by Mary Jo
RWA has conferences for professional and aspiring writers. They are serious and often rather stressed as ambitious and sometimes desperate writers try to make headway.
In contrast, the Romantic Times conferences are a great big rollicking party. <G> There are actually a lot of very good workshops at RT (I was on three panels), but it's first and foremost a conference for readers. The authors are there as bait, to see our friends, and to promo our books.
A major reason I opted for this recent conference is because I love New Orleans. It's a great city and we were right on the edge of the French quarter. Go out the front of the hotel, and there was Canal Street. Go out through the garage and there you are on a very narrow little street with great little restaurants and shops.
I think this was my fifth visit to New Orleans, and each was in connection with a conference. On my flight down, two other women were in my row, and all three of us were going to different conferences.
My last trip to the city was six months after Katrina, when the city was a ghost town. The occasion was a Novelists, Inc. conference, since Ninc members are writers who are curious and empathic and not about to cancel a conference as so many other wimpy organizations did. The local people were really, really glad to see us, but it was haunting to look out the hotel window and see all the damaged roofs that were covered with bright blue tarps.
That old New Orleans, with deeply rooted communities, was irrevocably changed by Katrina, but the legendary city, built around the high ground of the French Quarter and Garden Districts, is alive and kicking. The streets are crowded, musicians of all sorts are busking on corners, and the wait is long at iconic places like the Café du Monde, where one goes for beignets.
Beignets are squares of a doughnut-like dough, deep fried and lavishly covered with powdered sugar. Piping hot and consumed with coffee, they're delicious. Cold, they are like grease-saturated pieces of rubber tire. (We learned this when the Mayhem Consultant thoughtfully bought some at the Nola airport and brought them home as a treat. He gets full credit for good intentions. <G>)
I could ramble indefinitely about New Orleans and I'm well on my to doing so, but it's 
time to talk about the fun time Pat Rice and I had at Mardi Gras World. MGW is a working studio and warehouse that builds not only masses of floats for some of the best known Mardi Gras krewes, but also does specialty work for Disney, Universal Studios, Las Vegas companies, and others. They work year around sculpting figures and illustrating themes–and they have tours so folks like us can come and see the magic being made.
I went crazy with photographs because everywhere you look in the 250,000 square foot warehouse, there is something wonderful to see. A few of my favorites shots:
Mardi Gras World is right on the river, and their mermaid happily greets those sailing by.
Blaine Kern was the founder in 1947, and the Kern family still operates the business.
Before you go in, you can wear silly costumes and get your picture taken with the local fauna. That's me, in case you're wondering. <G>
Pat found some friends.
Here be dragons!
Here's a cow under construction. Someone said they were for Chick-fil-A. The form is sculpted in 
styrofoam, then papier-mâché and paint. A board commemorated knives that died in service:
Here's a cheery beast!
This particula krewe (sorry, I can't remember which), is known for always having flowers all over. Krewe members pay dues to their organization, plus they have to buy costumes, the throws that are tossed into the crowds, etc, etc. Not a cheap pastime! MGW builds safety belts into the floats to keep possibly drunken riders from pitching into the pavement. Of course, they can't guarantee that riders will use them!
I was charmed by this Ferdinand the bull.
Each krewe has their own parade made of multiple floats, and they have all kinds of themes. Children's movies are popular:
I'm not sure how this poor elephant got so unlucky.
We were served king cake, a tradition. Basically it's a big cinnamon bun colored with icing in the three colors of Mardi Gras: gold, purple, and green.
Speaking of food, there seem to be no bad meals in New Orleans. Here strawberries are flambeed in the lovely cool of the Court of Two Sisters. (Picture taken by my friend Vicki Lewis Thompson, who was faster with her camera than I was.
If you want to be enchanted, I strongly recommend a visit to Mardi Gras World. But even if crazy critters don't appeal to you, it's worth coming to New Orleans for the food and the music!
Down in New Orleans…
Mary Jo
Hi Mary Jo… It sounds like the New Orleans Convention was fantastic. I have a special affinity with NOLA – not to mention family connections going back to the early 19th century. One of the highlights of my life was donning one of those stupid costumes (and mask) and riding a Star Wars float in an actual Mardi Gras parade with the Krewe of Morpheus. We have mardi gras beads hanging all over the house!
(PS you got a special mention in my recent Word Wenches guest post!)
Hi Mary Jo… It sounds like the New Orleans Convention was fantastic. I have a special affinity with NOLA – not to mention family connections going back to the early 19th century. One of the highlights of my life was donning one of those stupid costumes (and mask) and riding a Star Wars float in an actual Mardi Gras parade with the Krewe of Morpheus. We have mardi gras beads hanging all over the house!
