by Kathryn Falk is the owner of “Romantic Times” magazine and as such, one of the most influential people in the romance genre today.
After she heard I planned to spend a few days in New York after the Romantic Times Convention this year, she invited me to stay at her home. Well that gobsmacked and terrified me. I mean, this woman could break me if she took a dislike to me, and I’ve never been what you might call socially ept.
But I couldn’t refuse. I thought I might have to give up my yen to be a tourist and do Stuff. I wasn’t averse, but I did keep a frock back, just in case
.
Well, I’ve been up the Empire State, I’ve been shopping at Macys, I’ve been to the Met and I saw a read-through of a play set to hit Broadway later this year. I’ve met a new writer who is going to hit it big and I’ve met her agent. Most of it due to Kathryn and her partner Ken.
Most of my assumptions were wrong. Kathryn and Ken live in a beautiful home in Brooklyn and they made me more than welcome. They have been wonderful hosts and I really feel I’ve made two new friends, despite my lack of ept.
So here’s the real truth about Kathryn Falk. What she’s really like.
Sadly for all of you who are waiting for snark, but happy for me and others who have met her, Kathryn and Ken are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. With Kathryn and Ken, What You See Is What You Get.
If she asks you something, there isn’t any ulterior motive, no attempt to discover things or worm secrets out of you, or do a rival down. She asks you because she wants to know. Her stories about people she has met are interesting, funny and often far too scandalous to repeat. She’s great company and even knows what to do with the author who spends all her time talking with her fingers and finds her mouth is out of practice.
And she knows what she wants. I had an amazing shopping experience when I went with Kathryn to Macys, and she toured the basement buying stuff for her new kitchen. She knew what she wanted when she saw it, and asked for other stuff. No list, either and very decisive. I can spend an hour dithering when I shop. None of that with Kathryn. And while shopping, she charmed everyone she came in contact with. I can, hand on heart, say I’ve never seen anything like it. It was an experience, and one I’m so glad I didn’t miss. Watch for it in a book. I feel like a real duckie now, having been trailed around Macy’s by a woman who really knows how to shop!
She left her passport behind, but Ken saved the day and dropped by to pick it up later, finding the staff still charmed. Concentrating on one thing at a time, and immersing yourself in the experience sometimes has ramifications.
She charms people because it comes naturally to her, not because it’s to her advantage. She champions romance because she genuinely enjoys it and she loves the experience. I’ve learned a few lessons this week and one of them is to live life as it comes and to the max.
Yes, this is a fan letter, but that can’t be helped. I won’t make things up that didn’t happen. Not outside a book, anyway.
I lift my glass to Kathryn and Ken.
Lucky you! I met Kathryn at RT in Daytona. Bertrice Small was kind enough to ask Kathryn to take a couple of newbie authors under her wing. In the midst of RT mayhem, Kathryn went out of her way to introduce Cathy Chernow and I around. She is truly gracious and kind. I reiterate…how lucky that you got to spend a few days with her! And how refreshing to find a blog that neither insults or complains.
Doreen Orsini
Cross Legs & Squeeze!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lynne. It was wonderful to learn of Kathryn’s gift of hospitality. She sounds like such a genuine person. I’m thrilled she carries the standard for romance.
Maggie
buy a book, help a horse with No Second Chance
more details at http://www.maggietoussaint.com
I think I subbed a comment before but it is MIA. Great post Lynne. Enjoyed hearing about your NY adventure.
Maggie
buy a book, help a horse
http://www.maggietoussaint.com
Did you party the night away at the nightclubs?
I agree, Lynne. She’s been utterly charming and very down to earth each time I’ve chatted with her.
And it was great seeing you again at RT!
No, Jane, not one nightclub. I was too tired! I did get to go to Katz (where Harry met Sally), and to a reading of a play that is coming to Broadway later in the year, but my feet wouldn’t let me go to nightclubs after the Met, the Frick and all the other places.
Great seeing you again, Judi. And Doreen (DOReen!)
Sounds like you had a blast Lynne I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Kathryn in San Antonio last year. Wonderful lady & very caring person, I respect and admire her.
Well, I can verify first hand that you don’t know how to shop. I tried my best, dragging you to the clearance racks at SteinMart here in Naples FL the previous RT. You were but a newbie then. I’m so glad a pro like Kathryn finished the job I started. Now we just need you and I to teach author Stacey Klemstein to drink… (JC Wilder already has dubbed Stacey my drinking protege…and Stacey hasn’t had the Long Island Ice Tea YOU had with me last time–LOL!).
I’m tickled you got to know Kathryn. I’ve said loudly and clearly for a bit of time now that I owe my career to RT. When small press authors were being dissed, RT gave us a venue. When I wanted to make the jump to NY, it was at an RT con that bestseller Robin D Owens whipped out her cell phone and put me in touch with her agent (the lovely and adorable Deidre Knight) who put me in touch with agent Kristin Nelson, who sold me to Bantam. I OWE my career to RT.
