I’d checked her blog here and there, mostly there. And I’d read enough to know she hated me, or at the very least my writing. WTF is up with hating someone you’ve never even met? You think I’d be used to it. Yet knowing she hated me made me kinda hate her back. Granted, I’ve never in my life ever written one negative thing about her, anywhere. Though I’ve thought it. I’ve thought, I hope no one shows up to her book signing. I hope she fails miserably. Because who the hell is she to hate me the way she does? I mean seriously?
Yes, I’m 32, not 12.
Somewhere, deep down, I knew I had to do something about it. Not about her hating me, about my beginning to hate her back. I don’t like myself that way–it’s too reminiscent of the jealousy and hate I reserved for a boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend, one I’d never met but in a sick destructive way kept thinking about. I knew the best thing I could do for myself was just confront it. In person. Emails are a nightmare, a tangle of awkward and trying-too-hard.
I hoped in person I’d realize that we’re not all that different.Or gosh, maybe we really would be. Then what? Bitch throw down! Either way, I was determined to fight my own insecurities and do what I believed was right: to support a talented female author. So, I got in the car with my family and showed up to her reading.
Just being there made me like her. On a certain level, I think seeing someone in person strips a lot of the bullshit away. I bet it’s why therapists don’t want to only treat you via telephone, ahem. There’s a lot to be said for hearing a voice, for seeing a person’s reaction to the world around them. And in most instances it’s disarming. And you realize you’re dealing with a person, not a name, or an idea.
She reminds me of my sister Lea. She’s got a big mouth, and does but doesn’t care what people think. The punchline to many a joke ends with a variety of grape or a barrel-aged cheese. With me, the lines end with a toss up to masturbation or butter. But either way, on the line, if we cut to it, I saw a beautiful woman who knows how to work a room, a woman who has said the same thing before a crowd as she’s said before a camera, and as she says it, she’s thinking, “Wait, I’ve already said this. People know this. How can I say it differently this time?” I know she’s thinking this because I’m the same way.
We come off brave, heartless sometimes, but at the core, all any of us want is to be liked. We’re also big enough to realize not everyone is here to like us. And you know what? That’s okay, too. But for me, in this one case, it just wasn’t. It wasn’t okay for her to hate me, not until she actually met me. If she hates me based on me, I can live with that. But hating the idea of me, hating me because a die-hard reader of mine went psycho on her, has nothing at all to do with me. And I knew she’d know this. Even more than this, though, my hating her back wasn’t okay with me. I don’t like the idea of jealousy; it makes me squirm. I want to be happy for the people around me and believe they genuinely deserve the successes afforded them. But I couldn’t do it from a distance.
Jen Lancaster’s book Such A Pretty Fat just hit the New York Times bestseller list, which is an amazing accomplishment. It means your readers love what you do, your publisher supports you, works for you, pays the money to keep your book at the front of the store, and means you are someone to watch. And I couldn’t be more sincere in saying, I’m thrilled for her.
People might think I’m crazy for posting this, but you know what? I believe in supporting talented women. I believe in facing your fears. I believe in doing things that maybe make you want to pound down a few glasses of vino before you do them. Life is about risk, and anything worth doing involves being scared at the beginning.
So when she asked if anyone had any questions, I raised my hand and eventually came to ask her what I asked David Sedaris and Ruth Reichel: is there anything you’ve ever published that you regret? To which she responded: Yes. I wrote a mean review, and I really shouldn’t have. And I’m sorry.
I wasn’t asking because of what she’d once written about me. I was asking because it’s my go-to question, and I think the answers are always interesting. But there it was. The hugging came later. Incidentally, we’ll be on a panel together at the Chicago Tribune’s Printer’s Row event in June. I hope to get her drunk.
I genuinely hope Miss Jen(n)* Lancaster appreciates how blessed she is, that she revels in the moment and doesn’t for a second worry about the sales of her next book. Because we writers have a tendency to go there, to that intersection of panic and crazed, and it’s always nice to hear from someone other than your mother or mocking therapist that it’s okay to enjoy the moment. It doesn’t have to take yoga to make you present; it takes a new admirer, a new friend, to reassure you that people will not forget you.
*Isn’t the second "n" completely superfluous?**
**I heard Jen say this tonight at her Round Rock reading to a woman named Jenn.
I don't often comment, but thumbs up for this post. Good for you that you can admit to hating her at first even though you didn't meet her (but based on how she felt about you, even though she never met you before), and also that you can admit you actually like her.
