ALA Midwinter 2005 was very successful and a lot of fun. I got to meet lots of fans, and unlike Annual there was often time to actually talk to them. We sold twice as much stuff and signed up twice as many email subscribers as we did at last year's Midwinter, for which I credit a better location and more readers.

Because we were grouped with the Graphic Novel folks I also got to spend some time with the good folks at Viz, TokyoPop, DC, and Diamond. And I was especailly thrilled that Strangers in Paradise's Terry Moore were there. Terry is a personal hero of mine - he has broken enormous ground both in his art (he is a great writer and illustrator) and in his business practices (his self-publishing company Abstract Studio is an industry pioneer). Terry and his wife Robyn were super nice (Texans, doncha know) and I look foward to seeing them at ComicCon this summer.

Finally it was wonderful to have an opportunity to go to Boston. I stayed with my cousins Alex and Tim and got to meet their daughter Zoe who is almost exactly the same age as my daughter Rosie. I also met my friend Keith's new baby Amelia (I believe his wife Liz was involved somehow). And I am indebted to my oldest friend Sean Ryan who carted tables and books for me and took me to the airport on Monday. I find I am a little nervous about this summer's ALA Annual conference in Chicago precisely because I know so few people there. It's a lot easier doing this with the help of friends and family.