(PS you got a special mention in my recent Word Wenches guest post!)
Hi Mary Jo… It sounds like the New Orleans Convention was fantastic. I have a special affinity with NOLA – not to mention family connections going back to the early 19th century. One of the highlights of my life was donning one of those stupid costumes (and mask) and riding a Star Wars float in an actual Mardi Gras parade with the Krewe of Morpheus. We have mardi gras beads hanging all over the house!
(PS you got a special mention in my recent Word Wenches guest post!)
Hi Mary Jo… It sounds like the New Orleans Convention was fantastic. I have a special affinity with NOLA – not to mention family connections going back to the early 19th century. One of the highlights of my life was donning one of those stupid costumes (and mask) and riding a Star Wars float in an actual Mardi Gras parade with the Krewe of Morpheus. We have mardi gras beads hanging all over the house!
(PS you got a special mention in my recent Word Wenches guest post!)
Hi Mary Jo… It sounds like the New Orleans Convention was fantastic. I have a special affinity with NOLA – not to mention family connections going back to the early 19th century. One of the highlights of my life was donning one of those stupid costumes (and mask) and riding a Star Wars float in an actual Mardi Gras parade with the Krewe of Morpheus. We have mardi gras beads hanging all over the house!
(PS you got a special mention in my recent Word Wenches guest post!)
Oh, I’d love to visit there – but it seems an awfully long way away from Canberra! 🙂
Having come from a theatre family, this is the kind of thing I grew up playing around.
Oh, I’d love to visit there – but it seems an awfully long way away from Canberra! 🙂
Having come from a theatre family, this is the kind of thing I grew up playing around.
Oh, I’d love to visit there – but it seems an awfully long way away from Canberra! 🙂
Having come from a theatre family, this is the kind of thing I grew up playing around.
Oh, I’d love to visit there – but it seems an awfully long way away from Canberra! 🙂
Having come from a theatre family, this is the kind of thing I grew up playing around.
Oh, I’d love to visit there – but it seems an awfully long way away from Canberra! 🙂
Having come from a theatre family, this is the kind of thing I grew up playing around.
This was really interesting. I’d love to see this place. It’s magic !
This was really interesting. I’d love to see this place. It’s magic !
This was really interesting. I’d love to see this place. It’s magic !
This was really interesting. I’d love to see this place. It’s magic !
This was really interesting. I’d love to see this place. It’s magic !
You never read Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child? 😀
You never read Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child? 😀
You never read Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child? 😀
You never read Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child? 😀
You never read Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child? 😀
Alison—
Ooooh, you got to ride on a Star Wars float! The only thing better would be riding on a float with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. *G*
I meant to respond to your comment on the lovely blog you did for Nicola, but that was the day I was traveling to New Orleans. Was it when we had that lovely dinner on the Bristbane River that I asked you what you loved to read, and why weren’t you writing it? You’ve come a VERY long way since then! Congratulations, and enjoy the mayhem. *G*
Alison—
Ooooh, you got to ride on a Star Wars float! The only thing better would be riding on a float with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. *G*
I meant to respond to your comment on the lovely blog you did for Nicola, but that was the day I was traveling to New Orleans. Was it when we had that lovely dinner on the Bristbane River that I asked you what you loved to read, and why weren’t you writing it? You’ve come a VERY long way since then! Congratulations, and enjoy the mayhem. *G*
Alison—
Ooooh, you got to ride on a Star Wars float! The only thing better would be riding on a float with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. *G*
I meant to respond to your comment on the lovely blog you did for Nicola, but that was the day I was traveling to New Orleans. Was it when we had that lovely dinner on the Bristbane River that I asked you what you loved to read, and why weren’t you writing it? You’ve come a VERY long way since then! Congratulations, and enjoy the mayhem. *G*
Alison—
Ooooh, you got to ride on a Star Wars float! The only thing better would be riding on a float with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. *G*
I meant to respond to your comment on the lovely blog you did for Nicola, but that was the day I was traveling to New Orleans. Was it when we had that lovely dinner on the Bristbane River that I asked you what you loved to read, and why weren’t you writing it? You’ve come a VERY long way since then! Congratulations, and enjoy the mayhem. *G*
Alison—
Ooooh, you got to ride on a Star Wars float! The only thing better would be riding on a float with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. *G*
I meant to respond to your comment on the lovely blog you did for Nicola, but that was the day I was traveling to New Orleans. Was it when we had that lovely dinner on the Bristbane River that I asked you what you loved to read, and why weren’t you writing it? You’ve come a VERY long way since then! Congratulations, and enjoy the mayhem. *G*
Sonya–
It is indeed a -very- long way from Canberra, but if you grew up in a theater family, you’ve already had a lot of this sort of fun. *G* New Orleans is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in this hemisphere, though I don’t recommend high summer. RWAmerica has twice had late July or early August national conferences there, and the heat and humidity will melt you into a sticky puddle on the pavement. But it’s always fun to visit.
