Wrap Up

There were so many wonderful things about the conference - too many to mention them all in case I forget someone or something. One of the things I most enjoyed was spending time with my roomies - Wendy, Barbara, Rosie for a night or two and our honourary roommate Aztec Lady. And of course I can't forget our frequent visitor AnimeJune.

Being almost a seasoned veteran now, a good deal of what made this year so great was seeing the excitement of the newbies. I asked Barbara and Aztec Lady is they would be interested in having an 'after the party' chat. After a little bit of trouble - getting AL on AIM and then getting Barbara up and running on the newest version, we finally settled down to a nice talk on the whole experience - the 90% good and the 10% of what could have been better. So - here we go - our thoughts

KristieJ: Yeah!!!!!! Barbara is in the building!! You are you both here now. Oh this is so much better then talking to you one at a time

Aztec Lady: hell, yeah and *sniff* thank you, Barbara *sniff*

Barbara: LOL, okay ladies. Let's get the ball rolling!

KristieJ: You should have seen me when I was first trying to figure this out - it was scary!

Barbara: My kiddos need to hit the hay soon, lol.

KristieJ: OK - So what made you both to attend the RWA conference this year? Barbara - you first so we don't get confused

Aztec Lady: The good news is that once you do this a few times, you get the hang of it [at least that's how it worked for me with yahoo, and I'm hoping this is similar *crossing fingers*] For me, I never thought I would actually have the opportunity to attend an RWA National Conference, but I've been always curious about the 'behind the scenes' author stuff since... well, forever, it seems. And then there's the lure of meeting so many interesting people I interact with online--bloggers, authors, author/bloggers, etc.

Barbara: Well, I was hoping to see Lisa Kleypas, lol. But you knew that Kristie. She's been my favorite since...forever. Wow, now I seem shallow. Thanks AL, lol. ((hugs))

Aztec Lady: *chuckling* not shallow, Barbara -- focused!

KristieJ: LOL - Barbara - you are fairly new to blogging so you missed all the experiences we blogged about in previous years. As you have aspirations to write romance, was that another reason?

Barbara: LOL! Well, the minute I heard about the workshops, my interests in attended peeked. I'm hungry to learn as much as I can about the writing process and RWA seemed like the best place to get some insightful information.

KristieJ: And AL - you first this time - how did it compare to what you thought it would be?

Aztec Lady: Oh my lord and all the levels of hell--you know how I read everything about RWA last year and the year before from everyone in romance blogland? I *thought* I knew what to expect. I mean, I thought, "sure, they had a good time, but there MUST be some exaggerating going on, nothing can be THAT good". Hah, that'll show me to leave the doubting tomasina home when dealing with romance readers, blogers and writers. It was amazing, incredible, wonderful and breathtaking

Barbara: Ditto

Aztec Lady: [yeah, I know, hyperbole here] but it was! I got into romance books and reading and prejudice and bias conversations with EVERYONE without a hitch just started talking and everyone knew where I was coming from--even if we didn't agree on the topic, Now I'll shut up--sorry Barbara]

Barbara: Not to mention EVERYONE was just soooo friendly!

Aztec Lady: [friendly: hell, and double hell, YEAH]

Barbara: You get a certain idea of what a person is like through blogging and I'll admit, I was a bit surprised by some people. I pictured them all serious (Aztec Lady) when in all reality they were amazingly laid back and fun!

KristieJ: Barbara - you probably missed this but last year there was a bit of chatter that bloggers shouldn't attend a writers conference - that RT was more for readers. Did either of you feel the least bit slighted or unwanted?

Barbara: I guess because I always seen AL posting on Kristie's more serious posts, I took her for rather serious about everything. But OMG, she's funny as anything.

KristieJ: (and I thought AL would be a bit more serious too *g*) then she is

Aztec Lady: oh god, what a horrible reputation to have -- good thing nobody was upset I am not all that serious *ahem*

Barbara: No, not at all. I do have to agree that "Party Wise" RT is more geared for the reader. But RWA, is perfect for everyone. It has just enough for pubbed authors, aspiring authors and readers alike.

KristieJ: Were they any authors - other then Lisa Kleypas that either of you were hoping to meet? If you did who were they?

Aztec Lady: the "bloggers shouldn't attend" bit? I didn't feel it, at all. The opposite in fact. I can't get over (and apologies if this comes of as conceited) over the many people who smiled vaguely and politely at me, then read the badge and went, "Aztec Lady!" and hugged me, or took my picture, or told me they read/like my reviews. Seriously, heady stuff. I felt so welcome, so at home, so in tune with everyone I interacted with.

