Friday, July 13, 2007

RWA Conference: Friday Morning Fun and Book Galore

Today I visited with friends and went to several publisher sponsored booksignings. This is where authors sign and giveaway books for free. Can't beat that. I visited many authors and got their books to give away on the blog when I get home. I also had a few signed for me!

I also had lunch with blog commenter Bailey. We went to the pizzeria and had their lunch buffet. It was much better than the dinner at the hotel cafe on Wednesday. We talked about our lives, books we liked, writing and of course, our cats. Bailey kept me smiling and laughing. She's sweet, nice and oh-so-funny. After lunch she accompanied me to the various signings. A very fun time!

This is a picture of my good friend Darla, who I spent the afternoon with on Wednesday. She played photographer during my makeover session. After I downloaded all the pics from that day, I realized I didn't have any pictures of us together! Unfortunately I hadn't seen her again, but we bumped into each other today!

The following author pictures are just a few of the writers I saw at the literacy signing. As of now, I have two boxes of books to ship home. There are still more signings to come! Needless to say, there will be quite a few to giveaway which means...

I need contest input/ideas from you! Should I just pick a winner from those who post comments? Each comment would get you an entry. I could choose a winner each week. Should I just post all the books I have and let the winner choose which one they want? I have all types of romances. Some autographed, some not. How would you like it to work?

Theresa Medeiro's is absolutely lovely. She's got the cutest dimples. We belong to the same literary agency, but I didn't get a chance to meet her yesterday at the party. She was very friendly and so nice when I introduced myself. I know I could say that about all the authors I talked to today, but it's true. In case you're ever intimidated to say hello to an author, don't be. Romance authors are the nicest people in the world.

I got in line at the table of talented and a favorite of many readers Stephanie Laurens'. I got a book for myself and she gave me a book on CD, The Truth About Love, for the blog giveaway. I'd never met her before and she was very welcoming and friendly. There were so many authors to see. For this romance reader, I felt like a kid in a candy store.



I'll be honest. I haven't decided what to do with Susan Elizabeth Phillips' book, First Lady. She did a generic autograph because her line was very long so I could give it away. Decisions. Decisions. I snapped a picture of her and she told me to find her later so we could take one together! Isn't she just the best!!!



I couldn't bypass Jane Porter's table. Jane is such a wonderful writer. We've known each other for years. She writes for both Harlequin and 5 Spot. I picked up an autographed copy of Flirting with Forty to give away! I also had to have a pic taken with her.

Hope you're having fun! Now to get back downstairs until it's time to get ready for the Harlequin Party.

Be sure to let me know how you think the book giveaway should work!