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Sunday, January 10, 2010:
Contest update & some upcoming reader/writer events
The 2010 Reader and Author Get Together
June 4th – 6th, 2010
Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre, West Chester Ohio
Registration will open on Lori’s site in January 2010 – so check back then! I hope to see you there this year. I'm so looking forward to another fun event. I already know a few people won't be attending (Kati! *sob*) but I hope many of you will be able to. June sounds pretty good right about now. ***** Just to clarify about my blog anniversary contest: there were only 4 winners: PJ, Maureen, Liza and maered. Someone thought because their name was on the list that they were a winner, but what I did was include all the names that posted who wanted to be entered in the contest. I hope that clears up any confusion, and I apologize if anyone else thought the same. Oh, and just in case anyone was wondering, I do make my contests available to anyone who can receive mail, and out of these 4 winners, 1 of them was actually from another country, so yes, I practice what I preach LOL. To the winners: prizes have not gone out yet, but I hope to work on that this week. I have a business trip coming up so I've been a bit busy. But I promise you will not be forgotten. ****
My pal Dani told me about this event, and I'm really looking forward to attending! If anyone else is in the Chicagoland area and plan to attend, I'll love to meet you!
 SPRING FLING
WRITERS' CONFERENCE April 23 - 24, 2010 Deerfield, IL Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:30 - 6:00 pm Open to the Public
Meet your favorite authors and get copies of their latest releases! Here's the current list of wonderful authors who'll be in attendance: CHERRY ADAIR LAURA MOORE
MARILYN BRANT ANNEMARIE ORTEGA
LAURIE BROWN JENNA PETERSEN
LYDIA DARE JULIA QUINN
BLYTHE GIFFORD ABIGAIL REYNOLDS
ELIZABETH HOYT ERICA RIDLEY
JULIE JAMES DEBRA ST. JOHN
MARGOT JUSTES JAN SCARBROUGH
BETH KERY JUNE SPROAT
JADE LEE ANGIE STANTON
LINDSAY LONGFORD JENNIFER STEVENSON
ANN MACELA KAY STOCKHAM
MYRNA MACKENZIE KIMBERLY SULLIVAN
KELLY MAHER MARGARET WATSON
MORGAN MANDEL
What's going on in your world? Labels: Chicago Spring Fling, get-together, ramblings
posted by Stacy~ at 1/10/2010 07:32:00 AM
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Friday, June 13, 2008:
Saturday: Feeling much more alert (and pleasant) after a good night's sleep - and believe me, in the wonderful king-sized bed, I had no problems crashing into dreamland - I was downstairs around 8:30am to get the day started. There was wonderful coffee and pastries for breakfast, and people were milling around, looking at all the lovely baskets. I couldn't resist and bought more tickets, especially for the Animal Adoption Foundation and Laurie's troop donations. I've said it before, there's nothing like making up a basket for this event. I just love doing it, and the hardest part is deciding what to put in it because I get carried away. And it's also fun to see what other people come up with. One year there was a basket of pleasure toys, and you ain't seen it all til you see Christy's mom Cheryl running around showing off her nipple clamps. Disturbing yes, but funny as hell. I sat at the same table I was at on Friday, though people shuffle around, so we (me along with BarbS & Carolyn, two great ladies that are a lot of fun to be around) ended up with Lori Foster and her hubby Allen at our table, along with Lori's sister Monica. For those of you who don't know, Monica was in a terrible accident recently, and has had to have surgeries and therapy and is still tired and in lots of pain, but considering all of what she went through, she looked wonderful, and she's just lovely to talk to. In fact, Monica is the one that got Lori started on reading romances many years ago, so we have her to thank for Lori eventually becoming a writer. (THANK YOU MONICA!!!!) Allen is really cool, loves chatting with everyone and lending a helping hand whenever needed. Such a nice guy, and he and Lori will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this month. What a truly remarkable couple they are, and they've raised some fine young men any parent would be proud of. Just a great family all around. I have great admiration for them all. After scoping out the baskets, I went to go see some of my Peeps - JudyF, Laurie, LisaF, Niny, Chris S., Beth - who were hanging out at a different table. These ladies I've known almost since I joined Lori's Yahoo group years and years ago. We all think a lot alike and have the same sense of humor, so no matter how much time is in between visits, we can pick up again with no problem. I love friends like that. Judy F is so funny, sweet, just a dear, and our hottie goddess. Laurie is darling, and just so cute with a wicked sense of humor. She also gives great hugs. Lisa F. is darling, and her southern accent (from Georgia) is wonderful. I could listen to her talk all day, and I am forever grateful for her getting me started on Sarah McCarty's "Mac's Law". (Lisa I didn't forget I still owe you a book. I just have to get motivated to get to the post office). Niny is a riot, with her fast-talking, Puerto Rican/southern accent