I feel similar about my roommate, she's a nice person but not to me (because she decided months ago that we did not get along and therefore she does not like me and does not have to be nice to me) and that makes me dislike her very much (I don't really like using the word 'hate', it's a very strong emotion, dislike works better in my case). At first I thought it was a shame … but what can I do, and now I am moving in just over a month anyway (not related to her, but my time in Spain is over, moving back to Germany).
Good on you, Stephanie! Regardless of what her reaction was or wasn't, you stepped out there. You stepped out there to what anyone would see as a scary situation. Walking into a reading of someone who has made it clear she "didn't like" you; even though she'd never met you.
Her reaction at that point is irrelevant. You did the right thing for you. I'm a believer in karma, and what you did will bring positive results in your life. It may very well bury any hatchet that was created between the two of you. Even if it didn't, and I believe the chances of that to be a slim percentage; you can hold your head high knowing you gave yourself and her, a chance to turn negatives into postives.
Your actions are inspirational. We could all stand to support each other more in our many and varied endeavors. It doesn't mean that those we've clashed with, will become out next BFF. (To use an over-used phrase) But it can mean removing any negative and unwarranted animosity. Which can only leave more room and energy for productive creativity.
Yet another reason to love StephanieKlein.com.
3T
Not saying this because I loved your book and relate to much of what you write, but I have all her books…and I haven't been able to get through more than a few chapters. I *want* to like her- I HAVE all the books and friends of mine have recommended her books to me numerous times. I just can't get into them. I don't know what the difference is…but I don't really think there's a comparison. You either relate to someone's material or not.
Of course I don't know the back story, I don't know about the psycho fan or about her hating you. Sometimes a "feud" though, is just something one perpetuates to keep people interested, especially if they're insecure about what they have that you're *supposed* to be interested in.
Okay, I have her red pocketbook cover book. I dont remember the name? and im too lazy to google it. It was a last minute buy at an airport and ended up in the floor of my car..in the backseat…beneath crumbs, stale goldfish crackers, spilled juice, etc. It just couldnt keep my attention. I did however google her picture and well it shouldnt be a coincidence that she hates you considering what your latest book is about, I guess? Why does she hate you? I will never ever understand why or even how people can hate someone they've never met, and Ive never understood some women's pure disdain for your writing. And when I have question some of those people who seem so just..well, pissed off at you I was called a minion and never given a true answer.
But I have to ask would you still be blogging about her if she hadnt made the NYTimes bestseller list? Do you only consider that talent or did you think she was talented before making the list?
I'll have to give her new book a looksee.
I'm sorry to hear that there is an "issue" between the two of you because I think she is an amazing writer and I would have thought you guys would hit it off. This is a very nice "high road" post – I wish I was capable of displaying dignity like this.
FROM SK: I must not have been clear in the post. There is no longer an issue between us, and in person, we did hit it off. Her book will be on the plane with me as I depart on my tour… and I'll see her soon in Chicago.
Her (J. Lancaster) newest just arrived at my door yesterday and I have to force myself to finish a Jodi Picoult library book first.
And for what it's worth, I can't imagine a classier way of handling a situation. Total avoidance would be so easy, but it really speaks to your character that you chose to confront it.
Very big of you. I like your style. I also wanted to mention that I picked up "Straight Up and Dirty" and am enjoying it tremendously. You're a great writer.
Well, it is a compliment that Jen Lancaster noticed your talent. And I am very impressed at your grace and generosity to offer an olive branch. That said, tread lightly as Ms. Lancaster seems to delight in holding grudges.
I am glad you guys "made up." you are 2 of my fav authors ever! I just finished SUCH A PRETTY FAT and MOOSE is up next, as soon as it gets here!
I think it is great that the two of you have meet because I love her books and I love Straight up and Dirty and I had no idea how the two writers I enjoy the most could dislike each other.
Congratulations on your new friendship! :)
p.s. she posted about meeting you on her blog which is right next to yours on my firefox bookmark toolbar. :)
Personally, I totally understand why you two disliked each other, and I think both of you were justified in your dislike. She, I am guessing, didn't care for you after reading your blog, and finding some of your posts insulting, revolting, or just distasteful. She then posted nasty things about you based on what she knew of you, which happened to all be from your blog posts, and you in turn weren't fond of her because she posted nasty comments about you in her blog.
