Tuesday, October 13, 2009

EC ROMANTICON...Felt like FAMILY!!!

Just got home from Ellora's Cave's first ROMANTICON. Can't describe how truly wonderful this event was. There were no strangers. Everywhere you looked authors, readers, reviewers, and other industry professionals were dispensing hugs and smiles as if they'd know each other forever. Such a warm and fuzzy feeling that I came home knowing this is one event I would never, ever miss. I don't know the exact numbers of attendees but I learned the hotel had booked two hundred rooms and most of those were double occupancy.

First let me say that I have a serious lack of pics because I kept forgetting my camera so I'll be sending out begging and pleading emails for pics that I hope to post on Friday. I'm sooooo bad. Was just having such a good time that I wasn't thinking about pics. Baaaaad Regina!

I roomed with the insanely sweet and funny Desiree Holt. We traveled from Texas together, trudging through airports and hanging out just about everywhere during the convention. Friday night we attended the Psychedelic Soiree and had burgers, hot dogs, and lots of dancing and singing provided by the uber-sexy Cavemen. Honest to God, the Cavemen alone made the registration fee seem a pittance. They were everywhere throughout the convention, hanging out with everyone and happily posing for pics. The Friday night event featured lots of 60's costumes (think go-go boots and mini dresses) and the music ROCKED! Tons of door prizes were handed out and I'm not kidding...these were BIG prizes. Of course, we filled the place and most of us kept the bar hopping, too! Think we didn't go to bed until 2 a.m. or so.

Saturday was filled with workshops for both authors and readers. We asked the big questions of readers...what do YOU like in your stories and what do YOU hate! Authors and editors took notes and LISTENED to readers. Let me tell you, it was eye opening! The only problem with Saturday was every workshop was so damn interesting that it sucked having to make a decision about which one to attend. Choices, Choices! That evening we attended an Appreciation Dinner. It was a dressier event and the food was delicious with many entree choices. The Cavemen were available for pics and again there were lots of door prizes. Matter of fact, there weren't any events were things weren't given away and these were BIG prizes. Computers, Sony eReaders, books, gift baskets.

I'll write more on Friday (and hopefully have pics) but I CAN say were are definitely having this bash again next year. I can't think of a single soul who attended this weekend who won't be back. That's just how much fun it was.

So now I'm home and already missing Desiree, Anny Cook, Cindy Spencer Pape, Bronwyn Green and Kelly Kirch, the gals from Two Lips Reviews, and many many others. There are just to many to name. They feel like family now! Anyway, I'm off to do my mountain of laundry and nurse the head cold I brought home with me and hunt down some pics!!!!

24 comments:

Laura K said...

I loved meeting you too! As one of the TwoLips Reviews girls, I loved having our hotel room open for people to drop in. It was cool to see authors being just as star struck as the readers!

Tracy Cooper-Posey said...

Mark took at least one of you at the bookfair, Regina, so I'll send that your way when I download it off the camera.

Wasn't it a blast? I'm SO tired!! I've got some pics up on my blog, including the go-go boots!

Cheers,

Tracy

Anonymous said...

See what happens when you forget to stop by and grab me? Hahahaha...

Seriously, Reg, I hope to attend next year and I'll take plenty of pics for both of us:)

Molly

Desiree Holt said...

So, can I tell you are the roommate from heaven? Equalled only by Cindy Spencer Pape? I loved being with you (as well as everyone else), and I, too, am missing you and our friends.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you, Regina. I attended the convention and I am still gushing about it with everyone I am in contact with!

The workshops were fabulous - I wish the ones on Sunday were longer (especially the historical and the multiculteral ones).

I really was afraid I would come off as a total fangirl and would be reviewed as a stalker - but readers, authors, industry personal - it was, like Regina mentioned - like family! It was so cool!

Oh - and the authors were so nice! I am an aspiring m/m author wanna be - and even though there weren't too many m/m'ers there, an author is an author - and these ladies were so patient, so kind and so helpful with my questions on the craft, weaknesses, pen names, how to promo, etc. I think Ellora's Cave ought to publish a writers guide based on the advice and wisdom of their wonderful authors! I learned so much just by listening and smoozing with the others!

