by Mary Jo
Romance is a positive emotion, and a positive genre. We tend to be optimistic, glass-is-half-full people. And we LOVE getting together with our own kind to talk about books and have fun!
One such reader and author get together is Barbara Vey's annual Reader Appreciation Weekend in Milwaukee. A veteran of Publishers Weekly, Barbara is a long time journalist and blogger about romance, and she hosted her sixth author and reader get together the last weekend in April. I attended, and thought you might like to see some pictures about the kind of fun we get up to. (The picture on the left is from 2016, with Eloisa James, who was the keynote speaker, and Barbara Vey. In hats.)
There are numerous events, but the centerpiece is the Saturday luncheon. This year's keynote speaker was the remarkable Kristan Higgins , who brought the house down 
with her talk.
At the luncheon, 60 authors host tables, and seven readers sign up to join favorite writers. The author undertakes to decorate the table and provide gifts for the seven readers.
I freely admit that I'm not very good at this sort of thing, and I wanted to keep it simple so I could carry everything needed in my suitcase. Since much of my next book is set in the Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812 (The burning of Washington! The Battle of Baltimore and Francis Scott 
Key! Woo hoo!) I decided to decorate with a model blue crab (much loved in this part of the world) and netting.
(The Mayhem Consultant requests that I point out that crabs are not caught with nets, but trot lines, which have bits of food like chicken necks attached. The crabs grab hold of the food and won't let go, so they get pulled in and turned into steamed crabs. This does not speak well for their intelligence. But I digress.)
I choose a simple black gift bag with burgundy and gray tissue and inside an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of my upcoming book, Once a Rebel. Also included was a small can of Old Bay seasoning, which is how you season your crab after you catch it, and a carved soapstone animal because I was in southern Africa last September and fell in love with them.
But other authors were far more exuberant! Eloisa James' table featured lovely handmade bonnets and tea sets, among 
other things. (The cupcakes in the middle were our desserts, and yes, they really do have about 3" of icing on top. I was really pleased when my tablemates saved me one of the chocolate ones!)
Hawaiian author Violet Duke brought magnificent live orchids with her from the islands. People were lusting after the orchid leis on each chair.
Sonali Dev, an Indian-American author who writes for my publisher, Kensington, had a table next to mine and it was so gorgeous I wanted to be one of her guests. Indian bags, lovely scarves, goblets that Sonali 
painted herself–dizzying!
Honorary Word Wench Shana Galen has a French Revolution book, so naturally she had a guillotine beheading a Barbie doll, which was both clever and a little creepy. <G>
Regency writer Rose Lerner used to be into dollhouses, so of course she has dinosaurs with Regency headgear. <G> As one 
does. I was particularly fond of the dino wearing the Lord Nelson bicorn hat.
My friend Jade Lee has written lots of lovely historicals, but for a change of pace, she's now writing shifter romances under the name Kathy Lyons. As she asked cheerfully, who wouldn't want a grizzly bear in her bed? Well, maybe the 
bear she's with here!
Both authors and readers were a varied and fascinating lot. At my Sunday breakfast table, I had two female Navy surgeons who had flown in from the DC area for the event. They had a serious discussion about breast cancer treatments with another reader on the other side of the table, a librarian who is a survivor. (Who says all the talk at a romance is fluff???)
If you're thinking that authors are a very creative lot who like getting out of our burrows to play, you're absolutely right. <G>
It was altogether a lovely time–and one thing I carried away was a gift from another reader, this refrigerator magic from the New York Public Library, and Nathaniel Hawthorne was soooooooo right!
In honor of the celebration, I'm giving away an ARC of Once 
a Rebel to one person who comments between now and Thursday midnight. (Sorry, because of shipping issues this giveaway is limited to the US.)
Romance definitely rocks!
Mary Jo
That does sound like a very fun convention/get together.
Love your refrigerator magnet…it is so true. Writing period is very hard but to make it be FUN! Enjoyable! Turn the page and burn the midnight oil and greet the dawn writing..now that is darned hard.
That does sound like a very fun convention/get together.
Love your refrigerator magnet…it is so true. Writing period is very hard but to make it be FUN! Enjoyable! Turn the page and burn the midnight oil and greet the dawn writing..now that is darned hard.
That does sound like a very fun convention/get together.
Love your refrigerator magnet…it is so true. Writing period is very hard but to make it be FUN! Enjoyable! Turn the page and burn the midnight oil and greet the dawn writing..now that is darned hard.
That does sound like a very fun convention/get together.
Love your refrigerator magnet…it is so true. Writing period is very hard but to make it be FUN! Enjoyable! Turn the page and burn the midnight oil and greet the dawn writing..now that is darned hard.
That does sound like a very fun convention/get together.
Love your refrigerator magnet…it is so true. Writing period is very hard but to make it be FUN! Enjoyable! Turn the page and burn the midnight oil and greet the dawn writing..now that is darned hard.
Vicki L. you are soooooo right! I’m with Dorothy Parker: “I love having written.” The actual writing is seriously hard work. *G*
Vicki L. you are soooooo right! I’m with Dorothy Parker: “I love having written.” The actual writing is seriously hard work. *G*
Vicki L. you are soooooo right! I’m with Dorothy Parker: “I love having written.” The actual writing is seriously hard work. *G*
Vicki L. you are soooooo right! I’m with Dorothy Parker: “I love having written.” The actual writing is seriously hard work. *G*
Vicki L. you are soooooo right! I’m with Dorothy Parker: “I love having written.” The actual writing is seriously hard work. *G*
I’m glad to see that the writers have as much fun as the readers at these kinds of conferences! I always seem to hear about these events after the fact. Is there a list that the Word Wenches attend every year?
