling schoolkids losing their freaking minds aplenty.
– At the conference I had the pleasure of meeting fellow agents Nat Sobel, Tina Wexler and Amy Hughes, and we had a really fun panel Saturday morning in which we pretty much agreed with each other on the increasing necessity of authors building as much of a platform and network as possible, on the desirability of a novel to go with a collection of short stories, and on how at the end of the day there are no hard and fast rules in this business. Any writer would be fabulously lucky to have Nat, Tina or Amy as their agent.
– Little did I know you have to pay to go to the living commercial that is the Coke Museum! And if you go to the World of Coke, do not expect to see any mention of New Coke. Apparently still a sore subject.
– The Flying Biscuit may be the best breakfast spot in America. After a redeye to Atlanta, those biscuits, cheese grits and coffee were mighty appreciated. Oh, and the people there were really nice, although you probably already knew that.
– Did you notice I said “mighty appreciated?”
– I had my ration of fried food — fried shrimp at Atlanta institution Manuel’s Tavern.
All in all a very fun and too-brief weekend. I already can’t wait to go back. Thanks to everyone who made the conference happen.
Hey, Nathan,
It was great to meet you at the conference’s Mixer on Friday. I’d just read about the AWC in your blog that afternoon and saw it was only 4 miles from my house, so naturally I had to crash it.
I was the tall guy who said he knew you immediately by your hair. That was a few seconds before another woman pounced on you exclaiming how cute you were, lol.
Sorry I didn’t chat longer at the time but you looked hungry and tired after your flight and tour of the sights.
I met Tina as well, and she’s a hoot to talk with.
Nathan,
I met with you this past week-end to pitch an idea for a book and your advice was invaluable–you’re going to be a star! Thanks so much for coming to Atlanta.
Mr. Bransford, please come back anytime!! And soon! I’m a tad disappointed that I didn’t get to speak to you while at the conference, but maybe next time. Amy Hughes was super-awesome, and I’ve heard that you were, too. Sounds as if you had a good sampling of some of our best restaurants and attractions. I’m very glad you had a great (albeit short) visit.
Well, what do you know. I don’t have to lambaste any homeboys/girls on my blog. 🙂 Awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it here.
Hey Nathan,
I spent my first 25 years in Atlanta and now live in California. I still have not gotten over the fact that I can’t order sweet tea at a restaurant. (I have to sweeten it MYSELF!?)
Glad you enjoyed Georgia. (Go Dawgs!!)
-Robin
"… mention of New Coke. Apparently still a sore subject." … yes it is