and exclamations and amusing outlook on life. I adore her. And Chris S. talks so fast and she's so funny and happy and has great taste in music and passionately loves romance novels and her and Judy are such good friends. Beth (aka LadyB) is awesome. Funny, smart, loves to pose for pictures, cute as a button and easy to get along with, she is the raffle princess. I'm going to be rooming with her in San Fran for RWA, and I'm so looking forward to it. I love these ladies like they were my own sisters, and even if the event weren't going on, I would have loved to just spend time with them. And there's Kelley, a real sweetheart who has become a writer in the last few years - it's amazing to watch her career take off. Fortunately her book "Getting Lucky With Luciano" arrived in time for the book fair, so I was able to get a signed copy. And Michelle B, photographer extraordinaire, who makes time to take some breathtaking pictures. I really wanted to win her basket, which was gorgeous. She is so talented and she teaches math at a community college - way smarter than me. The book fair, run by the incredible and wonderful B&N goddess Linda Keller, started at 10am. Now this was where many of the authors' books were being sold, including "Power of Love". They actually bring a cash register from the bookstore to ring up sales. 15% of all the money spent will go to the Conductive Learning Center of greater Cincinnati. Not counting these book sales, $4552.50 was collected for CLC. That is fantastic! I bought several books, including a print copy of L. C. Monroe's "Meagan's Chance". And getting the books signed was a fun challenge, but I managed to get 9 signatures out of 12 for 2 copies of "Power of Love" - one for myself and one for a contest I'll be having later this month, so I hope you'll stick around for that. The raffle continued for all those lovely baskets, and I was so lucky to win one from the just gorgeous and talented Ann Christopher, which included signed copies of "Trouble", "Risk" and "Sweeter Than Revenge", as well as a beautiful sterling silver bracelet (I just love silver). I was thrilled - what a fabulous basket to win. Laurie ran the donations for the troops, and collected $526 in cash donations, as well as receiving several bags and boxes of items. The Animal Adoption Foundation, run by Tamberlyn, brought in $1064, plus supplies. People were so generous, despite the gas prices and everything else going on. But there aren't too many people more giving than the romance community. It felt good to be a part of all of it. And the cool thing is, everyone wants to help in some small way We dismantled the book fair and put books in boxes for Linda, we cleared out the ballroom, we hauled packages and boxes and braved the heat and just did what we could to help Lori and Dianne who always put on a memorable weekend for us all. This year was no exception. After a short break, a group of us decided to get together for dinner, and Max & Erma's was the restaurant of choice. I love this place, and it wasn't too busy, so conversation and eating were easily accomplished. Along with the Peeps were fellow BookJunky Jennifer A, Michelle Buonfiglio, Susanna Carr, and another author I didn't quite catch the name of, so 13(?) of us. The chatting was friendly and lively, and I just sat there, happy to be at there at that exact time with all this fun ladies. I know, I know, feel the love. What can I say, except it's way more fun to laugh and joke around with good friends who truly enjoy each other's company...though Laurie might be right in that she's going to end up in Hell, but she'll definitely be kept company while she's there. I don't think I'll be the only one joining her either *g* After dinner, as crazy as it sounds, we headed over to Barnes and Noble, because you can never have too much of a good thing, even dragging Michelle Buonfiglio along with us for the ride. Chris S. had to get her June books, and Judy and I helped her find them. And one of the most fun moments I've ever had shopping for books came when a teacher, who was treating herself to an "end of the year" book binge, came along armed with a giftcard. She wanted recommendations! Music to our ears. When she mentioned vampires, I let her know that "Lover Enshrined" had been released, and she practially shrieked! I found a copy and put it in her hands and she was thrilled. I know exactly how she felt. I was like a crack dealer in that moment, and wow, the power. I liked it. Sunday: Breakfast with the authors. I usually sign up for Janice Maynard's group, and this year was no exception. We got up early for a 9am buffet, staying at the hotel instead of venturing out to one of the numerous restaurants. The food is wonderful and it's so nice to relax and talk and get last-minute pictures and hugs in. Some people had already left or were about to, so the weekend really was at an end. This is the time I get emotional, knowing I'll see everyone again, but dreading having to say good-bye all the same. I said adios around 11:15 and went to go attack my hotel room and get some of the chaos under control - mostly I just stuffed everything into my suitcase and snuck out, feeling slightly on the verge of tears but also looking forward to getting home and relaxing with my new books. The first few miles are always sad for me, and I miss everyone terribly, but it's good to be going home. The drive wasn't quite as windy, but near Hebron, IN the clouds were ominously black and the air still. Then it started to lightly rain, and all was good again. It took almost exactly 5 hours, but man, it actually was good to be home again. I miss everyone, but I had such a wonderful time and many new memories to enjoy. highlights
