Imagine sipping hot cider, swirling around a frozen lake on skates and mingling with ladies in stunning gowns. When I arrived at Brenda Novak’s Christmas Party on Second Life last night snowflakes drifted down around me. I hopped into a bumper car made of ice and took a spin past giant snowmen tossing snowballs. I hopped out of the car and walked into a sleek glass room to check out posters of Brenda’s book covers.

From a lady in a to-die for ball gown, I learned that Second Life is a happening place for publishers and authors. Authors can even set up booths for their books. At least one publisher has a store. The murmur of nearby conversations drifted around me.

I teleported to another room to find a merry-go-round with ice horses. I took a spin around, thinking how beautiful the flying manes of blue ice were. I turned my head to watch a lady with elegant angel’s wings and rotating attire wander by.

I feasted my eyes on the exquisite decor of the party rooms- the trees with twinkling lights, the crisply wrapped gifts. Every detail of the party seemed to go off like clock work and Brenda’s assistants made it so easy for newbies to join in. I managed to figure out how to get my ice skates on. I didn’t fall on my face even once due to all the helpful signs and IM suggestions!

I gazed intently at the raffle announcement board and clutched my ticket anxiously but alas, I didn’t win anything in the raffle. Then again, I never do!

With a final look around at the sleighs and swirling gowns, I had to leave the winter wonderland. The time was growing late and I was worn out by attending both a live and a virtual Christmas party all in one night. So, I snuggled down in my bed with visions of literary glitter in my head, content that the industry will shine through the gloom.

Hats off to Brenda for a lovely evening!

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