Authors After Dark, New Orleans and Abs Envy

Me in a rockin' corset!

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Authors After Dark conference in New Orleans. And between August 8th and 12 I laughed, talked, prayed—seriously, I did—met the coolest readers and authors I looove! In other words, I had a ball!!

After a welcome event where I had a “fan girl” moment with Shayla Black, I hung out with Katie Reus—hi, Katie!! *blowing kisses*—on Bourbon Street. There Cynthia Eden broke my alcohol second virginity with a lemon something-or-other…don’t know the exact name, but it was yummy! I stood on my first balcony, met an “undercover agent” who wasn’t too under cover and saw a guy with a midriff baring shirt, tighter abs than mine and a hip-swaying stride that made me say, “Must be jam cuz jelly don’t shake like that!” Good times!


Me and Suzanne Johnson

Thursday and Friday I attended several readings, panels and workshops. I went to an amazing workshop on world building led by Kristen Painter. Two weeks later and I’m still talking about it! Just wow! If you haven’t read her House of Comarre series, it’s awesome! Among ice cream parties, karaoke where Jessica Lee and I did a rousing rendition of I Want Your Sex by George Michael, trying on corsets and a magical ball, I also had the opportunity to hear some of my favorite authors read from their books. Adrian Phoenix, Jeaniene Frost, Theresa Meyers, Suzanne Johnson…sitting across from these and other authors and listening to them read from books I have enjoyed was a wonderful experience I wouldn’t have passed up!


Me and Jade Lee

When you get a bunch of women—and some men!—who love romance books, authors and readers alike, you have a party where you’re not only accepted for your kookiness, but it’s celebrated! I discovered that the women I think of as goddesses of writing are funny, laid back and sarcastic—y’know, just real! I had a beautiful time and I can’t wait to do it again in 2013!

Me and Erin McCarthy!