Barbara: Oh heck yeah!! Eve Silver, Charlotte Featherstone, Anna Campbell, Toni Blake and as you all know, Samantha Kane. Ugh, I was such a fangirl, lol. OMGosh and Julia Quinn!!! How could I forget her?!

Aztec Lady: holy cow, my list is long--and I met almost everyone of then. Shiloh Walker--what a lovely woman!

Barbara: And I agree with AL it is a conference for EVERYONE. Lisabea/LBGregg -- another gorgeous woman

Barbara: Yes!!!! But Lisa was just so cool I forgot she was a writer, lol.

Aztec Lady: Virginia Kantra, Alyssa Day (again), Lauren Dane (again), Ann Aguirre (*kisses and love*) Beth Williamson (again), Nora Roberts, CLWilson. Oh god, I'm missing everyone...

Barbara: Oooh, I met CL Wilson, too. Very nice lady

Aztec Lady: Julie James, Tessa Dare, Caroline Linden... erm... hold on, there are more... *head desk*

Barbara: I missed Carolyn Jewel *sobs*

Aztec Lady: thank you! Carolyn Jewel. Olivia Gates

Barbara: Sure rub it in

Aztec Lady: Barbara Caridad Ferrer, Carrie Lofty

KristieJ: Wasn't Julie James a doll? I just love her - not that I don't love all the authors I met - but that she spent an evening with us was wonderful!!

Barbara: Julie is soooo pretty!!

Aztec Lady: Sherry Thomas, Meredith Duran... there are more, there are more... Oh, Lindsay Sands

Barbara: YES!!! Merdith and Sherry...so nice!!

KristieJ: Are there any authors you met that you hadn't read their books that you will now try them?

Aztec Lady: and riffing off Barbara's comment: what's with all this gorgeous authors? isn't it enough that they are talented, do they ALSO have to be so beautiful?

Barbara: Yeah, Lisa's. She was too cute.

KristieJ: *g* There are a lot of gorgeous authors aren't there?

Barbara: Yeah, more than alot. OMG, Toni Blake is another stunner!

Aztec Lady: You know [or learned during the conference] that I'm in danger of losing the girly card, but even I could appreciate the gorgeousness when I saw them

Barbara Oh stop! You had the same shoes as me, so we all know you know good girly stuff when you see it.

KristieJ: I dunno - you were pretty girly during the RITA's *g*

Barbara: Thank you Kristie! AL the Girly Girl

Aztec Lady: Gah, please don't! I have a reputation to uphold! [and thank you]

Barbara: LOL!

KristieJ: It's not everyone who curls their eyelashes using a spoon - I've never done it

Aztec Lady: But seriously, gorgeous all around, all the time--which is so freakingly unfair when I was dragging but pretty much from Thursday on!

Barbara: She's got talent, that's for sure

KristieJ: I think everyone does by that time. It's such a go, go, go atmosphere all the time - specially if you take the first part of the week to do sightseeing

Barbara: I want you all to know I've slept nothing less than twelve hours since I returned home. I was SHOT! Twelve hours A NIGHT!

Aztec Lady: I wish I could have slept...

KristieJ: I took today off too and slept most of the day. I didn't even get dressed!!

Barbara: LOL! Aren't those the best days?

Aztec Lady: We drove back to Florida, leaving Maryland about 4:45PM on Sunday--and hitting traffic around Washington, which cost us an hour.

Barbara: Awww...stop complaining AL. Your man is a sweetie so I'm sure you enjoyed the extra time together

Aztec Lady: Got here mid morning on Monday, to a house that was upright but... well, let's say that leaving two teen age siblings in charge of the house wasn't my wisest move. I read to him as he drove, most of the night--Dorothy L. Sayers' "Murder Must Advertise" and man, did we have a fun time with it!

KristieJ: He is indeed a keeper AL!! What a great guy he is and I'm so glad I got a chance to meet him!!

Barbara: Awwww...I love that you two read together. That's so romantic.

Aztec Lady: ((Kristie)) and ((Barbara)) thank you--and I am most definitely keeping him :wink:

KristieJ: And meeting fellow bloggers - what was that like for both of you?

Barbara: Oh, meeting my fellow bloggers alone would have made the trip worth it. I was nervous, I won't lie, but it turned out to be the most fun I've had in a long time! Everyone was just amazing.