Sonya–
It is indeed a -very- long way from Canberra, but if you grew up in a theater family, you’ve already had a lot of this sort of fun. *G* New Orleans is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in this hemisphere, though I don’t recommend high summer. RWAmerica has twice had late July or early August national conferences there, and the heat and humidity will melt you into a sticky puddle on the pavement. But it’s always fun to visit.
Sonya–
It is indeed a -very- long way from Canberra, but if you grew up in a theater family, you’ve already had a lot of this sort of fun. *G* New Orleans is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in this hemisphere, though I don’t recommend high summer. RWAmerica has twice had late July or early August national conferences there, and the heat and humidity will melt you into a sticky puddle on the pavement. But it’s always fun to visit.
Sonya–
It is indeed a -very- long way from Canberra, but if you grew up in a theater family, you’ve already had a lot of this sort of fun. *G* New Orleans is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in this hemisphere, though I don’t recommend high summer. RWAmerica has twice had late July or early August national conferences there, and the heat and humidity will melt you into a sticky puddle on the pavement. But it’s always fun to visit.
Sonya–
It is indeed a -very- long way from Canberra, but if you grew up in a theater family, you’ve already had a lot of this sort of fun. *G* New Orleans is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in this hemisphere, though I don’t recommend high summer. RWAmerica has twice had late July or early August national conferences there, and the heat and humidity will melt you into a sticky puddle on the pavement. But it’s always fun to visit.
Jackie–if you’re in the French Quarter, you can even take a free shuttle over to Mardi Gras World! I called there, was told there was a shuttle in the area, and by the time Pat and I had taken the elevator from our 25th story room to street level, the shuttle was rounding the corner and heading to our hotel. It was all so smooth, and such fun.
Jackie–if you’re in the French Quarter, you can even take a free shuttle over to Mardi Gras World! I called there, was told there was a shuttle in the area, and by the time Pat and I had taken the elevator from our 25th story room to street level, the shuttle was rounding the corner and heading to our hotel. It was all so smooth, and such fun.
Jackie–if you’re in the French Quarter, you can even take a free shuttle over to Mardi Gras World! I called there, was told there was a shuttle in the area, and by the time Pat and I had taken the elevator from our 25th story room to street level, the shuttle was rounding the corner and heading to our hotel. It was all so smooth, and such fun.
Jackie–if you’re in the French Quarter, you can even take a free shuttle over to Mardi Gras World! I called there, was told there was a shuttle in the area, and by the time Pat and I had taken the elevator from our 25th story room to street level, the shuttle was rounding the corner and heading to our hotel. It was all so smooth, and such fun.
Jackie–if you’re in the French Quarter, you can even take a free shuttle over to Mardi Gras World! I called there, was told there was a shuttle in the area, and by the time Pat and I had taken the elevator from our 25th story room to street level, the shuttle was rounding the corner and heading to our hotel. It was all so smooth, and such fun.
Sue–
Clearly I’ve forgotten if I did read it! But that may well be the inspiration for those particular figures. It was fun to look at them and imagine the inspiration. THere was a great Rosie the Riveter image (which was unfortunately dark in my photo), and Washington was close to ready to cross the Delaware. *G*
Sue–
Clearly I’ve forgotten if I did read it! But that may well be the inspiration for those particular figures. It was fun to look at them and imagine the inspiration. THere was a great Rosie the Riveter image (which was unfortunately dark in my photo), and Washington was close to ready to cross the Delaware. *G*
Sue–
Clearly I’ve forgotten if I did read it! But that may well be the inspiration for those particular figures. It was fun to look at them and imagine the inspiration. THere was a great Rosie the Riveter image (which was unfortunately dark in my photo), and Washington was close to ready to cross the Delaware. *G*
Sue–
Clearly I’ve forgotten if I did read it! But that may well be the inspiration for those particular figures. It was fun to look at them and imagine the inspiration. THere was a great Rosie the Riveter image (which was unfortunately dark in my photo), and Washington was close to ready to cross the Delaware. *G*
Sue–
Clearly I’ve forgotten if I did read it! But that may well be the inspiration for those particular figures. It was fun to look at them and imagine the inspiration. THere was a great Rosie the Riveter image (which was unfortunately dark in my photo), and Washington was close to ready to cross the Delaware. *G*
Great pictures, Mary Jo! I have always been fascinated by Mardi Gras. I love the outrageous costumes, the bright colors, the toe-tapping music, the sense of unbridled fun. I’m even fascinated by the sometimes underlying hint of the garish and sinister that reminds one of Carnival in South America. With so much visually stunning aspects related to Mardi Gras, it’s a miracle your camera didn’t explode from sheer overload!