I think that liking or disliking someone based on their writings is perfectly acceptable, especially if a blogger makes it perfectly clear that their posts represent their sincere, true and unedited feelings and thoughts. While usually shocking to me, you never make any bones about the fact that it's your blog, they are your feelings, so you will post whatever you want whenever you choose. You typically go on further to say that since it is YOUR blog (but not your internet), you have every right to write whatever you want, and frankly I don't dispute that one bit. The problem arises when someone dares to post a comment with a dissenting opinion, or godforbid with one word that isn't some a## kissing praise of your posts. I am not speaking about nasty, hateful commenters who make disparaging and crude remarks intended solely to insult you (though I do feel they have every right to attempt to insult you if they want). When the offender dares to post a negative response to your writings posted in the most public of forums, your fans (and you at times) awaken in anger that the person dared to comment negatively about your post, since it's YOUR blog communicating YOUR feelings.
So if the girl found you to be stomach turning, and that was based on the only forum in which she could gain a perspective on what you are like, i don't see any issue with that. I am sure there are people who you and your blog fans have and will never met/meet, who you don't care for based only on their writings. Why? Because someones writings are a reflection of them as a person. If you wrote a fictional blog, and "haters" misinterpreted the fiction as fact and reflected that misinterpretation in their comments, then I think you would have every right to feel they had judged you unfairly.
But, I think if you are going to post these "it's my blog and I'll write what i want to", you and your fans can't stand strong on that position. But for Gods sake, acccept the fact that there might be someone who bases their assessment of you as a person on the writings that you tell them are a reflection of you as a person. And i hate to tell you and everyone else, but the rest of the public who has the right to read your blog, has the right to dislike your posts, and since its a public forum with comments has every right to comment on it however they please. You and the fans don't have to like it, but you ought to understand and respect it.
And as for the comparison to hatred of the ex girlfriends, this is a totally dissimilar situation. You hated those girls based on the propaganda spewed to you by a third party, and due to your own insecurity. You didn't hate the girls because you stumbled across their diaries, read their diary posts that clearly stated they were communicating their sincere opinion on some very emotional subjects, and since your opinion differed you disliked them. No, in that situation you wouldn't have any right to dislike them, so you are correct in thinking that it was ridiculous of you to hate them.
The problem is that while someone may act differently in person, and their interpersonal communications may convey a perspective and sentiments that differ from those they can convey from the safety (from persecution, or at least in your and your readers minds) provided by the internet. So, it doesn't amaze me that you or this other blogger take a bit of a different approach when communicating interpersonally, and i can't say for sure why that is. Maybe when you are communicating in the real world you know there aren't a bunch of sycophantic fans around waiting for someone to utter a word that carries a hint of negativity, followed by them pouncing on the person while crying "those are stephanies true feelings, she can say anything she wants and you BETTER NOT say a word bad about her". Or maybe you actually do what the rest of the world does on a daily basis in all their communications, and realize that while you most certainly CAN say anything you want, if someone doesn't agree or care for something they find offensive, they have the right to and just might tell you you're and a-hole. Wow, what a novel concept, freedom of speech for everyone, not just the person owning the blog (and it would seem the internet and Earth based on your fans comments.)
Just de-lurking to say I really enjoyed this post. I'm in a similar — though not public — situation with someone who has deemed me her "rival" for whatever reason, and more than anything I want to bury the hatchet.
OK, I will be the cynic here. I think that this post was a shrewd business move. Align yourself with a NY Times best selling author, create a post that basically wills a response from her, drawing her readers to your site and book. Bravo!
Hmm, call me cynical, but I am convinced you wrote this for a link on her blog.
I will take that as a NO you didnt think she was talented before she hit the list.
I think she sucks personally. And I have to wonder if her answer had been different if you would still be blogging about her in this light. What if she had been a bitch to you? Or had stuck by her original "mean" review?
Pffft.
i know this is going to sound ridiculous, but i am SO proud of you! i'm incredibly impressed, and i think this is one of the best blog postings that i've read. EVER. Hands down. Good for you. i know how heart-quakingly hard what you did can be to do – and i'm SO glad it had a good resolution. Fantastic job, woman. Fantastic.
You have no idea how much this thrills me. A simple YAY will suffice.
