RT Recap 1

What I'm reading: Naked Prey, by John Sandford

Back from my first Romantic Times conference, and I have to say it was memorable. I'll recap today, and try to share some panel notes over the rest of the week.

Tuesday night, Cerridwen Press had a welcome party for authors (they always call themselves Ellora's Cave, but since I write for their Cerridwen imprint, I will use that terminology). We played a get-acquainted Bingo game where we had to identify authors based on little-known facts we'd provided – tidbits such as who can drive a 64 seater bus, who rode a wagon train across North Dakota, whos' an expert marksman with an M16, etc. (My contributions: I climbed Ayers Rock, and my mantel holds a skull collection.) I found enough answers early enough to get a prize, which include a tomato stress-reducer. I gave it to hubby, and it kept him well amused as he threw it against the wall and watched it flatten and re-forms. Then again, why should that be surprising from a man who likes fish-shaped squirt guns?

The Ellora's Cave cover models were at the party, and those who wanted could have their pictures taken with them. I opted out, but snapped a few pictures. Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone, and they're a bit blurry.

Keep Reading...

The next morning, I checked into the hotel, and was pleasantly surprised to find my room was ready well before check-in time. I had enough time to unpack and get ready for the Cerridwen author's luncheon.
Although I live very nearby, I opted to get a room for 3 nights so that I could escape if I needed to, and also have a place to drop off all the "stuff" one accumulates at conferences—and when they're a writing conference, that "stuff" includes books.

And, thankfully, a nifty tote to carry "stuff" in.

The conference hotel is a resort hotel with more than a dozen sprawling buildings. Mine, of course, was just about as far away from the center of activity as it could possible be, so I ended up having to schlep "stuff" anyway. Plus, the paths meandered, so you ended up walking much farther than the map distance. We were lucky that the humidity was low enough so walking back and forth was bearable. Normally, a walk down my driveway to the mailbox is enough outside time.

After lunch, I went to my first workshop, which was "Heroes with PMS: Phony Male Syndrome," given by Raz Steel. I hope to post my notes from this one—it was fascinating.

Next, "Create the Character and the Plot will Follow" given by Denise Swanson. Since I write character driven novels, it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who does a lot of character development before starting the book.

After that, it was time for the e-book Expo where authors of e-books and small-press books met readers and sold their books. Cerridwen authors had gorgeous cover flats made up by the publisher, and people could buy these and get a download code.

After the signing, there was just enough time to change for the Jungle Ball and party. The publisher arranged for their cover models to escort each of their authors across the stage to be introduced. By luck of the draw, my escort was Jason Santiago, who just happens to be on the cover of my book, What's in a Name? He was very kind and made sure I didn't trip and fall.

And, as a memento, we were given personalized paw prints.


That's enough for today. Tomorrow, I'll be hosting my normal guest day, and Jenyfer Matthews, and American who's living in Cairo, Egypt will be my guest. Please stop by. More RT recaps starting Wednesday. And Friday, it'll be Homicide – Hussey's turn again.