I wanna be a Soap Star... - Beyond Her Book

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Barbara Vey

I wanna be a Soap Star...
March 31, 2008

Sunday was a members only day here at Novelists, Inc. in New York. Understandable since this is a business conference and the authors need a chance to talk their trade without worrying about what they say being taken out of context. This turned out to be a boon for me.

Jill Hurst, writer/producer of CBS's The Guiding Light, invited me to a private tour of her workplace. I was honored to be allowed to see the behind the scenes workings of television. Every producer's office doubles as a set for the popular soap opera. Jill's office is a seedy motel room complete with a rollaway bed, dark panelling/brick, crooked, tacky pictures (that I was itching to straighten) and even a cracked, stained ceiling (I had a sense of deja vu...think I may have stayed here once). My favorite was a nail salon with spa area for pedicures. When the set is needed, the producer packs up and leaves for a while.

Everyone knows I'm not a shopper, but today is the last day of Macy's flower show. Yes, they have real flowers everywhere. But since it's not open yet, I decided to look for a Starbucks and read a book for an hour (I haven't had much time for that lately). I asked a young lady for directions and she was going there too. That's how I met Jessica Anderson.

Jessica is from North Carolina but working in New York while figuring out what she's meant to do in life. We talked about being ready when that moment presents itself. She's looking for something in a nonprofit organization and possibly out of the country. I told her I'd ask you all for advice, so post any ideas for Jessica. After meeting her, I'm sure she'll make a difference anywhere she ends up.

Finally get into Macy's only to find it so packed you can hardly move. Everyone has cameras out and the flashes are exploding everywhere. I look around to make sure I'm in a department store, but it truly is dazzling to see all the gorgeous flowers and plants. Like being in the season of Spring. After checking out all the floors, I head back to the hotel and am invited to lunch with author Dianne Drake, her husband Joel and author Lou Aronica who explained to me exactly how the bestseller lists are picked (a goofy system if I ever heard one) and how Book Scan works (I need to learn more about this).

Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Diana Peterfreund know how to pick their desserts.

I'm invited back into the conference just in time for the dessert break (they really know how to spread the love).

Meeting up with Holly Jacobs and Susan Gable, I let them twist my arm to try New York pizza and am not disappointed.

C.H. Admirand, Susan Gable, Lynn Miller (aka Meg Lacy), Holly Jacobs...conference organizers extraordinaire

The conference wraps up with a "come as you dress when you write" party which had a few in pajamas. More food, games, fun, laughs and in the end, hugs, kisses and good byes. I discovered many new authors and met some I've read in the past. This is one conference I hope I'm invited back to.

Bottom Line: I heart New York.

Posted by Barbara Vey on March 31, 2008 | Comments (19)

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Christy commented:

Barb, I heart New York, too!!! I'm so happy that you had such a great time. I've really enjoyed reading about your time there all weekend.

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Tina commented:

Wow, Barbara. Totally cool. I am so jealous. www.tinarusso.com

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
mary s commented:

Thanks Barb for the updates from NYC!! Your pics are as fun as the blog!! When is your book coming out?!

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
JOANN ROSS commented:

Barb, What fun! I was a Guiding Light fan for years, going back to when I was a little girl watching with my mother. (Though my soap opera heart still belongs to Cruz and Eden from Santa Barbara.) My kid was in NYC from D.C. last week, taking his kids to see The Lion King on Broadway -- which he said had the most amazing staging of any play he's ever seen, and he's seen a bunch! -- and while in the city they went shopping in Macys and he told me about all the flowers everywhere and was wondering how the women in the makeup counters were able to sell anything with all the hoards taking pictures of the flowers over their heads. Sounds fabulous, though.

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Clea Simon commented:

SO GLAD you had fun in NYC!!!

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Susan C commented:

I've been a fan of Guiding Light for as long as I can remember. I'm so jealous of you!

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
catherine james commented:

Looks like you had a great time! Can I stow away in your suitcase next year? :)

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Lori Devoti commented:

Hey, you were supposed to go for pizza with me! Everyone I went to eat with wanted something fancier. :(

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Lori Devoti commented:

Hey, you were supposed to go for pizza with me! Everyone I went to eat with wanted something fancier. :(

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Edie Ramer commented:

So funny, Barbar, you make friends wherever you go. Glad you're having such a great time.

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Mary Stella commented:

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip so much. I know that I enjoyed spending time with you!

March 31, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
RevDeb commented:

Been following you. I love NYC too.

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Jennifer LaBrecque commented:

Sounds like you had a BLAST, Barbara! Of course, I'm beginning to think you have fun everywhere you go. ;)

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
violet s commented:

Good morning Barbara! Any blog today? Hope all is well in NYC & your wonderful meetings/networking!

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Susan Gable commented:

Lori, next time we're in NYC, hook up with me for pizza. I had pizza three times while in NYC. I grew up in NJ, and Erie pizza just doesn't cut it like NYC pizza does. (Jersey pizza is like NYC pizza. Hand tossed and yummy!) Barbara, I'm glad you enjoyed the pizza and the conference, and I was delighted to get to know you! See you around the conference circuit!

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
HOLLY JACOBS commented:

Barbara, Just wanted to drop by and say how much fun I had with you in NYC! And though I like Erie's pizza, I'm going to agree with Susan, "our" little pizza place was fantastic! I think the three of us have to have another NYC date soon! Holly

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
HOLLY JACOBS commented:

April 1, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Jennifer St. Giles commented:

Okay Barb! how is it that in 1 year you now go to more fantabulous events than I've been to in ten! LOL hugs you go girl and keep bringing us all of this fun news about the writing biz, books, and the authors we love. I heart you!

July 28, 2008
In response to: I wanna be a Soap Star...
Sibylle Barrasso commented:

Barbara, what fun!!! I spent an entire day on the set of Guiding Light a few years back when I was writing a romantic suspense novel set on a soap opera. The folks at Guiding Light couldn't have been nicer. From the actors and actresses, to the make up people and production staff and camera crew. I came home with many amazing photos taken with the actors on the sets. Thanks, Guiding Light, for the memories.