I’m glad to see that the writers have as much fun as the readers at these kinds of conferences! I always seem to hear about these events after the fact. Is there a list that the Word Wenches attend every year?
I’m glad to see that the writers have as much fun as the readers at these kinds of conferences! I always seem to hear about these events after the fact. Is there a list that the Word Wenches attend every year?
I’m glad to see that the writers have as much fun as the readers at these kinds of conferences! I always seem to hear about these events after the fact. Is there a list that the Word Wenches attend every year?
I’m glad to see that the writers have as much fun as the readers at these kinds of conferences! I always seem to hear about these events after the fact. Is there a list that the Word Wenches attend every year?
Brittany, it is fun to hang out with our tribe when the whole point is to enjoy, but I don’t know that there’s any kind of list. This was my first time at Barbara Vey’s event, and I don’t know if I’ll go again because time is always an issue. Author Lori Foster has a regular event, I knew that Heather Graham has done events in New Orleans and still does them, and I saw a reference to Violet Duke doing one in Hawaii every other year. Probably googling “romance author reader events” might give you some lealds so you can get on relevant newsletter lists.
Brittany, it is fun to hang out with our tribe when the whole point is to enjoy, but I don’t know that there’s any kind of list. This was my first time at Barbara Vey’s event, and I don’t know if I’ll go again because time is always an issue. Author Lori Foster has a regular event, I knew that Heather Graham has done events in New Orleans and still does them, and I saw a reference to Violet Duke doing one in Hawaii every other year. Probably googling “romance author reader events” might give you some lealds so you can get on relevant newsletter lists.
Brittany, it is fun to hang out with our tribe when the whole point is to enjoy, but I don’t know that there’s any kind of list. This was my first time at Barbara Vey’s event, and I don’t know if I’ll go again because time is always an issue. Author Lori Foster has a regular event, I knew that Heather Graham has done events in New Orleans and still does them, and I saw a reference to Violet Duke doing one in Hawaii every other year. Probably googling “romance author reader events” might give you some lealds so you can get on relevant newsletter lists.
Brittany, it is fun to hang out with our tribe when the whole point is to enjoy, but I don’t know that there’s any kind of list. This was my first time at Barbara Vey’s event, and I don’t know if I’ll go again because time is always an issue. Author Lori Foster has a regular event, I knew that Heather Graham has done events in New Orleans and still does them, and I saw a reference to Violet Duke doing one in Hawaii every other year. Probably googling “romance author reader events” might give you some lealds so you can get on relevant newsletter lists.
Brittany, it is fun to hang out with our tribe when the whole point is to enjoy, but I don’t know that there’s any kind of list. This was my first time at Barbara Vey’s event, and I don’t know if I’ll go again because time is always an issue. Author Lori Foster has a regular event, I knew that Heather Graham has done events in New Orleans and still does them, and I saw a reference to Violet Duke doing one in Hawaii every other year. Probably googling “romance author reader events” might give you some lealds so you can get on relevant newsletter lists.
What a fun event! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the creativity of you and the other authors in decorating your tables; after all, writing is creating, too.
What a fun event! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the creativity of you and the other authors in decorating your tables; after all, writing is creating, too.
What a fun event! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the creativity of you and the other authors in decorating your tables; after all, writing is creating, too.
What a fun event! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the creativity of you and the other authors in decorating your tables; after all, writing is creating, too.
What a fun event! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the creativity of you and the other authors in decorating your tables; after all, writing is creating, too.
It certainly was a wonderful event. I’m so glad I was able to be at your table for breakfast on Sunday. By the way, I managed to finish the rest of the Lost Lords books last week and I’m halfway through Once a Soldier. Loving these books!
It certainly was a wonderful event. I’m so glad I was able to be at your table for breakfast on Sunday. By the way, I managed to finish the rest of the Lost Lords books last week and I’m halfway through Once a Soldier. Loving these books!
It certainly was a wonderful event. I’m so glad I was able to be at your table for breakfast on Sunday. By the way, I managed to finish the rest of the Lost Lords books last week and I’m halfway through Once a Soldier. Loving these books!
It certainly was a wonderful event. I’m so glad I was able to be at your table for breakfast on Sunday. By the way, I managed to finish the rest of the Lost Lords books last week and I’m halfway through Once a Soldier. Loving these books!
It certainly was a wonderful event. I’m so glad I was able to be at your table for breakfast on Sunday. By the way, I managed to finish the rest of the Lost Lords books last week and I’m halfway through Once a Soldier. Loving these books!
Sounds as though you had fun. Lived in Maryland a couple of years and enjoyed the crabs. However, crabs are A fleeting pleasure. Your books can be read and read many times.
Sounds as though you had fun. Lived in Maryland a couple of years and enjoyed the crabs. However, crabs are A fleeting pleasure. Your books can be read and read many times.
Sounds as though you had fun. Lived in Maryland a couple of years and enjoyed the crabs. However, crabs are A fleeting pleasure. Your books can be read and read many times.
Sounds as though you had fun. Lived in Maryland a couple of years and enjoyed the crabs. However, crabs are A fleeting pleasure. Your books can be read and read many times.
Sounds as though you had fun. Lived in Maryland a couple of years and enjoyed the crabs. However, crabs are A fleeting pleasure. Your books can be read and read many times.
This was my second year attending this event! It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do! A great way to meet the authors and find many new ones to start stalking! The tables are beautiful masterpieces, for both the luncheon and breakfast! This will remain one of the best times of the year for me!
