Well, I’m finally home and have been a total slug today. I didn’t even get out of bed until 3 p.m. and by then I had a ton of emails to read and answer. I could tell from reading them that everyone else had as much fun as I did at the Romance Writers of America Convention.
Since I missed blogging yesterday, let me catch you up. I started off with breakfast with Julia Quinn. She was still glowing from her Rita win Saturday night for On the Way to the Wedding for best long historical romance. It is the last book in her Bridgerton series and since I read them all, I highly recommend them.
I saw Jennifer St. Giles who was breakfasting with Jacquie D’Alessandro. Jacquie had the most beautiful white princess dress at the Rita Awards Saturday night and even though I didn’t get a picture, you can see her here. Well, I got an introduction and managed to snag an interview before Jacquie left to catch her plane.
Back to the room to pack up 3 boxes of books. What was I thinking?? Well, more to give away to you. Of course, first I have to sort them into the TBR pile (which will be overflowing into my living room). Then lots of hugs and farewells on the way to the airport.
A few other notable mentions from the conference. While wearing a pin that said "Official Kilt Inspector" (given to me by highlander author Sandy Blair), I was confronted by a man wearing a kilt. T.A. (Todd) Stone is a speaker who offers a Novelist’s Boot Camp. Here’s a picture, but I passed on the inspection (even though there were some egging me on).
I also want to thank Katherine Orr (KO) for the lovely invitation to Harlequin’s Party, that I unfortunately was unable to attend. I heard it was spectacular. To Chris and Leah of Dorchester for handling my teasing with such grace. To Craig for letting me into the NAL booksigning early so I could schmooze with all the authors.
Thanks to Nicole Kennedy and Katherine Addy who worked tirelessly in the Press Room. I think they had me on speed call to keep me on track.
Special thanks to Kelley St. John, RWA board member and author extraordinaire, who took me under her wing and introduced me to tons of incredible, interesting people. And to all members of RWA who smiled and offered words of encouragement to the newbie on the block. See you all in San Francisco!
Bottom Line: Even as a slug, I’ve got a grin that can’t be wiped off my face.
Me and T.A. (Todd) Stone (Man in Kilt)
Jacquie D’Alessandro, Jennifer St. Giles, Wendy Etherington
Marjorie Liu with 2 Rita finalist flags (for Eye of Heaven and Shadow Touch)
Me and Chris Keeslar (Dorchester bigwig)
Julia Quinn with her Rita
When you have “been to the mountain” it is hard to come down and when you do – you often “slug” for awhile. Welcome home and so glad you had a great time! After some more sleeping and slugging – you’ll have to be busy reading and writing!
Hi Barbara! I so enjoyed getting to know you at the conference and am thrilled you had such a terrific time. I know I’ll be looking for you in San Francisco, for sure
Kelley http://www.kelleystjohn.com
Naps are definitely in order!!! I’m always a slug after conference. You’ll recover quicker than you think with all those books to read. Danniele Worsham http://www.writingplayground.com
I’m still playing the slug too, so don’t feel bad. Conference takes a lot out of you. It was great meeting you and I’ll be sure to look for you in San Francisco next year. Have fun reading all those books. I shipped a box back via FedEx and expect it today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, must make room for them somewhere in my office. Ciao!
Hello again Barbara! I’m so glad you are blogging about the parts of the convention that I wasn’t able to go to. I was able to go to the librarian day which should have satisfied me but it truly left me wanting even more. You make it seem like so much fun. The authors are all so wonderfully nice. I am also glad that you mentioned the fashion – to me that was the unexpected bonus to the event – seeing all the fabulous shoes and outfits. I hope you get some rest. Jenne
Hi There Barbara, After 4-5 delicious days of keeping up a break neck pace, a little “slugging” is more than well-deserved. I arrived back home to Virginia late Sunday afternoon exhausted but sated, as my historical romance heroines might well opine.
I so enjoyed meeting you in Dallas and hope to see you at next year’s RWA in (much cooler) San Francisco if not before. In the interim… Happy Reading, Blogging (and Resting Up), Hope Tarr http://www.hopetarr.com
You did a great job and it was a delight to meet you!
I, too, spent most of yesterday trying to catch up on sleep and missing the buzz of talking about books with people who really get it! It was great to see you briefly at the conference and then in the van to the airport. I’m glad you got back safe!
Barbara! Soooo great to meet you!!! Wish we’d had more time to talk. Please email me….I can’t find your card and I want to send you some things. author at colleengleason dot com
Welcome back my friend!!!! I have enjoyed reading your blogs of all the events. I feel like I was there with you! Well, sort of…I’m sure I would be a slug right along with you, if I had been…perhaps next year!
Great job!
Colleen and anyone else who needs to contact me. My email address is: barbaravey@yahoo.com Glad you’re all enjoying the blog.
I don’t know if I could have kept up. I’m sure I would have been walking around with my mouth hanging open all the time. How exciting to see all these terrific women in one spot. I’m so jealous.
Thanks Barbara–you always bring a smile to my face every morning! Even reading previous comments on your blog does it!
But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding pattern. “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
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