What a big, beautiful heart you have, Stephanie! What you did was so inspirational and (i have to say again) beautiful. I've never understood why we carry hate around–there's so much else to do/go in your brief lives…
Steve makes my eyes hurt. Seriously, dude, brevity is the soul of blog comments.
I take issue with: "I think both of you were justified in your dislike," and I take such issue because of: "She then posted nasty things about you based on what she knew of you, which happened to all be from your blog posts, and you in turn weren't fond of her because she posted nasty comments about you in her blog." So Jen (Jenn?) actually did something to offend; SK did not respond. Therefore, your posit of moral equivalency is erroneous.
This may be a tad Talmudic of me, but I'm having a slow morning. Though no slow enough to read your entire comment.
I agree with Steve to a certain degree. When you post a thought on an open forum (and you own the blog, but by providing a comments link it makes it also a forum for discussion), you open yourself up to praise and ridicule. I often find that sometimes it feels very sycophantic here. Just when a healthy discussion on a topic may be starting (again, from someone who may disagree but is respectful, which is what I always try to be) a few too many overzealous fans throw out the word “hater” and virtually beat any person who may disagree with you into resignation. It seems, at times, that there is this silent “sic ‘em” attitude, where genuine criticism gets battered.
I am going to give credit where credits due though. I probably wouldn’t have gone to J.L.’s book reading. Was it a shrewd ploy on your part? Eh, who knows. Sure you get a mention on her site-not that you have control over what she posts-but either way you get to talk about it. Had it gone badly, you were the bigger person for showing up in person to try and iron things out, or had it gone well, which, incidentally it did, you also “win”. The makings of a mighty good blog post either way. Whatever the reason, who can fault someone for marketing their work or unorthodox promotion, if that’s what this is.
I just wonder why drawing her ire bothered you so much. Is it because she has a wide fan base and may have tainted potential readers before they’d had a chance to visit your site and judge your writing on it’s own? You don’t seem to care (usually) when someone throws something negative out here on your own site, but then again that takes me back to the fact that you have so many die-hards who are willing to “sic ‘em,” and defend on your behalf.
I appreciate Barbara E’s comments, but what I thought was a pretty well thought out, sincere (albeit long) comment to this post from Steve, got a very dismissive, shorthanded, sort of rude response. I just don't get why, even criticism that is presented respectfully doesn’t seem to garner any respectful responses.
Kate–my thoughts exactly. Not that there's anything wrong with it–but totally my first though–nice pr strategy.
Ann and other self-proclaimed cynics and pr-marketing gurus, I'm a liker of Jen, lover of Steph's, and I've been reading them both for years. Just want to say Jen posted about Stephanie BEFORE Stephanie posted this, so your theory needs some serious work.
There was actually nothing benefiting SK by posting this, other than revealing in the comment section how many people seem to assume the worst of her… which is the point of what she wrote.
I would not even bother to see someone like that. As in just not go out of my way at all. World is a big place, not everyone will like me. And the ones who actually take time to campaign against me? Really? Next.
And I might be in the minority but I find her to be a one trick pony. It's boring as hell to read about the too-loud-abrasive- trying-to-be-funny-big-girl and her exploits yet again. From what I can tell from reading your blog I think Moose will be more layered and less forced humor and trying too hard to be clever cliches.
T- the difference between Lancaster's writing and SK? Plenty but to distill it: SK's anecdotes have more authenticity.
The other author I feel is so aware of her image and maintaining the hip, slick 'funny' image that she loses a lot in telling her story. SK can reign it in and keep it from becoming a ridiculous caricature lacking real heart.
i actually found your blogs at the exact same time… i read about yours in a people magazine review and when i went to order "straight up and dirty" from amazon, it was bundled with "bitter is the new black." i read both in just a couple of days and have been reading both blogs ever since. i was actually curious to know whether or not the two of you had ever met… interesting story and i always think it's fun when two things intersect like that. jen is coming to portland tonight for a reading from her newest book and i can't wait to see her. i think you are both hugely talented and my day is always brightened by reading your blogs.
and kate, you may be right but jen posted about them meeting with a link to stephanie's book on amazon before stephanie's post went up…
Steve, you wrote:
"When the offender dares to post a negative response to your writings posted in the most public of forums, your fans (and you at times) awaken in anger that the person dared to comment negatively about your post, since it's YOUR blog communicating YOUR feelings."
