What can I say about Ellora's Cave Romanticon 2011 except that it was funner than a barrel of Cavemen and one event I would never, ever miss. I arrived at the Cleveland airport and stepped outside to meet the other ladies who would be sharing a ride to our hotel in Akron. My first thought upon arriving straight from the Texas heat was AHHHHHH. I got a serious 'head rush' over that and immediately wanted to dance around all over the place. NIIIIIICE. Then Del Dryden arrived along with Laura and Tina from Two Lips Reviews (such awesome women).
Arrived without a hitch to the hotel (thanks to Greg from Western Reserve Transportation) and immediatly ran onto a group of readers and friends...namely Elece, Cassandra, and Margie. Later I met AJ, Michelle and Jordan who are also part of the crazy crew. We danced around and hugged for a bit then I headed to my room before checking in. I swear, it's always this way...HOMECOMING. I think my HUGGER got all HUGGED OUT because I just love these people. I saw, and got a hug, from Caveman Angelo on the elevator...lucky me and headed out to set up my goodies (and Desiree Holt's) on the swag tables. Lordy! So much stuff. Table after table was filled with more cool things than you can imagine and I could only wish that I had half of the other writers' imaginations regarding promo items. My pens, bookmarks, magnets, etc. looked rather pitiful in comparison but thankfully my stuff was mostly gone by the end of the convention. Beyond the swag room was an area where vendors sold everything imaginable and OMG...some of the jewerly was amazing. Best bud, Nicole Austin, bought the most gorgeous dragon bracelet. Color me envious!
Speaking of Nicole...yes, I certainly hooked up and hung out constantly with the Sassy Seven (yes, we're a group...lol). Throughout the convention, I ran about the place with my roomie, Desiree Holt, and Cerise Deland, Allie Standifer, Sam Cayto, Brenna Zinn (don't let the beautiful, sweet face fool you...she is a WILD WOMAN) and of course, Nic, who is the coolest woman on the planet. And let me not forget my new, fabulous friend, Eve Savage (who puts the C in Crazy). Lordy...do I EVER love these women!!!! And guess who else I saw???? Mia Watts. Now Mia and I have been the best of friends for YEARS and I adore her. Witty, fun, beautiful (inside and out). I also met one of the queens of BDSM...Brynn Paulin. I got to hang out with Jaid Black and met the adorably, precious Cindy Jacks (I see another new bestie on my horizon because I totally clicked with her). And Kaenar Langford...what can I say? The woman keeps me in stitches and I adore chatting with her. I talked with editors whom I'd never met and you know who you are (the nicest ladies anywhere) and some editors whom I'd met and LOVED from Romanticons past. And the Cavemen...what can I say? There was a whole new crop this year. These guys were not only the best eye candy in the hemisphere but gentlemen, fun-loving, and eager to entertain. And readers...oh boy was it ever nice meeting them, too. So sweet, friendly and huge EC fans! I loved meeting each and every one.
Night one featured a Meet and Greet. Beautiful set-up with wine bottles featuring specially made EC labels on each bottle. We were invited to swill as much as we wanted while catching up with friends we hadn't seen for a year. Fun. Fun. The next day began with workshops. I was a part of several of them and have to say, very nervous, but they went off without a hitch and I believe everyone attending had fun and maybe learned a little bit. Friday night's party was a 'prehistoric' theme with partiers wearing their best "Pebbles and Bam Bam" fashions. Saturday's party zipped straight to the future and sci fi/steampunk and futuristic stuff took center stage. Awards were handed out that night. My buds, Nicole, Desiree and Mia all were honored with statuettes. YAY THEM!!!!! Bet they could hear me screaming.
Speaking of screaming, I returned home with my voice GONE...just GONE! Have I told ya'll I'm a big talker? Well, yes, I am. To me, it always seems that when I go to Romanticon I have a gazillion things to talk with friends about and not nearly enough time in which to do it. Boo Hiss. Needless to say, I loved every minute of Romanticon 2011 and I'm eagerly awaiting sign up date so I can do it all again in 2012.
Isn't Cindy Jacks a cutie? Talented, too. We became fast friends at Romanticon. Note she wore a costume and I didn't quite 'get there'. LOL
I have a few more pics but they really aren't that good. Yes, I suck with a camera and I'm surprised mine doesn't just explode when I touch it. I'm still in the process of stealing pics from others though...bwahahahaha. I have an entire album that Nic made and I'll have to find some to share with you.
Anyway, it's back to real life now. siiiiigh. What is it they say? All good things must come to an end? So until next year, I'll have to cool my heels and keep writing while waiting for the next Romanticon to roll around.
44 comments:
Hey darlin!! It was so great seeing you too. Your energy and enthusiasm never cease to amaze me. I just wish we'd had a little more time to get talking. We have a loooot to catch up on. :)
LOVE YOU!
What a great blog. Yup, RomantiCon 2011 was definitely memorable and hanging with friends old and new made it a winner. Good job getting the flavor out to everyone.
You also adopted a new daughter, remember? LOL I loved the time you spent with me before my pitch, you helped SO much :) and hey, hopefully I'll have a yellow badge next year right along with you!
Wish I could've been there with everyone. Next year!!!!!!
I'm going next year, too. Can't wait. I'm glad that everyone had fun.