Aztec Lady: bloggers: oh. my. GOD!!! Really, no words. : Look, it's one thing to hit if off online, chat for hours or comment constantly on blogs--but to see a face, get a hug, and then just take off running on long conversations on this or that book, that trope, this cliche, that author...: it's just breathtaking, in the best possible way. By Friday I felt like I would burst into tears at any and everything--I felt so full of emotion - GOOD emotion

Barbara: I was really sad when everyone left

Aztec Lady: there's something indescribable about the acceptance and energy in that crowd.

Barbara: I agree 100% with AL

Aztec Lady: I was so effin' sad to leave!

KristieJ: I know - I feel that way each time too. The first year I was the last to leave and it seemed so lonely after everyone left

Barbara: Oh, believe me I felt your sadness. It was so depressing to return to the room alone.

Aztec Lady: please note that, as Pollyanna-ish as my previous comment may come across, I do know not everyone [and perhaps not even 7 in 10] people at RWA are nice and lovely, but that wasn't the point or an issue, at all.

Barbara: I had so much fun with all of you

Aztec Lady: Barbara, me too--it was just... gah, words fail me.

Barbara: It just sucks we live so far away from each other

KristieJ: I had such fun with both of you too!! Both of you really made it great for me - seeing you excitement -sharing the newness of it all with you

Barbara: Maybe it's for the best. Can you imagine those book shopping trips? We'd all be broke, lol.

Aztec Lady: oh god, the credit card bills would be *shudder*

KristieJ: LOL - well hopefully I'm stuffed with new books for a while. I looked at July and Augusts new releases and I think I'm safe until September

Barbara: LOL! Mine's already screaming for RWA!

Aztec Lady: as it is, Kristie is responsible for way too many of my book buys!

Barbara: I hear you! Kristie and her recs.

Aztec Lady: and she's right about 3 out of every 4 for me--that's just NOT good, I tell you

Barbara: I haven't been disappointed by Kristie yet.

KristieJ: So - by the time you add the conference fee, the hotel bill, food etc - it can be pretty pricey. Did you both find it was worth it?

Barbara: ABSOLUTELY! I wouldn't hesitate to spend it again, although....my hubby might, lol.

Aztec Lady: *ahem* well, you guys know *I* didn't cough up the dough... but if I have my way, I'll go again next year.

Barbara: Lucky lady...

Aztec Lady: *sheepish* I know

KristieJ: I think so too *g* While you almost get the cost back in books alone - it's the experience of meeting authors and even more special - fellow bloggers beyond price!!

Barbara: I won't be able to make next year's conference. But 2011 in NYC--I'm there!

Aztec Lady: YES! See, even without the free books [which hello, are NIIIIIIIIICE] it's the people there who made it so amazingly worth the time, effort and money

KristieJ: And what did you think of some of what they offered? How about the lunches. What did you think of the author speakers?

Barbara: It definitely is worth it!

Aztec Lady: I loved loved loved both speeches

Barbara: Oh, I thought Linda Howard was hilarious and I loved Anne Stuart's workshop on writing Dark Romance.

Aztec Lady: Hello, Mistress of preparedness and keeper of the nuts Howard

Barbara: that's Anne, btw. Lol

Aztec Lady: and then Eloisa James had me in tears pretty much from the beginning

Barbara: I missed Eloisa...I was too busy napping because y'all had me running around all day, lol. I was shot!

Aztec Lady: And of the workshops I attended (fewer than I had hoped, but the lines for the publisher signings sucked the time) were all really good, frankly

Barbara: They were all good. I just loved Anne Stuart's lol. She's toooo funny!

Aztec Lady: There was ONE author who, in my never humble opinion, should not sign to give workshops. Some of us are not public talkers, and we should acknowledge our limitations. Luckily the other two authors in her panel were AMAZING so I didn't end up leaving the talk.

KristieJ: I hope the publisher signings are rethought a bit. This years was the most disorganized I've been too - not to mention some didn't have enough books

Aztec Lady: Signings: I feel like an ass for complaining, but complain I will.

Barbara: Oh, I agree on the books bit. They should have had more. I ended up having to choose which signing I wanted to go to more because I knew by the time I was done the other wouldn't have any books left. Not that I'm complaining, I left there with well over 75 books!

KristieJ: I was kind of disappointed too. Despite all the books I did get - there were quite a few I missed out on.