Heat: I’m afraid the heat in a Louisiana spring or summer would totally do me in. Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there! I’ll enjoy it vicariously through it’s trademark jazz and Cajun music! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures. If ever I should find myself in New Orleans, I’d definitely tour Mardi Gras World after seeing your pictures!
Great pictures, Mary Jo! I have always been fascinated by Mardi Gras. I love the outrageous costumes, the bright colors, the toe-tapping music, the sense of unbridled fun. I’m even fascinated by the sometimes underlying hint of the garish and sinister that reminds one of Carnival in South America. With so much visually stunning aspects related to Mardi Gras, it’s a miracle your camera didn’t explode from sheer overload!
Heat: I’m afraid the heat in a Louisiana spring or summer would totally do me in. Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there! I’ll enjoy it vicariously through it’s trademark jazz and Cajun music! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures. If ever I should find myself in New Orleans, I’d definitely tour Mardi Gras World after seeing your pictures!
Great pictures, Mary Jo! I have always been fascinated by Mardi Gras. I love the outrageous costumes, the bright colors, the toe-tapping music, the sense of unbridled fun. I’m even fascinated by the sometimes underlying hint of the garish and sinister that reminds one of Carnival in South America. With so much visually stunning aspects related to Mardi Gras, it’s a miracle your camera didn’t explode from sheer overload!
Heat: I’m afraid the heat in a Louisiana spring or summer would totally do me in. Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there! I’ll enjoy it vicariously through it’s trademark jazz and Cajun music! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures. If ever I should find myself in New Orleans, I’d definitely tour Mardi Gras World after seeing your pictures!
Great pictures, Mary Jo! I have always been fascinated by Mardi Gras. I love the outrageous costumes, the bright colors, the toe-tapping music, the sense of unbridled fun. I’m even fascinated by the sometimes underlying hint of the garish and sinister that reminds one of Carnival in South America. With so much visually stunning aspects related to Mardi Gras, it’s a miracle your camera didn’t explode from sheer overload!
Heat: I’m afraid the heat in a Louisiana spring or summer would totally do me in. Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there! I’ll enjoy it vicariously through it’s trademark jazz and Cajun music! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures. If ever I should find myself in New Orleans, I’d definitely tour Mardi Gras World after seeing your pictures!
Great pictures, Mary Jo! I have always been fascinated by Mardi Gras. I love the outrageous costumes, the bright colors, the toe-tapping music, the sense of unbridled fun. I’m even fascinated by the sometimes underlying hint of the garish and sinister that reminds one of Carnival in South America. With so much visually stunning aspects related to Mardi Gras, it’s a miracle your camera didn’t explode from sheer overload!
Heat: I’m afraid the heat in a Louisiana spring or summer would totally do me in. Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there! I’ll enjoy it vicariously through it’s trademark jazz and Cajun music! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous pictures. If ever I should find myself in New Orleans, I’d definitely tour Mardi Gras World after seeing your pictures!
“I’ll enjoy it vicariously through ***it’s*** trademark jazz and Cajun music”
It’s? IT’S??? Fie! Where did that apostrophe come from? Big typo. That’s supposed to be “its” (No apostrophe) Sheesh. You’d never know I was an editor in my other life! The editor edits herself.
“I’ll enjoy it vicariously through ***it’s*** trademark jazz and Cajun music”
It’s? IT’S??? Fie! Where did that apostrophe come from? Big typo. That’s supposed to be “its” (No apostrophe) Sheesh. You’d never know I was an editor in my other life! The editor edits herself.
“I’ll enjoy it vicariously through ***it’s*** trademark jazz and Cajun music”
It’s? IT’S??? Fie! Where did that apostrophe come from? Big typo. That’s supposed to be “its” (No apostrophe) Sheesh. You’d never know I was an editor in my other life! The editor edits herself.
“I’ll enjoy it vicariously through ***it’s*** trademark jazz and Cajun music”
It’s? IT’S??? Fie! Where did that apostrophe come from? Big typo. That’s supposed to be “its” (No apostrophe) Sheesh. You’d never know I was an editor in my other life! The editor edits herself.