You don't spill in secrets... :)
Yes, I'll have to admit, I squealed like a little girl when I caught sight of you in the hotel lobby! You were everything I imagined you be. Fun-loving and sweet as heck! My first conference ever, and you your your crew were the one of the best things about it. I hope I didn't drive you nuts, I tried my best to tone it down...ah, I think that was a lil white lie! Lol!!
All I know is that I had the best freakin' time, and I can't wait until next year!!!!
Even though I got to the party a little late, you and the other Sassy 7 got me caught up fast! I always have a great time at Romanticon.
Don't know of a better way to begin a con like Romanticon than meeting you in the hotel lobby shortly after arriving at the hotel. You are such a sweet and bubbly person and oh so much fun to be with. Meeting you, Desiree, Allie, Nicole, Eve, Brenna and Cerise was one of the highlights of the weekend for me.
Lubs ya!
Love me some Regina!! You're awesome, honey & anytime we're together is fun, amazing & slightly insane. Just wait until my bday!!
I'm soooooo hoping to get there next year! Even if I have to send Matt (pilot friend) down here to kidnap me!
Big squishy hugs to you, Mia. You know how much I love you, darlin'. And we always have more to catch up on than there is TIME. I hate that and look forward to a looooong chat SOON.
Thanks Des honey! Can i say you are the best roomie everrrrrr????
Oh yes, Jordan. How could I forget that? You were sooo sweet and soooo nervous before your pitch but honey, you nailed it. I'm so proud of you. It was so much fun hanging out with you.
Amber, you certainly have your hands full right now but we have a date for a long awaited hug next year.
HARLIE...girlfriend you are in for the best time EVER next year.
Ohhhh Elece..meeting you was one of the best things about Romanticon. You little 'wild child' youuuuuuu. MUAH.
What can I say Sam? I just adore you.
Margie, sweetie...it was such a FUN THING to meet you finally!
Love me some Allie, too, sweet pea. Can't WAIT until we get together again for your big day! MUAH.
You MUST come, Molly. Mark your calendar. If needs be, we'll swoop down to get you
I've sooooo got to go to this event next year!
Oh Sidney, you've just GOTTA. Best time. I think what makes it so very cool is that it's so 'non-judgmental' if that makes sense. We all love EC, we write and read romantica and there's just a sympatico that is hard to experience anywhere else. No discussion is taboo and it's a place of total and complete support.
It was great meeting you! You were so warm and friendly and your group was incredibly fun :)
Breezy...back at'ya babe! I hope you had as much fun as we did! See you next year! Okay?
oh I wish I could go, it's just a tiny bit far from Aus BWG but soon!
I did hear you screaming, Regina, which made it that much cooler to get an award. Such good times. Can't wait to see y'all again!
Aw thank for the shout out, Regina. Don't we look cute? We did become BFFs at RC which was in my opinion one of the best parts! HUGS!
I'm so sad I missed the party again this year. But not next year. I'll be there and I can't wait!
Aw, it sounds like so much fun. Sometimes it's a pain living down this end of the world.
I'm so envious, but I'm so glad you had a great time. Maybe someday I'll get to go so I can meet you and give you a hug in person!
Wow!!!! My Texas beauty......are awesome..your soul is as big as the Lone Star state itself.....it was a pleasure to hang out with you and your friends. Yall really are a great group of beautiful ladies....so glad you didnt tell them I motoboated ya....how umm funny would that be.....ready for next year.. Margie, Michelle, Elece, and I can't wait for next year.....
Cass
Mel, I know it's a very long way honey. I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Rhian Cahill at the booksigning (adore her) and got to meet the awesome Mr. Rhian. I DO hope you'll decide to cross the pond next year.
NIC!!!! Misssss Youuuuuu already. I'm so so sad without my friends.
Cindy...we DOOOOO look cute, we DOOOOOO.
Nina, I'd thought you were coming and was sad to see you weren't there. Yes, next year for sure!
Shelley, more and more authors from 'down under' or 'across the pond' are coming to Romanticon these days. So wish you could make it.
Lex honey, imagine my surprise when our good friend Martha came up (still in a wheelchair from her ankle surgery) to tell me she had to hug me and it was coming from YOU!!!!! Of course I just HAD to hug her back. One day, yes, we'll do it in person.
Oh Cass. What can I say? The moment you motoboated me and caught it all on film was one of my more 'shocked moments'. LOL. Only you would come up with such a damn thing. SNICKER. Yes, it WAS fun and I'm ready to do it all again. We made some memories didn't we?
Argh. I can't believe I missed it. So envious of all the fun you guys had.
Next year come Hell or high water!
You were SERIOUSLY missed, Ash!!!!
Regina, as always, getting to spend time with you in person is the best of the best!
First person we saw when we arrived on Wed. was Rodney! 2nd was Angelo in the elevator. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Ash, Nina, and Amber are being kidnapped next year if they try to bag on going. Just sayin'...
How did I miss Cindy Jacks, dammit?
DD!!!! I loved seeing you again and meeting your lovely mom!
It was lovely to see you,Regina, and all the other lovelies I met there. I was such a fan girl when I met Elece, she probably walked away wondering what that crazy old lady was about.
It's always too short, isn't it?
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