I've spoken often enough of my dear friend and writing partner P.D. Singer, and also of Jared Rackler, the talented artist who creates my banners and my self-pubbed book covers. He designed my gorgeous logo, that will soon be a tattoo on my shoulder. Well, I had the priveledge of attending GRL with these two wonderful people. I'm thrilled that Jared enjoyed himself so much during his first GRL and, as hoped, his name is now out there as the fabulous graphic artist that he is. Yes, he's a cutie, but he's much more than a pretty face. He's one of the kindest, most sincere folks I've ever met, and wise beyond his years. P.D. is....well, I don't know where I'd be without her. This is someone you want at your back. Hugs to both of you.
Last year I upset myself terribly by forgetting to wear purple on Spirit Day. This year, not only did I pack two purple shirts, I added a purple butterfly to an existing tattoo, guaranteeing I'll always be wearing purple.
I met tons of wonderful folk, tooks tons of pics, but won't post all of them because I haven't asked permission. I also danced with what felt like half of them at the Gentlemen's Juke Joint event. Sadly, insomnia plagued me throughout the trip, forcing me to miss a few events in search of sleep. I did sit on the Amber Allure author panel, and did a book reading from Diversion. I'm thrilled at how well the audience responded.
On a personal note, several friends attended that I made secret wishes for. Without revealing too much, suffice it to say, they all recieved what I'd wished for them, and no, it's nothing gutter-worthy. P.D. winning a Kindle Fire put the icing on the cake.
My suitcase exploded on the trip out, and Marshall Thornton saved the day by having a car and driving me to WalMart to get a new one. He's such a sweetie. I also met up with good friends Barry Brennessell, Michael Murphy, Doug Starr, Z. Alorra, E.M. Lynley, and had morning coffee with Anel Viz. I got to hang around the likes of Angel Martinez, Clare London, Belinda McBride, Shae Connor, J.P. Barnaby (rocking an awesome leather corset!), Kate McMurray, and many, many more. And I finally got a chance to buy a drink for my lovely beta, Chris, from Stumbling Over Chaos. My camera ate half my pics, leaving me heartbroken. I was sure I had one of me and Chris! (Chris, P.D., do y'all have one?)
With Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach Reviews
Marshall Thornton playing knight in shining Ford to my damsel in distress moment.
The amazing Elisa Rolle! Short story "Boy Under the Bridge" was based on a comment she made in her review of "The Wish."
Barry Brennessell, who I met at the 2012 Lambda Awards, and loved immediately.
If Michael Murphy isn't the sweetest guy on the planet, he ranks in the top five!
The readers were fabulous as always, and I've found that I'm a fangirl of several. Can readers have fans? You betcha!
If you've never attended a GRL, I suggest you make plans for next year in Atlanta.
Tune in next time, when I talk swag!!!!
So Nice to see you sweetie! We'll have to plan on a lunch or something next year because I felt like I didn't get to see you nearly enough!
ReplyDeleteI'm echoing Cole. Next year we need to make plans to meet up. I went into GRL in a bad frame of mind. Not next year!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cole and Sandy! Yes, it wasn't until I was on the flight home that I realized how little time I got to spend with folks. I missed a few events due to turning in early (insomnia plagued me the whole trip). But yes, we definitely have got to have lunch or hang out more next time.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sandy. I was a bit preoccupied too, with the sleep deprivation and worrying about son's wedding next week. I was so keyed up I simply couldn't sleep. And Cole, I wanted to hear all about your site!
Yeah I had the same problem with insomnia. I know that people think I'm just a lush! :) But I had a terrible time sleeping and I finally concluded (on the last night) that it was the dry air and ragweed and got some nose spray and allergy medicine. So I finally got a good night's rest but it sure tired me out. I missed a lot of the morning stuff as well (and contrary the popular hangover belief!). Thank goodness next year will be muggy like I'm used to!
DeleteWe'll talk soon though! xoxo
It was great to meet you and PD Singer at last! I just bought and read DIVERSION because of your author reading, and OMG I loved it! Truly one of the best romances I've read in our genre. Please say you're going to do a sequel or series with these two characters... :D
ReplyDeleteOMG! Thanks, Val! It was beyond awesome meeting you, and sharing a book reading. Yes, Bo and Lucky have spawned a series. The second installment, Collusion, is with betas, and I hope it will release in the spring, and I'm in the process of doing a bit of an outline for Manipulation, the third book. At the moment there are five books total planned, but you never know where characters might take you.
ReplyDeleteWhat good news! I will be looking for those books and first in line to buy them. :D
DeleteI've really enjoyed reading everyone's blogs about GRL and am looking forward to seeing it for myself next year in Atlanta. See you there!
ReplyDeleteWhoot! Can't wait!
ReplyDelete