“I’ll enjoy it vicariously through ***it’s*** trademark jazz and Cajun music”
It’s? IT’S??? Fie! Where did that apostrophe come from? Big typo. That’s supposed to be “its” (No apostrophe) Sheesh. You’d never know I was an editor in my other life! The editor edits herself.
Great post, great pictures. I’m afraid my conference in New Orleans gave us time to eat out a lot but not really sightsee. I’m addicted to Bananas Foster. I stayed an extra day, mainly exploring the French Quarter and taking a paddleboat.
References to beignets seem to be popping up everywhere in my life. First in a movie that was a comedy with liberal doses of food porn and now this post.
Great post, great pictures. I’m afraid my conference in New Orleans gave us time to eat out a lot but not really sightsee. I’m addicted to Bananas Foster. I stayed an extra day, mainly exploring the French Quarter and taking a paddleboat.
References to beignets seem to be popping up everywhere in my life. First in a movie that was a comedy with liberal doses of food porn and now this post.
Great post, great pictures. I’m afraid my conference in New Orleans gave us time to eat out a lot but not really sightsee. I’m addicted to Bananas Foster. I stayed an extra day, mainly exploring the French Quarter and taking a paddleboat.
References to beignets seem to be popping up everywhere in my life. First in a movie that was a comedy with liberal doses of food porn and now this post.
Great post, great pictures. I’m afraid my conference in New Orleans gave us time to eat out a lot but not really sightsee. I’m addicted to Bananas Foster. I stayed an extra day, mainly exploring the French Quarter and taking a paddleboat.
References to beignets seem to be popping up everywhere in my life. First in a movie that was a comedy with liberal doses of food porn and now this post.
Great post, great pictures. I’m afraid my conference in New Orleans gave us time to eat out a lot but not really sightsee. I’m addicted to Bananas Foster. I stayed an extra day, mainly exploring the French Quarter and taking a paddleboat.
References to beignets seem to be popping up everywhere in my life. First in a movie that was a comedy with liberal doses of food porn and now this post.
Sherrie–
New Orleans summer heat is enough to flatten even people who aren’t from cooler climes, like the Pacific North West! Best to go in spring or fall, when you can wander the streets in comfort.
Sherrie–
New Orleans summer heat is enough to flatten even people who aren’t from cooler climes, like the Pacific North West! Best to go in spring or fall, when you can wander the streets in comfort.
Sherrie–
New Orleans summer heat is enough to flatten even people who aren’t from cooler climes, like the Pacific North West! Best to go in spring or fall, when you can wander the streets in comfort.
Sherrie–
New Orleans summer heat is enough to flatten even people who aren’t from cooler climes, like the Pacific North West! Best to go in spring or fall, when you can wander the streets in comfort.
Sherrie–
New Orleans summer heat is enough to flatten even people who aren’t from cooler climes, like the Pacific North West! Best to go in spring or fall, when you can wander the streets in comfort.
Shannon–
You were wise to stay an extra day. I was pretty busy, too–Friday was the only day when I could really get out and wander. But it was enough to satify me for now. I think that in New Orleans, there will always be new things to see.
It sounds as if the beignets are calling to you….. *G*
Shannon–
You were wise to stay an extra day. I was pretty busy, too–Friday was the only day when I could really get out and wander. But it was enough to satify me for now. I think that in New Orleans, there will always be new things to see.
It sounds as if the beignets are calling to you….. *G*
Shannon–
You were wise to stay an extra day. I was pretty busy, too–Friday was the only day when I could really get out and wander. But it was enough to satify me for now. I think that in New Orleans, there will always be new things to see.
It sounds as if the beignets are calling to you….. *G*
Shannon–
You were wise to stay an extra day. I was pretty busy, too–Friday was the only day when I could really get out and wander. But it was enough to satify me for now. I think that in New Orleans, there will always be new things to see.
It sounds as if the beignets are calling to you….. *G*
Shannon–
You were wise to stay an extra day. I was pretty busy, too–Friday was the only day when I could really get out and wander. But it was enough to satify me for now. I think that in New Orleans, there will always be new things to see.
It sounds as if the beignets are calling to you….. *G*
Court of the Two Sisters is a family tradition that I didn’t get to keep up on this trip. I’m so happy to see your picture and live it vicariously.
It was great doing a panel together. Let’s do it again!
Court of the Two Sisters is a family tradition that I didn’t get to keep up on this trip. I’m so happy to see your picture and live it vicariously.
It was great doing a panel together. Let’s do it again!
Court of the Two Sisters is a family tradition that I didn’t get to keep up on this trip. I’m so happy to see your picture and live it vicariously.