This was my second year attending this event! It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do! A great way to meet the authors and find many new ones to start stalking! The tables are beautiful masterpieces, for both the luncheon and breakfast! This will remain one of the best times of the year for me!
This was my second year attending this event! It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do! A great way to meet the authors and find many new ones to start stalking! The tables are beautiful masterpieces, for both the luncheon and breakfast! This will remain one of the best times of the year for me!
This was my second year attending this event! It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do! A great way to meet the authors and find many new ones to start stalking! The tables are beautiful masterpieces, for both the luncheon and breakfast! This will remain one of the best times of the year for me!
This was my second year attending this event! It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do! A great way to meet the authors and find many new ones to start stalking! The tables are beautiful masterpieces, for both the luncheon and breakfast! This will remain one of the best times of the year for me!
I would love to attend one of these. I am an avid reader of historical romance and this sounds like such fun!
I would love to attend one of these. I am an avid reader of historical romance and this sounds like such fun!
I would love to attend one of these. I am an avid reader of historical romance and this sounds like such fun!
I would love to attend one of these. I am an avid reader of historical romance and this sounds like such fun!
I would love to attend one of these. I am an avid reader of historical romance and this sounds like such fun!
I would love to have attended an event like this. One of the disadvantages of extree
aging is that you loose the ability to get out.
[sigh!], I guess I’ll just compensate with the wonderful visits we get here at Word Wenches.
I would love to have attended an event like this. One of the disadvantages of extree
aging is that you loose the ability to get out.
[sigh!], I guess I’ll just compensate with the wonderful visits we get here at Word Wenches.
I would love to have attended an event like this. One of the disadvantages of extree
aging is that you loose the ability to get out.
[sigh!], I guess I’ll just compensate with the wonderful visits we get here at Word Wenches.
I would love to have attended an event like this. One of the disadvantages of extree
aging is that you loose the ability to get out.
[sigh!], I guess I’ll just compensate with the wonderful visits we get here at Word Wenches.
I would love to have attended an event like this. One of the disadvantages of extree
aging is that you loose the ability to get out.
[sigh!], I guess I’ll just compensate with the wonderful visits we get here at Word Wenches.
Extreme
!!
Extreme
!!
Extreme
!!
Extreme
!!
Extreme
!!
I always say I would LOVE to attend one of these events but they never seem to come very close to Oklahoma and travelling for any longer than overnight complicates the taking care of aging parents. Sounds like SO MUCH fun. Thanks for sharing.
I always say I would LOVE to attend one of these events but they never seem to come very close to Oklahoma and travelling for any longer than overnight complicates the taking care of aging parents. Sounds like SO MUCH fun. Thanks for sharing.
I always say I would LOVE to attend one of these events but they never seem to come very close to Oklahoma and travelling for any longer than overnight complicates the taking care of aging parents. Sounds like SO MUCH fun. Thanks for sharing.
I always say I would LOVE to attend one of these events but they never seem to come very close to Oklahoma and travelling for any longer than overnight complicates the taking care of aging parents. Sounds like SO MUCH fun. Thanks for sharing.
I always say I would LOVE to attend one of these events but they never seem to come very close to Oklahoma and travelling for any longer than overnight complicates the taking care of aging parents. Sounds like SO MUCH fun. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Mary Jo, for recounting what sounds like a wonderful weekend. I would love to have been able to attend! I know that preparation can be stressful for writers, but for readers, a chance to feel they gotten “to know” their favorite authors, even just a bit, is a fabulous experience. Can’t wait to read your new book!
Thanks, Mary Jo, for recounting what sounds like a wonderful weekend. I would love to have been able to attend! I know that preparation can be stressful for writers, but for readers, a chance to feel they gotten “to know” their favorite authors, even just a bit, is a fabulous experience. Can’t wait to read your new book!
Thanks, Mary Jo, for recounting what sounds like a wonderful weekend. I would love to have been able to attend! I know that preparation can be stressful for writers, but for readers, a chance to feel they gotten “to know” their favorite authors, even just a bit, is a fabulous experience. Can’t wait to read your new book!
Thanks, Mary Jo, for recounting what sounds like a wonderful weekend. I would love to have been able to attend! I know that preparation can be stressful for writers, but for readers, a chance to feel they gotten “to know” their favorite authors, even just a bit, is a fabulous experience. Can’t wait to read your new book!
Thanks, Mary Jo, for recounting what sounds like a wonderful weekend. I would love to have been able to attend! I know that preparation can be stressful for writers, but for readers, a chance to feel they gotten “to know” their favorite authors, even just a bit, is a fabulous experience. Can’t wait to read your new book!
I went to a book reading and discussion at Mysterious Bookstore in NYC with authors Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig. Brilliant conversation between them and in answering questions from the audience.
I’d love to attend a huge event like this one. Great fun and information on different approaches to writing.
Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.
I went to a book reading and discussion at Mysterious Bookstore in NYC with authors Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig. Brilliant conversation between them and in answering questions from the audience.
I’d love to attend a huge event like this one. Great fun and information on different approaches to writing.
Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.
I went to a book reading and discussion at Mysterious Bookstore in NYC with authors Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig. Brilliant conversation between them and in answering questions from the audience.
I’d love to attend a huge event like this one. Great fun and information on different approaches to writing.
Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.
I went to a book reading and discussion at Mysterious Bookstore in NYC with authors Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig. Brilliant conversation between them and in answering questions from the audience.