Barbara: Yeah...Carolyn Jewel!!! *weeps*

Aztec Lady: The signings on Thursday were ohmygawd amazing--so many authors, so many books! piles and piles of the shiny, purty, new, coveted books....

KristieJ: And what about the literacy signing? Was that not an amazing, wonderful, scary zoo?

Aztec Lady: but I'm peeved that so many authors got so few copies for the Literacy Signing--hello, what'syournamepublisherIcan'tremember, Tessa Dare only got 15 copies. 15!!!! She has three books coming out in successive months and you only put out 15 copies for a literacy signing attracting something like 500 authors and over 2500 fans???? what the fuck?

Barbara: OMG I LOVED IT! Yes, it was a zoo, but I didn't care. I was too awe struck, lol. I met so many of my favorite authors!!!

KristieJ: I know - I really wanted to get one of her books - but missed out altogether

Aztec Lady: And then Berkley, NAL, Ballantine--I don't know how many of the tables at the signings were EMPTY and the authors who *had* books had so few that even the people at the front of the line didn't get more than two or three signed books

Barbara: I did stick to my plan of going up and down the isles. I was a bit nervous about asking for pics--as I usually am--but everyone was so gracious about it.

KristieJ: I had my list for the literacy signing but then lost it half way through - and without my list my mind went blank on the books I wanted. I only remembered most of them the next day and could have kicked myself for forgetting

Barbara: Ugh, CAROLYN JEWEL!!! That's all I'm saying about being forgetful. Dang it all!

KristieJ: Which just goes to prove how greedy we are book wise LOL - we get all these incredible books and mourn at the ones we didn't get! But honestly - entering those rooms filled with books - it's like beyond the biggest best candy store ever built!!

Barbara: I know! I was in heaven!!! Ladies...my mommy duties are calling. The kidlets have to got to bed. It's almost 10:00. Okay!!! I had so much fun and I just want to thank you both for taking this baby blogger in and making her feel at home. ((BIG HUGS))

Aztec Lady: Kristie, thank you so much for inviting us. This was very cool, Kristie! *hug*

This was very cool, Kristie! *hug*: Good night, Kristie *hug* and again, thank you. You made the conference a blast for me

KristieJ: And big hugs to you too!!! I LOVED meeting and spending time with both of you. You made it a blast for me too

For Julie

I seem to have taken a bit of a powder. Monday I was mentally exhausted and yesterday I was physically exhausted which just goes to prove I'm not as young as I used to be. While I recuperate I leave this for you.

In the meantime - I'm working on a chat I had with a couple of newbie attendees. And - since the books I had sent to me arrived today and I have to add them to not 1, not 2 but 3 online book cataloguing sites and my own spreadsheet; not to mention SYTYCD is on - I'm a wee bit busy

The rest of you will have to indulge Julie James and me.

Julie - here you go - as promised. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 7

And I'm back home!! I don't know how long this will be. You wouldn't believe how tired I am. I wanted to go to bed about 6:00 but I had to watch the repeat episodes that I missed of So You Think You Can Dance. And Carrie - you were right - there were some great dances. And how funny I thought it was, when Ryan who drove me home, came in for a while and told me who was out. My macho, rugby playing, buys his mama Heaving Bosoms for Mother's Day, youngest son apparently also watches SYTYCD. Who'd a thunk it? Dang but he's a good catch!

A few things before I go back to Day 7 in DC. I said Ryan drove me home from the air bus station. But it was a close thing actually. I noticed yesterday that my cell phone had died. And me - being me - didn't think to bring the charger. Now ordinarily this wouldn't have been a bad thing because as Wendy can testify, I really don't have the hang of it. So a dead cell phone isn't a problem. BUT in an effort to retain important information, I have to try not clog the brain with stuff I don't need to know - one of them being both my sons phone numbers since they are programed into the phone and I have them written down on the fridge.
When I called the air bus company when the plane arrived in Detroit, to let them know my plane had landed, I was told I was the only one taking it and the bus driver could pick me up 45 minutes early. This meant I'd get home 45 minutes early - in theory - and I was just aching to get home by this time. Going away is great - but so is getting home. There was a problem though. You guessed it - I didn't have access to Ryan's phone number on my cell phone because it was dead and I didn't have the recharger. AND he's not listed in the phone book since he doesn't have a land line - just his cell phone. So when we arrived at the bus station early, I didn't have a way to contact him to tell him I'd arrived - and I wanted to go home!! I thought about just taking a cab home, but was worried he'd show up early and I'd have left. Such was not the case. It was almost half an hour after I was supposed to arrive and still no Ryan. He finally showed up and asked why I didn't call him since he had told me to when the bus got in. I don't remember him telling me that. I told him my cell phone had died. He asked why I hadn't recharged it. I told him I forgot to bring the charger. He asked why I hadn't written his number down to take with me like he told me too. I didn't tell him I must not have been paying attention when he told me to do that either. I think he gets why I used to drive his Dad nuts sometimes.
So then he drove me home and stayed for a while. I didn't quite know how to tell him to go home - that I just wanted to get in my jammies and veg until SYTYCD came on.