It was great doing a panel together. Let’s do it again!
Court of the Two Sisters is a family tradition that I didn’t get to keep up on this trip. I’m so happy to see your picture and live it vicariously.
It was great doing a panel together. Let’s do it again!
Court of the Two Sisters is a family tradition that I didn’t get to keep up on this trip. I’m so happy to see your picture and live it vicariously.
It was great doing a panel together. Let’s do it again!
Pooks, I’d never been to the Court of Two Sisters before, but it was so lovely and peaceful that I had dinner there two nights in a row. The courtyard dining area is gorgeous, and the food and staff were lovely.
Our panel was pretty great, too! I loved your story about writing sexy in Texas. *G*
Pooks, I’d never been to the Court of Two Sisters before, but it was so lovely and peaceful that I had dinner there two nights in a row. The courtyard dining area is gorgeous, and the food and staff were lovely.
Our panel was pretty great, too! I loved your story about writing sexy in Texas. *G*
Pooks, I’d never been to the Court of Two Sisters before, but it was so lovely and peaceful that I had dinner there two nights in a row. The courtyard dining area is gorgeous, and the food and staff were lovely.
Our panel was pretty great, too! I loved your story about writing sexy in Texas. *G*
Pooks, I’d never been to the Court of Two Sisters before, but it was so lovely and peaceful that I had dinner there two nights in a row. The courtyard dining area is gorgeous, and the food and staff were lovely.
Our panel was pretty great, too! I loved your story about writing sexy in Texas. *G*
Pooks, I’d never been to the Court of Two Sisters before, but it was so lovely and peaceful that I had dinner there two nights in a row. The courtyard dining area is gorgeous, and the food and staff were lovely.
Our panel was pretty great, too! I loved your story about writing sexy in Texas. *G*
Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing the photos!!
Glenda–I -did- have a wonderful time, and the best parts were getting together with friends for great New Orleans food. Moments to remember.
Glenda–I -did- have a wonderful time, and the best parts were getting together with friends for great New Orleans food. Moments to remember.
Glenda–I -did- have a wonderful time, and the best parts were getting together with friends for great New Orleans food. Moments to remember.
Glenda–I -did- have a wonderful time, and the best parts were getting together with friends for great New Orleans food. Moments to remember.
Glenda–I -did- have a wonderful time, and the best parts were getting together with friends for great New Orleans food. Moments to remember.
Oh, it looks so wonderful. I so wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to an RT convention and would love to. And I love New Orleans. sigh.
Oh, it looks so wonderful. I so wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to an RT convention and would love to. And I love New Orleans. sigh.
Oh, it looks so wonderful. I so wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to an RT convention and would love to. And I love New Orleans. sigh.
Oh, it looks so wonderful. I so wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to an RT convention and would love to. And I love New Orleans. sigh.
Oh, it looks so wonderful. I so wish I could have gone. I’ve never been to an RT convention and would love to. And I love New Orleans. sigh.
There’s a Bayou Cafe at Courthouse Metro. That’s a mere 15-20 minutes from my job.
There’s a Bayou Cafe at Courthouse Metro. That’s a mere 15-20 minutes from my job.
There’s a Bayou Cafe at Courthouse Metro. That’s a mere 15-20 minutes from my job.
There’s a Bayou Cafe at Courthouse Metro. That’s a mere 15-20 minutes from my job.
There’s a Bayou Cafe at Courthouse Metro. That’s a mere 15-20 minutes from my job.
And they do beignets? I’d say that cafe is calling your name. *G*
And they do beignets? I’d say that cafe is calling your name. *G*
And they do beignets? I’d say that cafe is calling your name. *G*
And they do beignets? I’d say that cafe is calling your name. *G*
And they do beignets? I’d say that cafe is calling your name. *G*
Anne–
It would be so great if we had Star Trek transporters to beam people around the world! That way you could come to Ninc, RWA, and RT, which are all very different.
But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio. I’m glad the RITA nomination is luring you Up Over!
Anne–
It would be so great if we had Star Trek transporters to beam people around the world! That way you could come to Ninc, RWA, and RT, which are all very different.
But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio. I’m glad the RITA nomination is luring you Up Over!
Anne–
It would be so great if we had Star Trek transporters to beam people around the world! That way you could come to Ninc, RWA, and RT, which are all very different.
But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio. I’m glad the RITA nomination is luring you Up Over!
Anne–
It would be so great if we had Star Trek transporters to beam people around the world! That way you could come to Ninc, RWA, and RT, which are all very different.