I’d love to attend a huge event like this one. Great fun and information on different approaches to writing.
Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.
I went to a book reading and discussion at Mysterious Bookstore in NYC with authors Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig. Brilliant conversation between them and in answering questions from the audience.
I’d love to attend a huge event like this one. Great fun and information on different approaches to writing.
Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.
Kareni, for a writer, it’s nice to be creative in a way that has visible results, quickly. Different from writing books!
Kareni, for a writer, it’s nice to be creative in a way that has visible results, quickly. Different from writing books!
Kareni, for a writer, it’s nice to be creative in a way that has visible results, quickly. Different from writing books!
Kareni, for a writer, it’s nice to be creative in a way that has visible results, quickly. Different from writing books!
Kareni, for a writer, it’s nice to be creative in a way that has visible results, quickly. Different from writing books!
What a lovely post about an event that also sounds lovely.
What a lovely post about an event that also sounds lovely.
What a lovely post about an event that also sounds lovely.
What a lovely post about an event that also sounds lovely.
What a lovely post about an event that also sounds lovely.
Wasn’t breakfast fun, Judy? More relaxed that the luncheon, and a chance to meet new people. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories! I love Will and Athena, and was so glad to have a chance to give him his happy ending.
Wasn’t breakfast fun, Judy? More relaxed that the luncheon, and a chance to meet new people. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories! I love Will and Athena, and was so glad to have a chance to give him his happy ending.
Wasn’t breakfast fun, Judy? More relaxed that the luncheon, and a chance to meet new people. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories! I love Will and Athena, and was so glad to have a chance to give him his happy ending.
Wasn’t breakfast fun, Judy? More relaxed that the luncheon, and a chance to meet new people. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories! I love Will and Athena, and was so glad to have a chance to give him his happy ending.
Wasn’t breakfast fun, Judy? More relaxed that the luncheon, and a chance to meet new people. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories! I love Will and Athena, and was so glad to have a chance to give him his happy ending.
Awwwwww….! That is so sweet, Nancy!
Awwwwww….! That is so sweet, Nancy!
Awwwwww….! That is so sweet, Nancy!
Awwwwww….! That is so sweet, Nancy!
Awwwwww….! That is so sweet, Nancy!
Theresa, it really is a great way to meet others of our tribe! I don’t know if I’ll do this event again even though I had great fun, but I hope you can attend many more in the future.
Theresa, it really is a great way to meet others of our tribe! I don’t know if I’ll do this event again even though I had great fun, but I hope you can attend many more in the future.
Theresa, it really is a great way to meet others of our tribe! I don’t know if I’ll do this event again even though I had great fun, but I hope you can attend many more in the future.
Theresa, it really is a great way to meet others of our tribe! I don’t know if I’ll do this event again even though I had great fun, but I hope you can attend many more in the future.
Theresa, it really is a great way to meet others of our tribe! I don’t know if I’ll do this event again even though I had great fun, but I hope you can attend many more in the future.
They are! Most serious readers and writers are introverts, but we open up when we’re with people we share interests with.
They are! Most serious readers and writers are introverts, but we open up when we’re with people we share interests with.
They are! Most serious readers and writers are introverts, but we open up when we’re with people we share interests with.
They are! Most serious readers and writers are introverts, but we open up when we’re with people we share interests with.
They are! Most serious readers and writers are introverts, but we open up when we’re with people we share interests with.
Sue, I’ll do my best to keep you entertained. At least you’ve been to lots of sff cons who are similar fun!
Sue, I’ll do my best to keep you entertained. At least you’ve been to lots of sff cons who are similar fun!
Sue, I’ll do my best to keep you entertained. At least you’ve been to lots of sff cons who are similar fun!
Sue, I’ll do my best to keep you entertained. At least you’ve been to lots of sff cons who are similar fun!
Sue, I’ll do my best to keep you entertained. At least you’ve been to lots of sff cons who are similar fun!
Health issues make attending these conferences extremely difficult for me, even when they are as near as last week’s RT conference in Atlanta. However, I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous friend, PJ Ausdenmore, who attends many of them, and she always shares LOTS of photos and sends me goodie packages. The combination is the next best thing to being there. I was blissful when I received her gift from the Barbara Vey Weekend with signed books from several of my favorite authors, including one from the keynote speaker and one of yours, Mary Jo. 🙂
Health issues make attending these conferences extremely difficult for me, even when they are as near as last week’s RT conference in Atlanta. However, I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous friend, PJ Ausdenmore, who attends many of them, and she always shares LOTS of photos and sends me goodie packages. The combination is the next best thing to being there. I was blissful when I received her gift from the Barbara Vey Weekend with signed books from several of my favorite authors, including one from the keynote speaker and one of yours, Mary Jo. 🙂
Health issues make attending these conferences extremely difficult for me, even when they are as near as last week’s RT conference in Atlanta. However, I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous friend, PJ Ausdenmore, who attends many of them, and she always shares LOTS of photos and sends me goodie packages. The combination is the next best thing to being there. I was blissful when I received her gift from the Barbara Vey Weekend with signed books from several of my favorite authors, including one from the keynote speaker and one of yours, Mary Jo. 🙂
Health issues make attending these conferences extremely difficult for me, even when they are as near as last week’s RT conference in Atlanta. However, I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous friend, PJ Ausdenmore, who attends many of them, and she always shares LOTS of photos and sends me goodie packages. The combination is the next best thing to being there. I was blissful when I received her gift from the Barbara Vey Weekend with signed books from several of my favorite authors, including one from the keynote speaker and one of yours, Mary Jo. 🙂
Health issues make attending these conferences extremely difficult for me, even when they are as near as last week’s RT conference in Atlanta. However, I am blessed with a thoughtful and generous friend, PJ Ausdenmore, who attends many of them, and she always shares LOTS of photos and sends me goodie packages. The combination is the next best thing to being there. I was blissful when I received her gift from the Barbara Vey Weekend with signed books from several of my favorite authors, including one from the keynote speaker and one of yours, Mary Jo. 🙂
StephanieL, it’s a large country and events are pretty far apart, unfortunately. Sorry!
