Monday, April 27, 2009

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.

19 comments:

Margaret Tanner said...

Ooh Terry, sounds like fun. Like those hunky men. did you get a chance to sit on their knee?

Regards
Margaret

Terry Odell said...

Margaret -- I could have, although I'm more of a hugging type. Between the EC and the Dorchester models, there was plenty of eye candy.

Viola Estrella said...

Hi Terry,
That sounds like so much fun. I hope to go next year! Crossing fingers. :-)

Terry Odell said...

It was definitely worthwhile from a lot of different aspects. I'd recommend it for sure--at least once.

Helen Hardt said...

I wish I had been there -- thanks for sharing!

Helen

Terry Odell said...

Helen, I LOVE sharing. Let's face it -- it's an easy blog topic! :-)

Jean Hart Stewart said...

I've been hoping to get a full report of the convention...sounds like very non-stuffy fun. Thanks. I hope there's lots more to come. Jean

Terry Odell said...

Jean, I'm already working on my post of more RT stuff for Wednesday. Tomorrow is my guest day.

Dara Edmondson said...

I had a great time at RT, too. Not too bad having those Mr. Romance contestants always under foot, so to speak:-D

Terry Odell said...

Yeah, Dara, nothing wrong with a little calorie-free feasting.

Lynn Reynolds said...

Sounds like fun, Terry. Sorry I couldn't go.

Mary Ricksen said...

Boy did I miss some fun stuff!
I wish we all could go!

Terry Odell said...

Yes, it was definitely a good time.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

This is the 3rd RT update post I've read and all you authors who've blogged about it have me wanting to go next year. LOL

Terry Odell said...

Stacey, it's definitely something you should try.

Anita Birt said...

You sound full of bubbles. It's obvious you had not just a good time but a learning time. I hope my cover flats were on show. I paid for two of my books to be on show.

Nice to have you back home and hard at work!

Terry Odell said...

Hi, Anita -
Home, yes. Hard a work ... um... yeah, yeah, that's right. I'm working. Hard.

If you'd have told me about your flats, I'd have looked. Since we're seriously getting the house ready to sell, I was diligently avoiding bringing home anything other than essentials, so I steered away from the giveaway tables (except for the chocolate).

Neil Plakcy said...

I love the idea of signing cover flats for e-books, Terry. I've already passed that on to my publisher.

Terry Odell said...

Neil, yes the cover flats were something my e-publisher created for all the authors signing. I saved a few; they were very well done.