But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio. I’m glad the RITA nomination is luring you Up Over!
Anne–
It would be so great if we had Star Trek transporters to beam people around the world! That way you could come to Ninc, RWA, and RT, which are all very different.
But in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio. I’m glad the RITA nomination is luring you Up Over!
Great pictures, MJP! Jess Michaels and I didn’t get to Mardi Gras World on Sunday morning, after all, and now I wish we had. Oh, well, that gives me a good excuse to go back to NOLA! And yes, the dinner at the Court of Two Sisters was a highlight, for sure. 🙂
Great pictures, MJP! Jess Michaels and I didn’t get to Mardi Gras World on Sunday morning, after all, and now I wish we had. Oh, well, that gives me a good excuse to go back to NOLA! And yes, the dinner at the Court of Two Sisters was a highlight, for sure. 🙂
Great pictures, MJP! Jess Michaels and I didn’t get to Mardi Gras World on Sunday morning, after all, and now I wish we had. Oh, well, that gives me a good excuse to go back to NOLA! And yes, the dinner at the Court of Two Sisters was a highlight, for sure. 🙂
Great pictures, MJP! Jess Michaels and I didn’t get to Mardi Gras World on Sunday morning, after all, and now I wish we had. Oh, well, that gives me a good excuse to go back to NOLA! And yes, the dinner at the Court of Two Sisters was a highlight, for sure. 🙂
Great pictures, MJP! Jess Michaels and I didn’t get to Mardi Gras World on Sunday morning, after all, and now I wish we had. Oh, well, that gives me a good excuse to go back to NOLA! And yes, the dinner at the Court of Two Sisters was a highlight, for sure. 🙂
Vicki–
New Orleans just has too many delights–I’d have loved to see more. But our dinner at the Courst of Two Sisters was perhaps the very best time of all.
Vicki–
New Orleans just has too many delights–I’d have loved to see more. But our dinner at the Courst of Two Sisters was perhaps the very best time of all.
Vicki–
New Orleans just has too many delights–I’d have loved to see more. But our dinner at the Courst of Two Sisters was perhaps the very best time of all.
Vicki–
New Orleans just has too many delights–I’d have loved to see more. But our dinner at the Courst of Two Sisters was perhaps the very best time of all.
Vicki–
New Orleans just has too many delights–I’d have loved to see more. But our dinner at the Courst of Two Sisters was perhaps the very best time of all.
Maybe one day I’ll get to New Orleans, but it’s a long way from Australia.
My library just got in ‘Not Quite A Wife’ in hard back and it was so delightful I wanted to give it a five star review at Amazon but they won’t let me because it’s not out yet on kindle or paperback. It is my very favourite one from the Lost Lords Series and I LOVED the way you sensitively portrayed the Christian faith of the Methodist and Presbyterian characters. So many Historical Novelists (like Georgette Heyer) prefer to leave this out – congratulations I loved it so much – and whoever edited it did a great job as I couldn’t find any typographical errors or historical inaccuracies.
Maybe one day I’ll get to New Orleans, but it’s a long way from Australia.
My library just got in ‘Not Quite A Wife’ in hard back and it was so delightful I wanted to give it a five star review at Amazon but they won’t let me because it’s not out yet on kindle or paperback. It is my very favourite one from the Lost Lords Series and I LOVED the way you sensitively portrayed the Christian faith of the Methodist and Presbyterian characters. So many Historical Novelists (like Georgette Heyer) prefer to leave this out – congratulations I loved it so much – and whoever edited it did a great job as I couldn’t find any typographical errors or historical inaccuracies.
Maybe one day I’ll get to New Orleans, but it’s a long way from Australia.
My library just got in ‘Not Quite A Wife’ in hard back and it was so delightful I wanted to give it a five star review at Amazon but they won’t let me because it’s not out yet on kindle or paperback. It is my very favourite one from the Lost Lords Series and I LOVED the way you sensitively portrayed the Christian faith of the Methodist and Presbyterian characters. So many Historical Novelists (like Georgette Heyer) prefer to leave this out – congratulations I loved it so much – and whoever edited it did a great job as I couldn’t find any typographical errors or historical inaccuracies.
Maybe one day I’ll get to New Orleans, but it’s a long way from Australia.
My library just got in ‘Not Quite A Wife’ in hard back and it was so delightful I wanted to give it a five star review at Amazon but they won’t let me because it’s not out yet on kindle or paperback. It is my very favourite one from the Lost Lords Series and I LOVED the way you sensitively portrayed the Christian faith of the Methodist and Presbyterian characters. So many Historical Novelists (like Georgette Heyer) prefer to leave this out – congratulations I loved it so much – and whoever edited it did a great job as I couldn’t find any typographical errors or historical inaccuracies.