StephanieL, it’s a large country and events are pretty far apart, unfortunately. Sorry!
StephanieL, it’s a large country and events are pretty far apart, unfortunately. Sorry!
StephanieL, it’s a large country and events are pretty far apart, unfortunately. Sorry!
StephanieL, it’s a large country and events are pretty far apart, unfortunately. Sorry!
I wish I were nearer because it is evident it was an amazing event. Am I the only person who would like a site or someplace where I could find out about romance author’s get togethers? Some of them are announced well in advance, but so many times, I hear about wonderful events like this after the fact. But, I digress. First, thank you for the pictures, they are inspiring. And thank you so much for the descriptions. But, I do believe it was rather mean of you to picture the cupcakes with the 3 inches of icing….when we only get to see pictures and have no chance of seeing in person. But, who actually needs chocolate?
I wish I were nearer because it is evident it was an amazing event. Am I the only person who would like a site or someplace where I could find out about romance author’s get togethers? Some of them are announced well in advance, but so many times, I hear about wonderful events like this after the fact. But, I digress. First, thank you for the pictures, they are inspiring. And thank you so much for the descriptions. But, I do believe it was rather mean of you to picture the cupcakes with the 3 inches of icing….when we only get to see pictures and have no chance of seeing in person. But, who actually needs chocolate?
I wish I were nearer because it is evident it was an amazing event. Am I the only person who would like a site or someplace where I could find out about romance author’s get togethers? Some of them are announced well in advance, but so many times, I hear about wonderful events like this after the fact. But, I digress. First, thank you for the pictures, they are inspiring. And thank you so much for the descriptions. But, I do believe it was rather mean of you to picture the cupcakes with the 3 inches of icing….when we only get to see pictures and have no chance of seeing in person. But, who actually needs chocolate?
I wish I were nearer because it is evident it was an amazing event. Am I the only person who would like a site or someplace where I could find out about romance author’s get togethers? Some of them are announced well in advance, but so many times, I hear about wonderful events like this after the fact. But, I digress. First, thank you for the pictures, they are inspiring. And thank you so much for the descriptions. But, I do believe it was rather mean of you to picture the cupcakes with the 3 inches of icing….when we only get to see pictures and have no chance of seeing in person. But, who actually needs chocolate?
I wish I were nearer because it is evident it was an amazing event. Am I the only person who would like a site or someplace where I could find out about romance author’s get togethers? Some of them are announced well in advance, but so many times, I hear about wonderful events like this after the fact. But, I digress. First, thank you for the pictures, they are inspiring. And thank you so much for the descriptions. But, I do believe it was rather mean of you to picture the cupcakes with the 3 inches of icing….when we only get to see pictures and have no chance of seeing in person. But, who actually needs chocolate?
Margaret, these informal events are a great way to see writers are real people, if somewhat eccentric. *G* I hope you enjoy Gordon’s story when it comes out. I had fun with him and his lady love.
Margaret, these informal events are a great way to see writers are real people, if somewhat eccentric. *G* I hope you enjoy Gordon’s story when it comes out. I had fun with him and his lady love.
Margaret, these informal events are a great way to see writers are real people, if somewhat eccentric. *G* I hope you enjoy Gordon’s story when it comes out. I had fun with him and his lady love.
Margaret, these informal events are a great way to see writers are real people, if somewhat eccentric. *G* I hope you enjoy Gordon’s story when it comes out. I had fun with him and his lady love.
Margaret, these informal events are a great way to see writers are real people, if somewhat eccentric. *G* I hope you enjoy Gordon’s story when it comes out. I had fun with him and his lady love.
>>Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.<< YES! But I envy you being able to hear Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig--that would be a rare treat. *G*
>>Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.<< YES! But I envy you being able to hear Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig--that would be a rare treat. *G*
>>Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.<< YES! But I envy you being able to hear Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig--that would be a rare treat. *G*
>>Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.<< YES! But I envy you being able to hear Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig--that would be a rare treat. *G*
>>Simple writing that is lyrical is incredibly difficult.<< YES! But I envy you being able to hear Deanna Raybourn and Lauren Willig--that would be a rare treat. *G*
Laura, it was indeed lovely–and colorful!
Laura, it was indeed lovely–and colorful!
Laura, it was indeed lovely–and colorful!
Laura, it was indeed lovely–and colorful!
Laura, it was indeed lovely–and colorful!
What fun! Decorating the tables with themes is so creative. I would have loved to have seen the tables in person.
You are so right about romance being a positive genre. Romance writers and readers that I have interacted with on blogs like this one always seem friendly, upbeat, and generous.
What fun! Decorating the tables with themes is so creative. I would have loved to have seen the tables in person.
You are so right about romance being a positive genre. Romance writers and readers that I have interacted with on blogs like this one always seem friendly, upbeat, and generous.
What fun! Decorating the tables with themes is so creative. I would have loved to have seen the tables in person.
You are so right about romance being a positive genre. Romance writers and readers that I have interacted with on blogs like this one always seem friendly, upbeat, and generous.