And other news that happened while I was away. Apparently Destructo Cat has a new trick. She takes a running leap at the screen in the living room window and claaaawwws her way to the top of it and just kind of hangs there looking out the window. She showed me that trick tonight. I yelled. I was not impressed with her newest trick. I was talking to Brent, who was looking after the 'girls' and who called during SYTYCD, it was a short conversation held during the commercials and he said he'd caught her doing it a few times during the week. He said she was very cute but very destructive. And I replied that that was why her real name is Destructo Cat.

I very wisely took tomorrow off - anyone who is thinking of going to the RWA conference - this is a very smart thing to do - and was planning on sleeping in to noon and not getting dressed for the whooooole day, but I remembered half way through the week that Landscape Guy is starting tomorrow. *sigh* That means not only will I have to get dressed, I will probably have to get up around 8:30 as I left packing until pretty much the last minute before I left which left no time to clean house.

And I was planning on saying a lot more about the week - but I'm pretty much brain dead, even this little bit wiped me out, so I'll do it tomorrow - hopefully after I clean house and before Landscape Guy shows up. And I have something fun planned for tomorrow evening that I'll be posting soon too *g*. Not to mention my post of all things Nico for Julie - heh heh heh heh.

Oh - one more thing before I close - there is yet Another Crusader!! Author Michelle Styles has seen it too and is the latest addition to The Crusader List - and more on that too shortly! Anyway, my bed is calling me even louder then my spreadsheet, LibraryThing, Good Reads and Shelfari - and they are shouting pretty loud - so....

'til later

Day 6

I`m just about done in. My feet are looking and feeling like watermelons. The book signings are over, my books are shipped and Wendy and Barbara are off shipping off the rest of their books. I have a few minutes alone here and really should be sitting with my feet up in hopes the swelling goes down. AnimeJune has gone to pack the last of her books before shipping them off.

The RITAS are still to come and then there is a blogger party after they are finished and hopefully have some food.

Right now I have so much to say but the brain has almost died. You can`t really put in words what the experience is like. It`s go, go, go from morning until night. The day starts around 7:00 am and ends between midnight and 2:00 am. By the third day you are running on adrenalin, By this time even the adrenalin is starting to wear off and as great a time as you are having, as incredible it is to interact with so many people whose passion in life is romance, whether it be an author or a reader, home is sounding pretty darn good. Many are missing family and loved ones. So here are some random moments and thoughts probably a bit scattered and in no particular order.

I will be posting some YouTube videos of Nico from SYTYCD Canada. I had a wonderful discussion with Julie James, who is even more beautiful in person then in her pictures, last night and she is a big fan of the show but she hasn`t seen the Canadian version. She was saying she loves a masculine, hunky dancer and who fits that description better then Nico.

Barbara and I were sitting beside Elizabeth Hoyt and Jade Lee at breakfast - second breakfast for me, and Elizabeth and Jade were talking. I`m supposed to tell everyone that Elizabeth mocked Jade. *huge grin* So here it is.

Beth Williamson commented on Wendy's blog that she would give me a copy of the book I didn't get and when I ran into her at the Samhain party, hosted by Angela James, she said it again and invited me to her room and personally autographed it for me!

I have a girl crush on Lisabea!!

Listening to Eloisa James' inspiring talking at the Awards Luncheon.

My most fangirlish moment came this morning when I had CS Harris sign a copy of When Serpents Sleep at the NAL signing. Now if your memory is good, you may recall that she was my author of the month spotlight as Candice Proctor. I told her how much I loved those books she said that she missed writing romance. Which of course led to me asking if she would ever write historical romance again. She said she might if the market ever swings more away from paranormal and back to historical romance. *fist pump* Let's hope!

