Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Time to Pack!


As we speak, I'm looking at my empty suitcase and preparing to get down to the business of packing for Ellora's Cave's 2010 Romanticon Convention in Richfield, Ohio. To say I'm excited doesn't begin to cut it. Have to say there are some nerves too. I don't know about you guys but I always just KNOW I'm going to forget something super important. Had to laugh at myself when I dreamed I'd forgotten my curling iron. Figures. But what made me laugh was realizing I would be among friends and there would be plenty of curling irons headed my way assuming I DID actually forget. That's the cool thing about partying down with a bunch of women...we are mostly prepared for any and every emergency.

I don't do a lot of conferences. Went to an RWA convention many moons ago and then nothing until heading to Ohio for EC's first ever get together last year. Before it was over I knew this is something I would never want to miss. This year I'm doing a couple of workshops and thanking my lucky stars that I won't be doing these ventures alone. That helps calm the nerves some! This year Ellora's Cave will celebrate ten years of misbehaving and will feature a Roaring 20's party on Friday and a big anniversary dinner on Saturday. Sandwiched amongst the festivities we'll have workshops for authors, aspiring authors and readers. I must confess that last year the 'reader' workshops were the most fun. I loved hearing what readers liked and didn't like in the books they read. Lots of food for thought there. Cerise Deland, Allie Standifer, Desiree Holt and I are presenting an 'author track' workshop that deals with writing series and co-writing. Later, many of us are participating in a reader workshop about Cougars. Now doesn't THAT sound like fun?

Of course one of the best things about attending Romanticon is meeting up with friends and touching base with editors and EC staff. My own editor is flying in from Australia and I'm just so happy she will be with us. Have you attended conferences for writers and authors? What are some of your best memories? And if you've never attended one, what would appeal to you enough to make you want to sign up?

In other news...check out what I'll be signing at Romanticon. Lone Star Beasts (books one and two of my High Plains Shifters series) is now available in print and was just released last week. So if you are a fan of the series, please pick up your copy HERE.



Highland Beast

The moment she looks into the antique mirror and sees him change from beast to man, Martha wants him. The brawny Highlander makes her body burn. When he pulls her through the glass, her fantasy became reality.


Trapped by a curse, Silas MacAdam, yearns for the woman who stares so innocently at him through the mirror. The need to claim her, to possess her, burns through him. The beauty can help him return to his people if he can convince her that she belongs to him—as his mate.


Lone Star Lycan

She came to dusty west Texas to bury the dead. But one look from Joe’s smoldering eyes made Quinn Harlow wet and needy. Though just a visitor, she wants to stay and find her destiny with Joe on these desolate plains.


Joe McKinnon, alpha of the Wolf Creek pack, takes one look at his destined mate and knows he’ll have his hands full. One touch has him willing to move mountains to claim her, but he knows it won’t be easy to tame the woman who holds his future in her hands.

18 comments:

Elizabeth Black said...

Conventions are wonderful. I used to go to scads of them when I lived in Maryland. I even spoke about writing at two Worldcons. I met my husband about 16 years ago at Balticon. Now that I live in Massachusetts I don't go to nearly as many. My husband and I are going to Arisia in January. That's the biggest SF/F con in New England. He's on gaming panels and I'm on writers panels. Cons are a great way to network with readers and other authors and publishers plus they're just FUN! The parties are addictive. I like your Roaring 20s party. My favorite con party had a pirate theme and a local Scottish bagpipe group played for us. I'm looking forward to Arisia. Enjoy Romanticon and report back please! :)

Nicole Zoltack said...

I love going to conferences and wish I had more time and money to go to more. Next year I only plan on going to one - a local conference. I had an absolute blast last year and met some wonderful writers who promised to come back next year.

I can't wait for the day I have books in print and can do a book signing. That would be a dream come true.

Have a great time at Romanticon and be sure to take lots of pictures. I want to hear all about it!

Regina Carlysle said...

You met your husband at a conference??? That is tooooo cool, Lizzie! Sounds like you've been to far more of them than I but I really love going. The RWA convention I attended was HUGE. After going to Romanticon (which is much smaller) I've decided I like the smaller ones better. More intimate, easier to get to know people and less expensive.

And you can bet your boots, I'll be reporting back. Have my camera sitting out too.

Regina Carlysle said...

You'll have to tell us how yours goes, Nicole. I think we just pick up so much useful info at these things. Well worth the money most of the time. I honestly think asking around and talking to other authors is a good way to figure where you'll get the most bang for your buck.

Anne Rainey said...

My comments aren't showing up. Anyway, I said I hope you have a great time!! :)

Elizabeth Black said...

Yup, I met my husband at a convention. I was talking on a Women And Trek panel and he was in the first row. :) When I lived in Maryland I was within driving distance to lots of cons so I commuted. Since I was a guest I didn't have to pay the registration fee so I and my son got in for free. We had a blast and I met lots of people who helped me out. Regina, if you're ever able to make more cons definitely go and network like crazy. It's worth it. Like you, my favorite cons are the smaller ones. Much more intimate. If you can get to a con with Kaffeklatches with the Writer Guests of Honor those are worth it. I sat in on a Kaffeklatch with SF writer C. J. Cherryh once with about seven people and it was very informative.

Valerie T. said...

I'll be there! This is my first Romanticon, but my 4th actual convention. I was an RT and RAW virgin this year. And I always go to the Lori Foster reader get together in June.

Can't wait to meet you!

Regina Carlysle said...

Anne, blogger is plumb wonky today. Don't know what up with it!

Regina Carlysle said...

Lizzie, I was just amazed at all the good information. From what readers want more of to what promotional material works best...I just got a lot out of it. And not only that, we chat with so many people on the internet and it's so great to meet these people in person.

Regina Carlysle said...

Same here, Valerie. OMG, some of your new covers for EC are just YUMMMMM.

Tess MacKall said...

Have a good time, sweetie. And bring back lots of pics. I'm counting on you for pics and stories galore.

Unknown said...

I think the cougar workshop will be lots of fun.
Fran Lee and I are doing a reader workshop on what readers are interested in reading currently.

Can't wait to give you a big hug. See ya soon.

Serena said...

I hope that you have areally good time. Just wanted to let you girls know that ive left a little award for your blog on my page.

Regina Carlysle said...

Pics for sure, Tess. Just got some new batteries in my camera!

Regina Carlysle said...

Huh??? What did you DO, Serena????

Madison Scott said...

I wish I was going! Have a blast.

Natalie Dae said...

I wish I could go! Waaaaaah!

Have a great time, all!

susan said...

Wish I could join you but have a great time and share some of the news with us when you get back. susan L.