What fun! Decorating the tables with themes is so creative. I would have loved to have seen the tables in person.
You are so right about romance being a positive genre. Romance writers and readers that I have interacted with on blogs like this one always seem friendly, upbeat, and generous.
What fun! Decorating the tables with themes is so creative. I would have loved to have seen the tables in person.
You are so right about romance being a positive genre. Romance writers and readers that I have interacted with on blogs like this one always seem friendly, upbeat, and generous.
Janga, I was so tickled to see PJ there and happy when she asked for a book for you. *G* Networking in action!
Janga, I was so tickled to see PJ there and happy when she asked for a book for you. *G* Networking in action!
Janga, I was so tickled to see PJ there and happy when she asked for a book for you. *G* Networking in action!
Janga, I was so tickled to see PJ there and happy when she asked for a book for you. *G* Networking in action!
Janga, I was so tickled to see PJ there and happy when she asked for a book for you. *G* Networking in action!
WHO NEEDS CHOCOLATE? Annette, hush your mouth! *G* I’m not actually a chocoholic, but that cupcake was very good, and it was nice of my tablemates to save one for me when I was up giving away my door prize. Romance readers are really nice people.
WHO NEEDS CHOCOLATE? Annette, hush your mouth! *G* I’m not actually a chocoholic, but that cupcake was very good, and it was nice of my tablemates to save one for me when I was up giving away my door prize. Romance readers are really nice people.
WHO NEEDS CHOCOLATE? Annette, hush your mouth! *G* I’m not actually a chocoholic, but that cupcake was very good, and it was nice of my tablemates to save one for me when I was up giving away my door prize. Romance readers are really nice people.
WHO NEEDS CHOCOLATE? Annette, hush your mouth! *G* I’m not actually a chocoholic, but that cupcake was very good, and it was nice of my tablemates to save one for me when I was up giving away my door prize. Romance readers are really nice people.
WHO NEEDS CHOCOLATE? Annette, hush your mouth! *G* I’m not actually a chocoholic, but that cupcake was very good, and it was nice of my tablemates to save one for me when I was up giving away my door prize. Romance readers are really nice people.
Cheryl, I love that I’ve lived so much of my life in the romance community, which is everything you said.
Cheryl, I love that I’ve lived so much of my life in the romance community, which is everything you said.
Cheryl, I love that I’ve lived so much of my life in the romance community, which is everything you said.
Cheryl, I love that I’ve lived so much of my life in the romance community, which is everything you said.
Cheryl, I love that I’ve lived so much of my life in the romance community, which is everything you said.
Oh I know! And when I see one posted somewhere I have a fantasy of travelling and attending for about 15 seconds, and then sigh and go back to, it is what it is. LOL I just love to see the pictures and the blog posts. Always seems like a fun time!! So thanks for that! 😉
Oh I know! And when I see one posted somewhere I have a fantasy of travelling and attending for about 15 seconds, and then sigh and go back to, it is what it is. LOL I just love to see the pictures and the blog posts. Always seems like a fun time!! So thanks for that! 😉
Oh I know! And when I see one posted somewhere I have a fantasy of travelling and attending for about 15 seconds, and then sigh and go back to, it is what it is. LOL I just love to see the pictures and the blog posts. Always seems like a fun time!! So thanks for that! 😉
Oh I know! And when I see one posted somewhere I have a fantasy of travelling and attending for about 15 seconds, and then sigh and go back to, it is what it is. LOL I just love to see the pictures and the blog posts. Always seems like a fun time!! So thanks for that! 😉
Oh I know! And when I see one posted somewhere I have a fantasy of travelling and attending for about 15 seconds, and then sigh and go back to, it is what it is. LOL I just love to see the pictures and the blog posts. Always seems like a fun time!! So thanks for that! 😉
True about the SF.
Bob and I still go every year. After all, that’s how we met. 49 years ago!
But meeting romance writers would widen the field.
I did meet Anne McCaffrey twice! And she always said she wrote
romances — true — just showcased as SF.
True about the SF.
Bob and I still go every year. After all, that’s how we met. 49 years ago!
But meeting romance writers would widen the field.
I did meet Anne McCaffrey twice! And she always said she wrote
romances — true — just showcased as SF.
True about the SF.
Bob and I still go every year. After all, that’s how we met. 49 years ago!
But meeting romance writers would widen the field.
I did meet Anne McCaffrey twice! And she always said she wrote
romances — true — just showcased as SF.
True about the SF.
Bob and I still go every year. After all, that’s how we met. 49 years ago!
But meeting romance writers would widen the field.
I did meet Anne McCaffrey twice! And she always said she wrote
romances — true — just showcased as SF.
True about the SF.
Bob and I still go every year. After all, that’s how we met. 49 years ago!
But meeting romance writers would widen the field.
I did meet Anne McCaffrey twice! And she always said she wrote
romances — true — just showcased as SF.
PJ is a sweetheart! I am sorry to hear that you have health issues. I hope things improve for you soon.
PJ is a sweetheart! I am sorry to hear that you have health issues. I hope things improve for you soon.
PJ is a sweetheart! I am sorry to hear that you have health issues. I hope things improve for you soon.
PJ is a sweetheart! I am sorry to hear that you have health issues. I hope things improve for you soon.
PJ is a sweetheart! I am sorry to hear that you have health issues. I hope things improve for you soon.
