On Location with Donna Carrick

"I want to be a part of it

New York, New York"

Being part of it: 
The Indie Book Event, 
July 30, 2011, NYC

Yesterday was an exciting day at chez Carrick. Alex and I were up before the crack of dawn, all in a tizzy over our trip to The Big Apple! But seriously, folks, we were a “well-oiled machine”. We made it to the Harbourfront in time to see the sun cast the Island ferry in morning brilliance.

Conference co-ordinators were thrilled with the success of this first-ever Indie Book Event. Sponsor Foozago Books did a fabulous job with promotion and signage, with the full support of staff at The New Yorker Hotel.

Imagine my delight when we arrived in the Crystal Ballroom of The New Yorker Hotel and discovered the sign with my name on it! Thank goodness, the room was nearly empty at the time, as everyone had left for lunch. I was able to more or less recover my composure before they returned.

We took advantage of the mid-day break to explore the streets of the big town. A quick stop at Macy’s followed by Caribbean music and grilled delights at Tad’s Steak House.

What’s a trip to New York City without without a little sight-seeing? The Empire State Building dominated the skyline, perhaps waiting for me to climb it? (Ha!)

Times Square was a crunch of bodies, vehicles, signs and videos – as colourful as any place I’ve ever been. Yellow Taxis filled the streets, zooming about amidst blaring horns in the summer heat. Eveything moved at a ‘take-your-life-in-your-hands’ pace, and yes, our taxi was rear-ended before the day was done.

It’s easy to see why New Yorkers love their city, and why so many incidental travelers find themselves hooked on the sense of exuberance that pervades the streets. I was personally surprised at how much alike Toronto and New York are in personality. Of course, New York is bigger, louder, hotter and MORE, but at its core, it felt very familiar to me. I could imagine it populated by artists, writers, musicians….

But I digress. After all, the day was really “all about the books”. Alex and I were warmly welcomed and finally had the chance to meet some of our closest on-line book industry friends face-to-face. The co-ordinators even invited me to do a brief reading from The First Excellence.

Donna Carrick is the author of The First Excellence ~ Fa-ling’s Map, Gold And Fishes, The Noon God, all available in both print and e-reader editions, as well as her collection of 5 haunting stories for e-reader only, Sept-Iles and other places. Her novel, The First Excellence, is the recipient of the first-ever Indie Book Event Award sponsored by Foozago Books in New York City.