Firstly I should apologise for the lack of photos but at this swish garden party I didn’t feel appropriate that I whip out my camera and go nuts.
So instead, I felt self-conscious as I obviously missed the memo on the black/white/grey dress code that most people were following. I, in turn, turned up in a multi-coloured dress. Bold, strong colours, really bright.
Yep, as if being late (silly work!) wasn’t bad enough, I stood out.
Oh well, that’s me for you!!
Last night was Hardie Grant Egmont’s 10th birthday party. After driving around the city for fifteen minutes getting increasingly angry at the lack of parking (or the $20/hour parking!) I finally found a spot and made it to the party.
In was held in the ‘secret garden’ of the city; a huge rectangle tent filled with all sorts of publishing royalty, from editors to publishers to heads of companies to authors to everyone in between.
I almost bumped in Chrissie Keighery, which was fantastic (if somewhat embarrassing!) as she’s such a lovely person. She then introduced me to Thalia Kalkipsakis which was OMG AMAZING as I’ve read so many of Thalia’s books! Admire her so much.
Speeches were so lovely and really brought home to me what a special publishing house Hardie Grant Egmont is. One of the speakers spoke a school yard analogy; speaking of ‘double-digit’ birthday and being the new kids in the playground. She choked up a little and it was so nice to feel the collective camaraderie in the room.
The night consisted of catching up with old friends and meeting lots of new ones. It was the first time I’d seen a lot of people since last year, and it was fantastic catching up on all the news.
I had considered turning around and going home while circling the city for parking as I’d had an awful day and wasn’t really in the mood.
But as soon as I stepped into the over-sized tent, saw all the people, picked up a glass of champagne, I knew I’d made the right decision to go.
Happy double-digit birthday, Hardie Grant Egmont!
Oh good on you Megan, it’s so nice when you’re not having a great day and then get to the party and have a fantastic time after all. I know that feeling so well.
Also, I am completely amazed at how intimate your knowledge is of the publishing scene! I would love to see you at a party, knowing everyone’s name, and where everyone works and what they’ve written, etc. You’re so cool.
Haha oh Jess you’re too much!! I am so not cool!!!
It was lovely to meet you at the party, Megan! I know what you mean about the collective camaraderie in the room. It was a great night. I look forward to catching more of your blog.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
This is the single most exciting thing to happen all day. I cannot believe you found me!