Please know that one of the highlights of my year was sitting at your table at the luncheon. I have enjoyed your books for years and was so happy to be able to meet you and find out that you are as smart and funny and lovely in person as I have always imagined you to be. Your table decorations were spot on, and we were all happy that we had guessed correctly about you wanting the chocolate cupcake! Please know that I appreciated all of the effort that went into your appearing at the luncheon, and hope to enjoy the fruits of your “damned hard writing” for many years to come.
P.S. You know I have this ARC so please do not enter me in the drawing.
Please know that one of the highlights of my year was sitting at your table at the luncheon. I have enjoyed your books for years and was so happy to be able to meet you and find out that you are as smart and funny and lovely in person as I have always imagined you to be. Your table decorations were spot on, and we were all happy that we had guessed correctly about you wanting the chocolate cupcake! Please know that I appreciated all of the effort that went into your appearing at the luncheon, and hope to enjoy the fruits of your “damned hard writing” for many years to come.
P.S. You know I have this ARC so please do not enter me in the drawing.
Please know that one of the highlights of my year was sitting at your table at the luncheon. I have enjoyed your books for years and was so happy to be able to meet you and find out that you are as smart and funny and lovely in person as I have always imagined you to be. Your table decorations were spot on, and we were all happy that we had guessed correctly about you wanting the chocolate cupcake! Please know that I appreciated all of the effort that went into your appearing at the luncheon, and hope to enjoy the fruits of your “damned hard writing” for many years to come.
P.S. You know I have this ARC so please do not enter me in the drawing.
Please know that one of the highlights of my year was sitting at your table at the luncheon. I have enjoyed your books for years and was so happy to be able to meet you and find out that you are as smart and funny and lovely in person as I have always imagined you to be. Your table decorations were spot on, and we were all happy that we had guessed correctly about you wanting the chocolate cupcake! Please know that I appreciated all of the effort that went into your appearing at the luncheon, and hope to enjoy the fruits of your “damned hard writing” for many years to come.
P.S. You know I have this ARC so please do not enter me in the drawing.
Please know that one of the highlights of my year was sitting at your table at the luncheon. I have enjoyed your books for years and was so happy to be able to meet you and find out that you are as smart and funny and lovely in person as I have always imagined you to be. Your table decorations were spot on, and we were all happy that we had guessed correctly about you wanting the chocolate cupcake! Please know that I appreciated all of the effort that went into your appearing at the luncheon, and hope to enjoy the fruits of your “damned hard writing” for many years to come.
P.S. You know I have this ARC so please do not enter me in the drawing.
Mary, I was delighted to have my very own Doctor McCoy sitting next to me at the luncheon. *G* And really, with 8 romance people at the table and only two chocolate ones, it was an act of generosity to save one for me when that really was my preference! Yes, I know you have the ARC, and I hope you enjoy it when you have time to read it since you probably are a really busy woman!
Mary, I was delighted to have my very own Doctor McCoy sitting next to me at the luncheon. *G* And really, with 8 romance people at the table and only two chocolate ones, it was an act of generosity to save one for me when that really was my preference! Yes, I know you have the ARC, and I hope you enjoy it when you have time to read it since you probably are a really busy woman!
Mary, I was delighted to have my very own Doctor McCoy sitting next to me at the luncheon. *G* And really, with 8 romance people at the table and only two chocolate ones, it was an act of generosity to save one for me when that really was my preference! Yes, I know you have the ARC, and I hope you enjoy it when you have time to read it since you probably are a really busy woman!
Mary, I was delighted to have my very own Doctor McCoy sitting next to me at the luncheon. *G* And really, with 8 romance people at the table and only two chocolate ones, it was an act of generosity to save one for me when that really was my preference! Yes, I know you have the ARC, and I hope you enjoy it when you have time to read it since you probably are a really busy woman!
Mary, I was delighted to have my very own Doctor McCoy sitting next to me at the luncheon. *G* And really, with 8 romance people at the table and only two chocolate ones, it was an act of generosity to save one for me when that really was my preference! Yes, I know you have the ARC, and I hope you enjoy it when you have time to read it since you probably are a really busy woman!
Oooh, Anne McCaffrey! Yes, indeed, she wrote romances all the way. Remember RESTOREE??
Oooh, Anne McCaffrey! Yes, indeed, she wrote romances all the way. Remember RESTOREE??
Oooh, Anne McCaffrey! Yes, indeed, she wrote romances all the way. Remember RESTOREE??
Oooh, Anne McCaffrey! Yes, indeed, she wrote romances all the way. Remember RESTOREE??
Oooh, Anne McCaffrey! Yes, indeed, she wrote romances all the way. Remember RESTOREE??
Brittany, do you subscribe to the wench newsletter? That should keep you up to date with wench appearances.
Brittany, do you subscribe to the wench newsletter? That should keep you up to date with wench appearances.
Brittany, do you subscribe to the wench newsletter? That should keep you up to date with wench appearances.
Brittany, do you subscribe to the wench newsletter? That should keep you up to date with wench appearances.
Brittany, do you subscribe to the wench newsletter? That should keep you up to date with wench appearances.
Sadly I’m in Australia, and besides I’m drowning in ARCs, but I enjoyed this post. What a creative bunch you were!
Sadly I’m in Australia, and besides I’m drowning in ARCs, but I enjoyed this post. What a creative bunch you were!
Sadly I’m in Australia, and besides I’m drowning in ARCs, but I enjoyed this post. What a creative bunch you were!
Sadly I’m in Australia, and besides I’m drowning in ARCs, but I enjoyed this post. What a creative bunch you were!
Sadly I’m in Australia, and besides I’m drowning in ARCs, but I enjoyed this post. What a creative bunch you were!