I probably won't be the only one mentioning this, but the publisher signings this year were a disaster at some of them. Berkley, Ballantine and St. Martins were very lax in providing books. They ran out at all three and after standing in line for more then half an hour, I was not impressed to see zero books at the author's table. The earlier signings didn't seem to have this issue. Also I found it most annoying when people in line decided to ask an author about all their books and storylines. There are lots of people waiting people.

Well - after this short break, I'm on the move again - have to get ready for the award show.

'til later

Day 5

Part 1

Now I know I'm not going to get any sympathy at all - I don't expect any *g* but as incredible as everything is - it's not altogether perfect. These are some of my issues:

• Coffee - this just isn't the coffee I'm used too. I don't drink Tim Horton's coffee that much but what I wouldn't do for a nice Williams Coffee right about now!!
  

• Glasses - Why I don't know - but I traveled here with 4 pair of glasses; my funky glasses, my regular glasses, my prescription sunglasses and my reading glasses. It seems I'm constantly taking off one pair and putting on another depending on where I am and what I'm doing. I can't see at a distance, I can't see close up and I need them for outside. I'm getting so tired of changing every few minutes.

• Money - American money isn't colourful like Canadian money. When I get change I just throw it into my purse. With Canadian money I can tell at a glance what I have - whether it's a five or a ten or a twenty. But with American money, unless I take it out and look at it (which means a change of glasses), I can't tell what it is. I've handed a $1 for something that cost $5 or a $20 for something that cost $1 and then I get a whole bunch of change. The one thing - it's not to heavy with loonies and twoonies.

• The weather - why is it that San Francisco and Dallas which are closer to the equator weren't as hot and humid as Washington DC which is further away??? This weather is downright nasty now!

• The walking and the standing and the standing and the walking!!!

• My purse. Now those who know and love me won't believe this one but the Mom purse I got to bring with me has TOO many pockets. I love a purse with sections since I can dedicate one to books, one to wallets and drivers license, one for paper etc. ect. That's the plan anyway. My sisters will confirm that when looking for something, I usually have to take everything out before I find it. But this purse is overkill. It seems like I have 17 sections and everything is getting mixed up - glasses and money and books!!

So no sympathy needed but just to let you know - not all is totally perfect :-)

We interrupt this program

Even though I'm in the middle of par-tey city here where free book are starting to flow like hot cakes (yea - I'd hate me too with that kind of statement) to bring you news of great importance...

Fellow Crusaders - a new Crusader has joined our ranks!!!!!

Monroe With a Twist has just finished watching North and South. Naturally she LOVED it. And as has happened so many times, it looks like she's not satisfied watching it just the one time - she now wants her own copy.

So go drop in and welcome our newest Crusader to the ranks of those whose aim is to get every romance reader who loves romance (which would be all of us) to watch this. And just so you know that I'm 'workin' it - I was chatting up this myself with Elizabeth Hoyt last night and she promised me she would watch it.

Day 4

The sightseeing is done - and I'm glad as the temperature soared today. I gather it's more like DC weather, but it's too humid for me to do the sightseeing thing.

So now it's strictly RWA conference stuff. The first thing on the agenda today was the Opening Session with Janet Evanovitch. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get her newest book as a handout and she didn't do a signing last night. There are now 6 or 7 people in my department where I work reading her book and I was hoping to get a book signed to the department. I know they were all excited that she was going to be at the conference.

She did a great job in the Opening Session. She did a question and answer session and while many of the questions were a tad on the boring side, her answers were interesting and intuitive. She did say she had a new series coming out some time next year based I think, on one of the characters from the Stephanie Plum series.
What was good about the session was the big screens located at the sides of the stage and in the middle of the room. So although from where we were sitting, M. Evanovitch was only about 12 inches tall, she was much taller on the screens.

We had barely left the Opening Session, went back to the rooms for a bit of a rest when it was time for the KeyNote lunch with Linda Howard. I was a bit worried when I saw what the meal was - chicken with a tomato sauce and pasta as I make it a rule not to eat tomato based food *shudder* and I'm sure everyone who knows this position I have taken would be laughing, but after I scraped as much of the sauce as I could off, and brushed away those nasty little tomato pieces, the meal was pretty darn good! One thing I found a bit interesting - iced tea here isn't sweetened. Can you imagine? I had to add sweetener to it. And the desert -yum! Aztec Lady was bit miffed. She said to everyone at the table that she would be more then happy to eat their dessert if they didn't want it and no one said anything or offered up their dessert. Then when we were getting up to leave, we noticed about 2 or 3 people hadn't touched their dessert. By this time it was much too late for her to eat it as they wanted us out of there asap.

