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!!!!