I think what you might be missing is Stephanie lets some of those comments through, not all of them. She knows what might further a discussion and what's out of bounds, though if you ask me, she shouldn't let half the cruel stuff people write about her appear in the comments at all. I usually read the comments because it's nice to see how positive people can actually be. "You're the best, you've changed my life," might not further the discussion, but it's actually comforting to see that not everyone is cruel or snarky on the internet. Personally, I'm so sick of snark.
I've been known to come to Stephanie's defense on here mostly because I don't want her to take all the slack she gets personally. I want to remind her how lucky I am to get a glimpse into her life, am glad she's honest even though people might jump all over her in judgment (which, yes, of course they're entitled to do). It takes guts to be so bare with yourself. It doesn't take guts to be criticize instead of create.
Personally, I related completely to the analogy of "the other woman" because you hate the IDEA of that person. You don't really know that person, but you obsess over them. You can and you can't know a writer by their writing. Look at all those long email exchanges in the online dating world, and when they meet in person… ugh. And that has nothing to do with looks. You can be swept away with words and ideas and hopes, and you can also learn to loathe and never give a person the benefit of the doubt. It works both ways.
I don't read Stephanie because I like her. I don't even actually know her. I read her book and will read the next one because she makes me think about my own life.
I've seen SK defend herself, sometimes when she shouldn't bother. But I've also seen people use the "those are stephanie's true feelings, she can say anything she wants and you BETTER NOT say a word bad about her" (myself included) not because I'm anti-discussion but because if you don't have anything nice to say, you really shouldn't say anything. HOWEVER, a legitimate, helpful, criticism has always been allowed to be aired and I've seen SK thank people for it.
I'm so excited to see you both at Printer's Row Book Fair. It's one of my favorite Chicago summer festivals…you will love it.
Such a shame, though not surprising, I guess — ever since you were done with the book and have been preparing for its release, your blog has become quite the PR machine (this post included, I believe). I understand why you need to start marketing yourself as a product so much (blogging for a living is your chosen career path and all), but I find it kind of depressing nonetheless. You'll gain plenty of new fans, I'm sure, but I think you'll lose a few of your old.
Hi
I have been reading your blogs for a while now and only recently began to leave comments. I am a single mother of a four year old little girl. After 10 years of marriage, I finally had the guts to say "enough" and I left when my daughter was 15 months old. Divorce is not something that I would wish on my worst enemy but if it taught me nothing else, it taught me that to survive as a single parent (especially with a small child) you need to have courage and chutzpah and the only way to get that is through practice. It has taken me over three years to get to a place where I can now write you the following:
You say that you are into supporting other talented women and that you "believe in doing things that maybe make you want to pound down a few glasses of vino before you do them." and that "Life is about risk, and anything worth doing involves being scared at the beginning."
I couldn't agree with you more, so know that I as I write this I'm scared shitless and sober, since it is way too early to pound down anything more than a glass of O.J.
I am a total "unknown" out there but I believe I am one of those "talented" women. I have a web based comedy series called "BERNTHIS" posted on my site. It is about a neurotic woman's journey through her weekly visits to her therapist's office. The main character has often been described as a single woman's Larry David.
It's funny and there is a blog to go with it which happens to be quite different from yours in that each post is about a slice of life, funny "event" in my life.
In the interest of helping other female writers, I am asking that you watch the series/read a few posts and if you think there is talent there, give me a mention in your next post.
There, I did it.
P.S. Congratulations on the publication of your new book, my copy should be here any day now.
Maureen, I really enjoyed your comment. I understand your POV and you stated it without insulting someone you disagreed with.
I will say that I disagree with the sentiment that it doesn't take guts criticize. I think it takes more guts to criticize someone you respect or like than it does to join the chorus of praise. As with everything in life, it's how you go about it that determines whether you've been brave or not.
I don't leave annonymous snarky comments, i use my real name and try to be clear…that doesn't mean i don't sometimes get a tiny pang of anxiety whenever i want to express something that isn't 100% pro steph, fearing someone might explode on me. I sometimes do feel brave going against the grain.
Bravo, fantastic marketing. I am convinced you showed up at the reading to play nice and pray for a plug from a best selling author. It worked!!! take yourself out for a drink.
On another note, I think it is totally ok not to like someone based on their very personal and open blog.