I’ve been doing RTs now for at least ten years. It was my second or maybe my fourth RT where I realized there was a young gal sitting in the corner of the hotel lobby, sobbing. Everyone ignored here. Sheesh, I’m a retired private detective. Instincts kicked in and to make a long story short, her luggage had gone missing (this was upon checkout) and she was in a panic because the hotel staff was disavowing responsibility. By luck, I spotted Kathryn not 10 feet away. I snagged her, told her an attendee was sobbing and Kathryn surged forth to solve the problem as only Kathryn can.
Things have gone amiss at various RTs over the years. I’ve heard some negative feedback. But when you look at the scope of the con–all the moving parts–you have to realize it’s amazing that all the things that go right, do go right! (And you also have to realize what’s under RT’s control and what’s not. Credit–or blame–where credit/blame is due.)
I’ve never encountered Kathryn without receiving a concerned and thoughtful response from her. IMHO and IMHE. I look forward to Orlando. ~Linnea
I’ve traveled across the pond. Sometimes 14 hour flights and that is just flying time – to attend my first was in 2005 St Louis. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this years RT but where else can you spend hours chatting to friends about books, catching up and generally relaxing.
I’m glad you had another great experience in America, Lynne, and I give you and Katherine K. credit for making the trek. This was my first RT and I wasn’t disappointed in the experience. I only hope it comes to a venue near me in the future so I can attend again!
Hello! And welcome. I do so hate to be a wet blanket but at the risk of building illustions to only shatter them later we aren’t a fluffy kitten and bunny blog.
Well not only. I think we have some fluffy kittens and god knows what else running amok. But we do have some authors that we keep and abuse often and allow to speak their piece if we agree or not. And others guest some (others lots).
Our reviews run from A to F but are always honest reader opinion of whichever reader is giving their opinion. But I hope that doesn’t run you off. We keep Lynne and she is nothing but trouble I tell yah. Might want to stay out of the pondering section? That is where I tend to rant and rave and cuss up a storm 🙂 sometimes but really I am sweetness and light. It is lawson you have to look out for…
They keep me as a pet, I tell you.
And the reviewers are kept in cages, in case they get out and maul the authors who pop up here from time to time.
I have got a kitten, but he’s a bad, bad cat called Jack. For those of you who know Fat Freddie’s Cat, he’s a bit like that.
And that thing about the soul stealing is all not true.
The cages they like. Honest ::blink:: They get tons of free books ::shrug:: they are happy. Really.
Ah…Lynne, you left out the other hot museum we visited…
Doreen
Cross Legs & Squeeze!
http://www.DoreenOrsini.com
::rattle rattle::
Danggit! I’ve been running my cup along the bars for an hour now! Where’s ma books?
In the boxes and boxes and boxes surrounding you waiting for you to either A. log them in B. mail them out C. read them D. send them out as prizes
next question?
oh and prolly your email? that verra verra scary place you never evah go… k back to bed with me migraines suck and I can’t of anything to even blame this on.
hot wax? ::ouch::
When I was first looking to subscribe to RT a couple of years ago I couldn’t find any information about what the cost to send it to the UK would be. So I sent an email, which Kathryn answered, and she graciously posted me three copies of the magazine so I could see what it was like. She seemed to me to be the kind of person who makes everyone she meets feel like she knows them as a friend.
Great post, Lynne. This was my first RT too, and while a bit overwhelming, I had a great time. Kathryn seemed to be everywhere, a smile on her face. What an amazing opportunity you had to spend some time with her.
Natasha
Romance with more…sizzle
http://www.natashamoore.com
I remember last year when you were looking for a place to stay in NYC, Lynne. What good fortune to have wound up getting to know the first lady of romance. I guess that the equivalent of your Queen.
Ash
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit with Kathryn, Lynne. I’ve met and spoken with her several times over the years I’ve been attending RT. Lovely lady. She and Ken are always concerned that everyone is having a good time. I grew up in rural central New York, but haven’t spent a lot of time in New York City. It is an exciting and colorful place.
Adrianna
Lynne,
I’m so glad you had a good time in NY. I’ve only been there once, but I’m going again later this year for a “girls weekend” with my sisters. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
I saw Kathryn all week at RT, always with a smile for everyone she met. I got to talk with her briefly at the Cover Model dinner, and she was incredibly gracious. But what I found refreshing was that she didn’t care who I was. I wasn’t wearing my name tag, and she didn’t immediately ask was I an author, a reader? She treated everyone with the same grace and warmth. It’s very nice, and a lesson to all who meet her.
Well, Kathryn knows how to hold a good party! I really had a wonderful time and in New York, too. I won’t forget my time there. Staying with Kathryn and Ken doubled my enjoyment.
Places to go? Well I loved the Frick Museum, lots of Rococo and two awesome Holbeins, and the Museum of Sex. You have to go there.
Hi Kathryn
I still treasure the copy of HOW TO WRITE A ROMANCE AND GET IT PUBLISHED that you sent me in 1983 – and the photograph!
Very best wishes,
Marion xx