- winning Ann Christopher's basket! I love it! - Kelly A's intarsia designs. She made an angel and a fairy, and they were just gorgeous. Sadly, I didn't win either one. - dinner with the Peeps at Max & Erma's, where Michelle Buonfiglio came along and got us all talking about sex and whatever other naughty thoughts crossed her mind (that covers a lot of ground). - putting books in a romance reader's hands. Recommending good books is a high that I could get used to. - meeting Megan Hart, of the gorgeous black hair with purple highlights. I wish I could pull off this look. (Her and Lauren Dane together are hilarious). She is so sweet, incredibly nice (especially putting up with my gushing and stammering), and I am a huge fan of her work. I definitely have to be in the mood for it, but when you want a deep, emotional, heart-wrenching story, Megan knows how to deliver the genuine goods. She makes the most mundane come across as fascinating drama, and she knows how to engage the reader so thoroughly that you're completely hooked. Of course, I cannot wait til next year, when the event will be held from June 5th - 7th, 2009, so mark your calendars, people. We want you there! Labels: 2008, get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 6/13/2008 05:51:00 AM
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008:
Re-cap: Get-Together 2008, Part 1
Another year, come and gone. It's hard to believe it goes by soooo fast. Here's what went down: Friday: I left earlier than usual, about 7:3oam, hoping I'd get to Cincy in time to catch up with those already there. Armed with caffeine and a breakfast sandwich, I headed out. As usual, I printed up directions, and failed to notice that there were different than the ones I usually take, meaning that I was completely avoiding the tollroad. I'm not sure if it was better or worse because it was backed up so early in the morning, but then again, so is the tollroad. What was funny is that I had just bought an iPass earlier in the week so I could avoid the tollbooths. Oh, I did alright. Completely avoided them. Once traffic started moving, I felt better. I decided to let go of any lingering road rage and just enjoy the drive. Which I mostly did. The thing was, it was incredibly windy, which meant I had to drive with both hands on the wheel, which is unusual for me. It also kept me under 85 mph, which is very difficult when you just want to get there. But crashing was not an option. And am I the only one that wants to smack those idiot drivers that pull into the left lane right in front of faster cars and goes about 1 whole mile faster than the car/semi in the right lane, which causes a line of cars to tailgate and swear and get irritated? Good, I didn't think so. Roughly 5 hours later, I arrive at the Marriott. Being the 4th year, I was pretty comfortable with the set-up. The hotel staff is incredible, and very accommodating. The only problem was that it was so warm inside the hotel, and that's saying something from someone who usually freezes. As I ran out to my car to save the melting chocolate, I saw Joni, Niny and LisaF (who probably thought I was a complete snob for not immediately stopping to chat but I as hot and tired and a little crabby and of course there was the chocolate to think about, which was part of the gift basket for the raffle) and they were on their way out to grab a bite, so I tagged along with them since I was absolutely starving. We headed over to Wendy's, which was blissfully cool, and fairly empty. Nothing like grease and a chocolate frosty to perk me up. When we got back, we started helping put together the nametags, which was not easy, but then I realized I forgot something, so the procrastinator that is me went to my room to put together my raffle basket, which included Fannie May chocolate, Bath & Body Works lotion, bodywash, pillow mist and candles in Jasmine Vanilla, and the Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop, the omnibus version, which I wanted to keep for myself. I hope the girl who won my basket (Carrie H?) likes the trilogy. At 4pm was registration, and wow, was there ever a line! With over 250 people, it was to be expected, but still, wow. Sarah McCarty was an "instant friend", and went down the line to greet everyone and chat. I really like her. She's so friendly, and such a great writer, and she's great at remembering people. And Christy and her mom Cheryl are wonderful and funny and great at checking everyone in. We got a great bookbag from Samhain Publishing, and some free books and other items. Dinner that evening was pizza, served by the hotel, and I bought my raffle tickets and looked at the baskets. I don't even know how many there were, but there were 3 different raffles put together: one for the Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati, a