This warms my heart. And inspires me and impresses the fuck out of me. It never really made sense to me how two of my favorite authors could dislike each other with such vengeance. That in spite of your huge differences, you are so much alike at the core, which is likely what makes me such a HUGE fan of both of you. Anyway, this is incredibly cool and, well, it just makes me love you that much more.
Am so interested in this. I discovered you and Jen about the same time and loved both of your writing. Then you both had new books coming out in May. Then I saw you were both going to be at some Chicago Printer's Row thing and I thought "aww maybe they could meet and be friends." Had no idea there was a past history or any bad blood. Glad you could hug it out.
Loved the review; I have added this to my list of books to read.
(The second "n" is probably superfluous, but I like to think of it as necessary – like the names Lynn, Flynn and Finn. There are countless names with one n; like Ben, Jan and Ken)
I recently saw Jen Lancaster and we found out that you and her would be at Printer's Row in Chicago together. I was bummed when I found out she didn't like you because you and her are two of my favorite authors.
But I was so happy to read Jen's blog, and now yours, and find out that you don't hate each other! I don't feel guilty reading both books now haha!
Looking forward to seeing you at Printers Row as well as BlogHer in July!
Stephanie-
I was at the reading on Thursday, and I think you both handled yourselves with such GRACE! I think Jen was a little shaken that you were there at first.
I shook your hand as you were about to get in line. (Short brown hair, jeans, and green scarf top) Thanks for this post. I've actually been reading both of your blogs for about two years now. My husband and I just moved to Round Rock, so let's get together!
brave.
who cares what the motivation was.
it was just plain brave.
i would love to think that i would have done the same thing.. not likely, though.
This was an amazing post to read on so many levels.
Good job to you. Good job to her. Good job all around on going to the book reading and asking the question.
*gasp*
Was my comment deleted? Censored? Say it aint so, Stephanie. I might post some bitchy things but I call it like I see em.
Sorry if it offended you.
Im surprised you didnt post it but ah well.
I still think Jen Lancaster's writing is boring, drawn out and too chicky lit for me anyway.
Making the NYTimes bestseller list doesnt necessarily mean you have talent. But loathing a person you've never met has not nor will it ever make sense to me.
Julie mine wasn't posted either. I am not a fan of that author either but.. I really did not think I said anything nearly as bad as some incendiary comment I have read that get approved.
Perhaps SK doesn't want Lancaster to read anything that could be deemed critical of her (I commented on her writing style).
Oh my, how I would love to be at a table drinking with the two of you, what a fantastic combo of women; smart, beautiful, HYSTERICAL and full of stories, of real liiiiving. Real, amazing women (that are slightly cooler than other women, because they write books. haha) Fantastic. And cheers to you for this post.
Ah well. It is SK's blog afterall. And for some reason I have a really hard time envisioning you reading one of her books, SK.
Speaking of…ever read High Maintenance by Jennifer Belle?
If you havent do. Hilarious book.
See if I spread the good Moose word around my trailer park for you now, Stephanie!
Um, yeah…I'm still getting a really strong frenemy vibe from both blog posts – especially hers. She's not going to magically start liking your writing because you hugged her. Besides, once you confronted her publicly, whether she hates your writing or not, did she really have any choice but to make nice??? The question you asked, whether it's your go-to question or not, comes off as fishing for an apology. Also, maybe it's just me, but saying "we writers" sounds painfully pretentious. Would you not roll your eyes if someone said "We doctors…" or "We lawyers…" in conversation?
Great post. I'll remember it and hopefully take the sentiment forward.
So I went back and watched a video of Jen Lancaster. I also read a few of her blogs. Her main blog is that jennsylvania whatever right? She could have at least dropped your name in her blog post. That was kind of shitty. All the linkage she has throughout her blogs, it wouldnt have killed her. Anywho, it is hard to NOT like her sass, and I have decided to purchase Pretty Fat and give it a try. I guess that shows the power behind video. Well, video and a load of sass.
(fellow austinite here. *waves like a crazy person*)
I love your line about the in person stripping away the bullshit.
so
frickin
true
Wow. So glad to have read this! I had heard there was some sort of rivalry, whether it was an urban legend or not, between the two of you, and that the two of you are going to be on a panel at Printer's Row, and I was nervous about attending because I kinda "know" both of you, Jen in person, and you via cyberland …
Very excited to see you both.
PS–I'll be there at your Torrid signing with kids in tow the day before as well! Looking very much forward to it!