Oh - and talk about listening! Ellora Caves' personel and professional authors alike, were ACTUALLY taking notes on readers likes, dislikes, interest, promo pleasers, and what is still taboo. THAT alone, impressed the hell out of me that they cared that much!

On another note, I mainly came to the con for workshops and to support my Michigan author sisters and my m/m writers... what I got, was soooo much encouragement from the other authors to set up an appointment to make a pitch with an editor - that I overcame my nervousness, did my pitch, and they are interested in two of my stories! I just wanted to die of happiness! (I know it's not a guarrentee they'll publish them - but to actually think that they will look at them - whoa!)

If you are entertaining the thought of going next year - DEFINATELY save the money for it! From the awesome goodie bags, to the great food, to the friendliness of all the professionals, to the hunky Cavemen participating in everything - and readers mixing with the authors, it was just an awesome experiance I wish everyone could enjoy!

And for those who have never met Regina in person - she is as taltented, warm and inspiring in life as she is with her written words! Truly, a pleasure to meet such a down to earth professional!

Hope to see you all next year!

George Allwynn

Kendra said...

It was great to meet you Regina. I enjoyed watching videos with you and Judith/Rochelle.

Madison Scott said...

I hope to go some year. Glad you had a good time, Reg.

Kell

Regina Carlysle said...

Laura K. you are one CRAZY CHICK!!! I totally adore you and the girls from Two Lips. Fun, warm, and just downright huggable! We will soooo do this again next year. Think we'll end up on the same plane again???? That was the funniest thing ever!

Regina Carlysle said...

Tracy, I just loved getting to know you and your sweet husband. You are such a fun couple! Can't WAIT to read my autographed copy of your book!

Regina Carlysle said...

Molly, you must start saving up and planning to attend. You would have such a great time. I thought of you.

Regina Carlysle said...

Yeah, Des, I KNOW. We are perfect roomies and you are a complete BLAST. I'm honestly surprised we got any sleep at ALL.

Regina Carlysle said...

Awwwww, George! You are just the SWEETEST! We'll meet up again next year. Honestly wish it was SOONER, ya know?

Regina Carlysle said...

It was so much fun hanging out with you, Kendra. I have your card and will be adding your info to my address book. You are so talented at making book trailers! Color me impressed! HUGS!

Regina Carlysle said...

You MUST come next year, Madison! Can't tell you how much fun it was. Meant to tell you I met several people who were familiar with you and your work.

Anny Cook said...

Oh, yeah. We were wild women. Next year we'll get those cavemen in the hot tub with us...

Laurann Dohner said...

Oh... I'm so glad you had fun and I'm soooo there next year!!! LOL. Thank you for sharing how great it was. It sounds like it was a blast!

Bronwyn Green said...

I miss you like mad, woman!!!!!!!!
Seriously, why the hell does Texas have to be so far away from Michigan? :(

You are just as sweet and hilarious and warm in person as I knew you would be!

You rock my socks, Reg and you're right conference was a total blast! I'll be there with bells on next year!

Fran Lee said...

Glad it was enjoyable. *sigh* *moan* *Sob*

Regina Carlysle said...

The Hot Tub and Cavemen? Now there's a thought. LOL.

Regina Carlysle said...

Oh Lauranne, I met your wonderful critique partner. What a nice person! Yes, you MUST come next year. I haven't talked with anyone who didn't have a great time. You can sign up for Romanticon 2010 near the end of November!!!

Regina Carlysle said...

Sending you big fat huggers, Bron! I'm like you...wish Texas and Michigan weren't so far apart. STINKS.

Regina Carlysle said...

Start saving those pennies, Fran! You've GOT to come next year.

Unknown said...

I can't miss next year. Especially if there will be hot tubs and cavemen! :) Glad everyone had so much fun. Wish I was there.

Anne Rainey said...

Glad you had a fun time!! Welcome back! One of these days I WILL meet you in person. Somewhere, somehow! LOL