I was lucky enough to attend the event. I sat at Sonali’s table. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your pictures and for a chance to win your ARC.
I was lucky enough to attend the event. I sat at Sonali’s table. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your pictures and for a chance to win your ARC.
I was lucky enough to attend the event. I sat at Sonali’s table. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your pictures and for a chance to win your ARC.
I was lucky enough to attend the event. I sat at Sonali’s table. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your pictures and for a chance to win your ARC.
I was lucky enough to attend the event. I sat at Sonali’s table. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your pictures and for a chance to win your ARC.
Shelagh, as you probably know, Australia and New Zealand also have masses of very creative romance writers!
Shelagh, as you probably know, Australia and New Zealand also have masses of very creative romance writers!
Shelagh, as you probably know, Australia and New Zealand also have masses of very creative romance writers!
Shelagh, as you probably know, Australia and New Zealand also have masses of very creative romance writers!
Shelagh, as you probably know, Australia and New Zealand also have masses of very creative romance writers!
So you were right behind me! She did an amazing job, and I believe her most recent book got an amazing number of starred reviews as well.
So you were right behind me! She did an amazing job, and I believe her most recent book got an amazing number of starred reviews as well.
So you were right behind me! She did an amazing job, and I believe her most recent book got an amazing number of starred reviews as well.
So you were right behind me! She did an amazing job, and I believe her most recent book got an amazing number of starred reviews as well.
So you were right behind me! She did an amazing job, and I believe her most recent book got an amazing number of starred reviews as well.
I’ve never been to one of those book events but it certainly looked like a lot of fun was had by all. Maybe one of these years I’ll get to attend – reading the various posts has been fun!
I’ve never been to one of those book events but it certainly looked like a lot of fun was had by all. Maybe one of these years I’ll get to attend – reading the various posts has been fun!
I’ve never been to one of those book events but it certainly looked like a lot of fun was had by all. Maybe one of these years I’ll get to attend – reading the various posts has been fun!
I’ve never been to one of those book events but it certainly looked like a lot of fun was had by all. Maybe one of these years I’ll get to attend – reading the various posts has been fun!
I’ve never been to one of those book events but it certainly looked like a lot of fun was had by all. Maybe one of these years I’ll get to attend – reading the various posts has been fun!
Excited to meet you at Buns and Roses in Dallas this year.
Excited to meet you at Buns and Roses in Dallas this year.
Excited to meet you at Buns and Roses in Dallas this year.
Excited to meet you at Buns and Roses in Dallas this year.
Excited to meet you at Buns and Roses in Dallas this year.
#BVW17 was such a fun event for me to attend! I typically read historical romances but use this event to discover new (to me) authors and step out of my favorite genre. I ate lunch with Gail Chianese and breakfast with J. Kenner; both lovely women and even better authors. I am thoroughly enjoying their books. And of course, your’s too, as I said, historicals are my favorite!
#BVW17 was such a fun event for me to attend! I typically read historical romances but use this event to discover new (to me) authors and step out of my favorite genre. I ate lunch with Gail Chianese and breakfast with J. Kenner; both lovely women and even better authors. I am thoroughly enjoying their books. And of course, your’s too, as I said, historicals are my favorite!
#BVW17 was such a fun event for me to attend! I typically read historical romances but use this event to discover new (to me) authors and step out of my favorite genre. I ate lunch with Gail Chianese and breakfast with J. Kenner; both lovely women and even better authors. I am thoroughly enjoying their books. And of course, your’s too, as I said, historicals are my favorite!
#BVW17 was such a fun event for me to attend! I typically read historical romances but use this event to discover new (to me) authors and step out of my favorite genre. I ate lunch with Gail Chianese and breakfast with J. Kenner; both lovely women and even better authors. I am thoroughly enjoying their books. And of course, your’s too, as I said, historicals are my favorite!
#BVW17 was such a fun event for me to attend! I typically read historical romances but use this event to discover new (to me) authors and step out of my favorite genre. I ate lunch with Gail Chianese and breakfast with J. Kenner; both lovely women and even better authors. I am thoroughly enjoying their books. And of course, your’s too, as I said, historicals are my favorite!
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was all too lovely not to share.
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was all too lovely not to share.
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was all too lovely not to share.
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was all too lovely not to share.
Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was all too lovely not to share.
Susan, I’m really looking forward to it, and not just because I love that it benefits the local library. I’m sure it will have some elements like the Barbara Vey weekend, but also a special character of its own.
Susan, I’m really looking forward to it, and not just because I love that it benefits the local library. I’m sure it will have some elements like the Barbara Vey weekend, but also a special character of its own.
Susan, I’m really looking forward to it, and not just because I love that it benefits the local library. I’m sure it will have some elements like the Barbara Vey weekend, but also a special character of its own.
Susan, I’m really looking forward to it, and not just because I love that it benefits the local library. I’m sure it will have some elements like the Barbara Vey weekend, but also a special character of its own.
Susan, I’m really looking forward to it, and not just because I love that it benefits the local library. I’m sure it will have some elements like the Barbara Vey weekend, but also a special character of its own.
Katie, very wise of you to use the opportunity to explore other subgenres and other authors, and you chose well.
Katie, very wise of you to use the opportunity to explore other subgenres and other authors, and you chose well.
Katie, very wise of you to use the opportunity to explore other subgenres and other authors, and you chose well.
Katie, very wise of you to use the opportunity to explore other subgenres and other authors, and you chose well.
Katie, very wise of you to use the opportunity to explore other subgenres and other authors, and you chose well.