Now for Linda Howards talk. It was hi-lar-i-ous! Honestly - I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard. My eyes were running and my sides were hurting from laughing so hard. She was telling us stories about her family and funnier stories I've rarely heard. No wonder some of her books such as To Die For, Mr. Perfect are so funny - she has a Wicked sense of humour. Again I was slightly disapointed as the book of hers they gave away was Death Angel and I already have that in hardcover. I was hoping for a copy of Burn. Ah well - my loss will be someone's gain as it will make a great prize for a contest when I get back.

And then there was the Avon signing. Now Barbara was torn as there was a workshop she wanted to sit in on at the same time as the signing so I said I'd pick her up some books. Aztec Lady and AnimeJune also got her some and believe it or not, none of the books we got for her were books she already had!! I picked up some for myself too - yes me - I picked up some Avons. And yet again I was slightly disappointed. I was really hoping to get a copy of One Reckless Summer but it wasn't there and the books of hers they did have, I already have copies of. But once again I reached that wall - it was crowded in there and had to get out - immediately!

Rosie, Aztec Lady, Barbara, Amy and I went out for dinner. It was good although they did have some tomato bits on my plate. I guess the staff at the hotel didn't pass the word along that I don't like tomatoes. And after dinner, I did something I very rarely do - I had........dessert. Dessert twice in one day. That doesn't happen often.

The I headed down to the bar for a drink where I ran into SBSarah. It still astonishes me that people remember me *g*. I had a nice chat with some people from Source Books - the publisher that will be publishing Judith James' next book.

And then Barbara and I headed back to the room. Wendy has been MIA all evening. She went to a dinner with some people from Harlequin. She didn't think it would be long but it's almost midnight and young missy hasn't made it back yet. Methinks we might just have to ground her.

I don't have as many pictures this post, but I do have a lovely one of the back of a chair.








And I'm feeling bad about not answering most of the comments -but with three of us in the room using the lone internet connection - not to mention AnimeJune when she gets a chance and drops by, all the stuff we've been doing and so tired yet buzzed, I just haven't had time! So I'll do a post just answering everyone's comments and questions - but yes, I'm having a wonderful time. My feet hurt like you wouldn't believe and I'm looking my age instead of the youthful 27 I usually look like.

Update - it's now after midnight and young miss Wendy still isn't back yet. I'm going to have to have a talk with her!

Day 3

Well, it's day 3 and I think I need a chance to get me second wind!! The day started off early - Wendy had a wake-up call in for 6:00 am as she had the Librarian Event to go too for the day. Now I'm normally up at that time when I'm working but on vacations it's a different story. But if one lounges around here - there is too much to miss. So one by one the rest of us got up - Rosie, Barbara and then myself. Since we got ready in that order, I was the last one to shower and as I was in there, Aztec Lady knocked on our door.

One thing I have to say - I think it's hard for most people when the first meet someone and I'm no exception. I had years of practice working as a cashier in a grocery store but it's still a little nerve wracking. But when I've met fellow bloggers, it doesn't take any time at all to feel comfortable. It happened with Barbara, it happened with AnimeJune and it happened again with Aztec Lady - even though I was wet and naked under my jammies. In no time at all, it's like we are old friends - because we are friends - just friends that haven't met in person yet.

Lisabea showed up - she and Rosie are room mates for the rest of the conference. I met Lisabea last year - before she was published and again I have to say, even though I hadn't seen her or Rosie or Wendy for a year, we were able to pick up right where we left off when we last saw each other - as if only a few days had gone by instead of a whole year. It's amazing to me how solid the friendships are.

So after lots of talk and chatting books and generally having fun, Barbara and AnimeJune and I headed out for more sightseeing. That AnimeJune is an animal when it comes to being organized. And as I'm the exact opposite, it was wonderful having someone who had things all marked out and planned. After heading to the subway station and down the steepest set of escalators - first time I've ever been nervous on an escalator, we headed to the street with a lot of museums and headed inside the Smithsonian where I took A LOT of pictures. I'll post them later as these posts are more just quick little ones so you can get a feel for what's going on. The Smithsonian was very cool indeed, but I was trying to pace myself better today. And poor Barbara's feet were very angry with her and broke out in blisters too show her how unhappy they were. So we headed back and AnimeJune kept on truckin'

This evening was the Literacy signing. In order to be better organized, I made a list of authors whose books I wanted to get, but lost the list halfway through. But I think I did pretty good before claustrophobia hit and I had to get out. It was packed as usual, as you can see. I think the others are still there as I'm alone in the room at the moment.



