Lots of stuff going on over here; not much time to blog about it. Judgecal has got some major press over the past two weeks, especially this article in the Times -- it's great that he's famous, I just wish it could have happened while he was alive. The memorial last Saturday night was very helpful; saw Debbie Harry there, but she left before the eulogies. I heard her say, as she stalked out, "What's there to say? It's a shit shame he's dead." Yeah, that just about covers it.
Went to Boston last week, to sign books at the American Psychoanalytic Association convention, and to visit On The Rise, the crisis center whose fundraising event I'm speaking at in September. Is it weird, that I had a good time at a crisis center? That the minute I walked in, I felt at home, at peace, in good company, and happy? I guess not, as most of the women there share that feeling about the place -- that's what makes it so special. Please join us, if you can, on September 17 -- information is here.
(APA was all right, too -- I got to meet John Elder Robison, who is the author of Look Me in the Eye, and Augusten Burroughs' brother. I was the dud of the Random House booth, selling far fewer copies of my books than the other authors, but I got to spend a few days with my dad, which was great.)
And yeah, Laura Albert, aka JT Leroy, was my roommate at one of the group homes where I lived. It's been awesome, swapping reminiscences about the place with her and some of the other ex-residents she's found on Facebook; I'm amazed at how well everyone's turned out, despite the tumult of our youth. Laura was not a character in Girlbomb -- I was writing about the home I lived in before the one we shared -- but some of the other characters have emerged, and I'm pleased to say that they're all well and thriving.
Finally, I'm in the New York Post today, talking about drinking. And I'll be at the LIM college dorms tonight, reading and talking and shmoozing. Then I'll be home watching Project Runway, though I could give a shit about any of the contestants this season, which has been, as Blayne might say, suck-licious. Hey Weinsteins, give me my own show!
I don't think I'd describe you as the dud of the booth. You were fine. The thing is, the other fellow was a well-known shrink, and I was on the program, speaking to lots of people. And you were new there.
Get every engagement like that you can . . .
Woof!
Posted by: John Elder Robison | Aug 20, 2008 at 03:51 PM
"...there was always an ashtray with a joint right next to it in the computer..."
Misquote? Libel lawsuit? Who puts the joint next to the ashtray, in the computer? Either the pot works too well, and therefore no writing gets done, or the Post is living up to its typical yellow journalistic standards. :-)
Oh, and congrats, and nice picture, and yes, that may just be the girliest drink I've ever heard of.
Posted by: luckydave | Aug 20, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Hey Janice. I don't know if I it is because our a/c is out and it is over 90F inside or if it is lack of sleep or what but reading your post is both exciting and exhausting. Emotionally, you say so much by implication. I am proud and in awe and inspired and so much more. Or I would be, if it were not so hot and I were not so tired.
Posted by: satia | Aug 20, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I know what you mean, I work at a crisis center and feel that I always have fun, with coworkers and clients! (I guess you know you're doing a good job then!) I will see you at On the rise on Sept 17th!
XO
Kim
Posted by: Kim | Aug 20, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I'm really sorry about your friend.
Cool article in the Post!
Now, on to PR...
In the spirit of Suede: Ashley is not impressed.
Didn't you like it just a little tiny bit in episode 1 when Jerry got his comeuppance? And why am I sorta kinda pulling for Joe? Egads.
Posted by: Ashley | Aug 20, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I'm excited you were around John Elder Robison, his book is on my reading list :) !! You sound so busy woman! But it's all worth it, you make so many people happy with your wonderful writing :) <3
Posted by: Danika | Aug 21, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Love the picture in the post! You are a looker.
And oh so quotable. The drink sounds kinda gross though.
I've been thinking about Judgecal. I remember him as Cal. God was he hot. I can picture him in Washington Square Park and at clubs. Ah...the drugs didn't totally kill my memory. What a fucking loss.
Let's do lunch. Call me. (god that sounds awful)
Posted by: Stana | Aug 22, 2008 at 01:17 AM