local school specializing in education for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy; a troop donation raffle, as well as one for the Animal Adoption Foundation. Also Part of the proceeds from the sale of "Power of Love" are going to the Battered Women's Shelter. The baskets were incredible! Sarah McCarty always puts together one of the most coveted baskets, and this year was no different - she included the Amazon Kindle in her's. Another basket had a Sony ebook reader. There were books, jewelry, chocolate, lotions, a free night stay at Marriott of West Chester, a quilt with the "Power of Love" cover on it. Then there were guest speakers. I was lucky to be seated near the front, because the PA system was awful. Sue Grimshaw, a buyer for Borders was there, as was Sheila Clover from COS (Circle of Seven) Productions, and my pal Michelle Buonfiglio from MyLifetime.com, as well as Angela James, Executive Editor for my favorite ebook site, Samhain, and some others I can't exactly recall. I love hearing about the publishing world, about the different lines, what's popular, what's the hottest thing. It's a fascinating world, and I'm just visiting.... Friday highlights: Meeting Lucy Monroe! She is incredibly sweet, and I've wanted to meet her forever. She's such a darling, and she just sparkles. Love her to pieces. Catching up with the girls from LoriFosterBookJunkys and/or Scamps and Vamps (JudyF, Laurie, BarbS, Lisa F, Chris S, Joni, Niny, Beth, Carolyn, MichelleB). I've known most of these ladies for over 5 years, and it's always a pleasure to see them. Chatting with Toni Blake/ Lacey Alexander. She is definitely one of the most genuinely nice and caring people you could meet. I could talk to her for hours. (to be continued...) Labels: get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 6/11/2008 05:29:00 AM
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Thursday, January 03, 2008:
"Power of Love" athology & Lori Foster's June event
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (June 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425221482
ISBN-13: 978-0425221488
In this engaging anthology of never-before- published stories, twelve award-winning and bestselling authors are united by their unique visions of the resilient woman and her quest for self, for fulfillment, for empowerment, and for an enriching new appreciation for what love really means—and why it matters.
A young woman is torn between the overbearing security of her fiancé and the excitement of an old flame…a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life…an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career—and her man…an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel. These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their wonderfully fallible selves in the shadow of love—romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. You’ll be touched, inspired, charmed, and amused by these twelve original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.
~ A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM "THE POWER OF LOVE" GOES TO THE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER OF CINCINNATI ~
Other great news about this is that the anthology will be released in time for the June 2008 Lori Foster/ Dianne Castell get-together. Here is a current line-up of the authors attending:
Liz Andrews
Camille Anthony
Lyn Armstrong
Maya Banks
Michele Bardsley
Becky Barker
Anya Bast
Laura Baumbach
Jacki Bentley
Heidi Betts
Elizabeth Bevarly
Toni Blake
Monica Burns
Susanna Carr
Tori Carrington
Dianne Castell
Sam Cheever
Billie Warren Chai
Ann Christopher
Mary Ann Chulick
Edwina Columbia
Jodi Lynn Copeland
Diane Craver
Paige Cuccaro
Sharon Cullen
Sierra Dafoe
Lauren Dane
Gia Dawn
L. A. Day
Jamie Denton
Kate Douglas
Carol Ann Erhardt
Katrina Farabaugh
Gail Faulkner
Lori Foster
Shelley Galloway
Xandra Gregory
Heather Grothaus
Megan Hart
Ann Jacobs
Marcia James
Marteeka Karland
Amy Knupp
Celia Kyle
Rosemary Laurey
Marilyn Lee
Lora Leigh
Toni Leland
Mary Lennox
Michelle Levigne
Cathy Liggett
Kimberly Logan
Cait London
Melissa Lopez
Donna MacMeans
Jeffrey Marks
Lena Matthews
Janice Maynard
Erin McCarthy
Sarah McCarty
LuAnn McLane
Sandy McWhorter
Lucy Monroe
Rae Morgan
Shelby Morgen
Tuesday Morrigan
Anne Rainey
Tracy L. Ranson
Sara Reinke
Patricia Sargeant-Matthews
Jan Scarbrough
Dianne Love Snell
Michele Stegman
Marianne Stephens
Kay Stockham
Kira Stone
DeNita Tuttle
Eve Vaughn
Shiloh Walker
Ann Warner
Diane Whiteside
J. C. Wilder
Gwen Williams
Beth Williamson
S.J. Willing
Donna Wright
That's 86 authors so far! It's the 4th year and it's bigger and better than ever, and believe me, if you've never attended a reader/author event, this is a great place to start. I've gone every year and have had a blast. It's informal, relaxing, and fun, and Lori and Dianne try to make it as affordable as possible. Registration is now open for those who are planning to attend, and you have until sometime in May to decide if you're still not quite sure, but really, it's well worth it. I know you won't be sorry.
I would love to see you there :) Labels: anthology, charity, get-together, Power of Love
posted by Stacy~ at 1/03/2008 05:00:00 AM
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