But now the night is to come - and I'm not sure what that holds but I'm sure it will be not my usual Wednesday night!










































I picked up more books then usual and I can hardly wait until I can start entering them in my Excel Spreadsheet.

Day 2

A day of walking...and walking......and walking....and bad tourist guides

That was how the first part of the day went. As the conference hasn't started, Wendy Rosie and I wanted to do some sightseeing since we probably won't have time once it starts. We decided the best way to start was to take a tour bus.

The tour we took had 3 'loops'. Now the guide on the first loop was good. And he was funny - and he made it interesting. We drove by many of the embassies and that was interesting and we drove through Georgetown and man - are they skinny houses!! You should have seen some of them. Seriously - they were one room wide. I think they must have had the living room on one floor, the kitchen on the next floor and the bedrooms on higher floors. They were very peculiar. The tour guide told us that one was just recently sold and it went for $450,000.!!!!!!!
Then we got on the next loop tour bus. I was packed and as Wendy and Rosie were sitting on one seat and me on another, once again, my personal space was invaded by a total stranger since the bus on the second loop was full. The tour guide was late and they had some guy who wasn't very funny telling dumb jokes. There was some little kid behind me who kept heckling him. Seriously - what kind of 10 year old kid heckles a fill-in tour guide!!!!! I was SO tempted to turn around and tell him to stuff it - I was impatient too and some strange person was in my personal space - but I didn't - I have manners. But I figured it wouldn't be good to get into a fight with a kid.

So then the tour guide finally showed up and introduced herself as a former teacher. And she was! I felt like I was back in the classroom and she kept asking questions I didn't know the answers too. That's what she did - kept asking us questions - saying we must have learned it in civics class - Hello - I didn't TAKE an American Civics class - and I'm sure many visitors from outside the US probably didn't either.
We ended up getting off the trolley - I couldn't have taken much more of her - and I did NOT leave a tip like I did for the first guy. So then we walked. And we walked. And we walked.
Sadly - I have not walked like that for a very long time. My feet were not happy campers. Plus I hadn't had anything to eat and I was hungry.
But things got ever so much better when we got back to the hotel. Barbara made it - Yea! Then a little later AnimeJune showed up Yea! And we went down for dinner and had a wonderful time in the restaurant talking - what else books!!

And I have a few pics. Here's one of Wendy on her phone. She's texting. I don't know how to text. Often I don't know how to use a cell phone. I'm going to have to see if one of my roomies knows if I have a speaker thingy.














Here's one of Rosie while we are waiting for the trolley.
















Here's one of Wendy and Rosie taking pictures of this building (see below)
















Which is NOT which, some people thought, the White House. Seriously - they did not know that! They kept taking pictures - thinking it was the White House.














And it's late and I forget what this building is again - but it's a famous one.















Anyway - it's late and I'm tired. My feet are still mad at me. Just wait until I tell them we are doing more sightseeing tomorrow!!

Day 1

Well - Day 1 is drawing to a close. It's only about 6:30 Wendy and Rosie time, but it's much later then that my time. And since I was up Very Late last night and up early this morning - I'm ready to wind down and call it a day - while Wendy and Rosie are ready to par-tey!

Here are a few things of note so far:

Detroit airport has one ply toilet paper but the Washington airport has 2 ply - so they win when it comes to toilet paper.

I do not like taking off and landing in planes. I do not like planes. I was in the middle seat and they are so small, both people on either side of me invaded my personal space. I know it wasn't their fault - it's the compactness of the plane.

I was going to complain about this but it seems I made out better then Rosie when it came airline food. I was going to say I was offered a choice of either ONE cookie or a bag of about 10 dry roasted peanuts - I went for the peanuts. But apparently they wanted to CHARGE for a cookie on their flight.

The very oddest thing happened to me at the hotel. I was sitting outside the hotel - and a nice hotel it seems to be - when a guy came up and asked if I minded if he sat there. Men never do that to me!! It was very surreal I must say. I work at a place that's about 90% women so conversations with men are very rare in my life!! Now if this wasn't the case I wouldn't make a big deal of things, but it was so very - well - nice. We talked for quite some time and he was quite attractive

Anyway - others in the room want to use the puter so I'll say...

Kristie - over and out for Day 1 in Washington DC

I'm Up

It's my turn over at Reader's Gab at Access Romance wherein I do what I do best - Ramble!