New York, New York!


Last week I found out that my newest novel, A Pirate's Heart, has been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award in the Romance category. This is very cool, and as I've said in a previous post, making the shortlist is award enough for me.

The "Lammie" award ceremony is always held at the end of May in New York City. The end of May Melissa and I are knee-deep in baby lambs, with probably at least 10 more ewes left to give birth, so leaving isn't an option. My memoir, Hit By a Farm, was shortlisted in 2007, but there was no way I could make it.

But this year? After two-thirds of our flock flagrantly violated our strict rules about unauthorized sex, getting themselves pregnant three months before they were supposed to (and therefore giving birth three months early) we only have 12 pregnant ewes left. So this May is going to be very different than previous springs, and I realize this is my one chance, my brief window of opportunity, to visit New York and attend the awards ceremony.

I know another author who'll also be attending, and she's gotten us a free place to stay in someone's midtown Manhattan apartment. I have a great black velvet jacket with lace cut-out sleeves, but still haven't resolved the "too tight pants" issue. Perhaps a new pair is in my future, since I don't really feel like starving myself.

I don't care if I win---that's not the point of going. But if I do, I must try very hard to remember where I am---in NYC surrounded by urban people. If I forget, I fear I may get carried away in my acceptance speech, and thank my sheep for having unauthorized sex three months early...not something one usually hears at a swanky awards ceremony in NYC.

Guess I'd better write up a little speech just in case, and stick with it!