Maybe one day I’ll get to New Orleans, but it’s a long way from Australia.
My library just got in ‘Not Quite A Wife’ in hard back and it was so delightful I wanted to give it a five star review at Amazon but they won’t let me because it’s not out yet on kindle or paperback. It is my very favourite one from the Lost Lords Series and I LOVED the way you sensitively portrayed the Christian faith of the Methodist and Presbyterian characters. So many Historical Novelists (like Georgette Heyer) prefer to leave this out – congratulations I loved it so much – and whoever edited it did a great job as I couldn’t find any typographical errors or historical inaccuracies.
Fairy Princess– It will be out in 2015.
You’re so right about how far you are from New Orleans, but I hope you get there some day. In my experience, Australian and New Zealand women are great travelers!
And thanks so much for the comments on NOT QUITE A WIFE! I love that Kensington does the special hardcover library edition.
I also appreciate your comments on the religious elements in the story. Questions of spirituality–what we believe or don’t believe, how we live our lives–are central to being human, and I think that novels that completely ignore this are missing an important part of being human. Incidentally, Laurel’s brother Daniel is the hero of the book I’m working on now, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT.
I hope you get a chance to leave a review of NQAW when the main edition comes out! And I’ll pass on your comment to my editor, Alicia Condon. She and the rest of the pulishing team at Kensington do a first rater job. I feel fortunate to work with them.
Fairy Princess– It will be out in 2015.
You’re so right about how far you are from New Orleans, but I hope you get there some day. In my experience, Australian and New Zealand women are great travelers!
And thanks so much for the comments on NOT QUITE A WIFE! I love that Kensington does the special hardcover library edition.
I also appreciate your comments on the religious elements in the story. Questions of spirituality–what we believe or don’t believe, how we live our lives–are central to being human, and I think that novels that completely ignore this are missing an important part of being human. Incidentally, Laurel’s brother Daniel is the hero of the book I’m working on now, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT.
I hope you get a chance to leave a review of NQAW when the main edition comes out! And I’ll pass on your comment to my editor, Alicia Condon. She and the rest of the pulishing team at Kensington do a first rater job. I feel fortunate to work with them.
Fairy Princess– It will be out in 2015.
You’re so right about how far you are from New Orleans, but I hope you get there some day. In my experience, Australian and New Zealand women are great travelers!
And thanks so much for the comments on NOT QUITE A WIFE! I love that Kensington does the special hardcover library edition.
I also appreciate your comments on the religious elements in the story. Questions of spirituality–what we believe or don’t believe, how we live our lives–are central to being human, and I think that novels that completely ignore this are missing an important part of being human. Incidentally, Laurel’s brother Daniel is the hero of the book I’m working on now, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT.
I hope you get a chance to leave a review of NQAW when the main edition comes out! And I’ll pass on your comment to my editor, Alicia Condon. She and the rest of the pulishing team at Kensington do a first rater job. I feel fortunate to work with them.
Fairy Princess– It will be out in 2015.
You’re so right about how far you are from New Orleans, but I hope you get there some day. In my experience, Australian and New Zealand women are great travelers!
And thanks so much for the comments on NOT QUITE A WIFE! I love that Kensington does the special hardcover library edition.
I also appreciate your comments on the religious elements in the story. Questions of spirituality–what we believe or don’t believe, how we live our lives–are central to being human, and I think that novels that completely ignore this are missing an important part of being human. Incidentally, Laurel’s brother Daniel is the hero of the book I’m working on now, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT.
I hope you get a chance to leave a review of NQAW when the main edition comes out! And I’ll pass on your comment to my editor, Alicia Condon. She and the rest of the pulishing team at Kensington do a first rater job. I feel fortunate to work with them.
Fairy Princess– It will be out in 2015.
You’re so right about how far you are from New Orleans, but I hope you get there some day. In my experience, Australian and New Zealand women are great travelers!
And thanks so much for the comments on NOT QUITE A WIFE! I love that Kensington does the special hardcover library edition.
I also appreciate your comments on the religious elements in the story. Questions of spirituality–what we believe or don’t believe, how we live our lives–are central to being human, and I think that novels that completely ignore this are missing an important part of being human. Incidentally, Laurel’s brother Daniel is the hero of the book I’m working on now, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT.
I hope you get a chance to leave a review of NQAW when the main edition comes out! And I’ll pass on your comment to my editor, Alicia Condon. She and the rest of the pulishing team at Kensington do a first rater job. I feel fortunate to work with them.