GayRomLit Wrapup: Is it GRL 2013 yet?
s i l v i u/Flickr
This morning I sat in the lobby of the Hard Rock with Mercy Celeste. We were both exhausted, but in a good way. It’s that exhaustion you have when you’ve enjoyed an event but you’re ready to sleep in your own bed. (BTW, that’s obviously not me in the pic, and it’s not Mercy either. She threatened me with bodily harm if I ever post the picture Hubby took of us, and honestly she’s scares me a little.)
There is so much to say about GRL. I don’t think I could condense it into a single post. So here are my highlights:
- It was absolutely surreal to meet people who read my books and wanted to meet me. They were all incredibly nice and a absolute pleasure to meet. When you’re writing, you often wonder if anyone will love your characters as much as you do. They do, and it’s so wonderful to know how much your words have connected with another human being.
- The authors, editors, and publishers of gay romance are the most supportive people you will ever meet. We offered advice to aspiring authors. Experienced authors supported newer and newbie authors like me. Editors and publishers were more than willing to discuss writing and the publishing process with anyone who had questions.
- Finally, you couldn’t leave GRL without feeling a huge shot in the arm of adrenaline for what you do. Whether you were a reader, reviewer, author, or publisher, you walked away from GRL ready to take on your next book. And two weeks before NaNoWriMo? Yep, I’m absolutely raring to go.
The flights back home were packed, and Hubby and I both were battling sinus problems. I don’t know who the hell first said dry air was good for your sinuses, but I want to sneeze on them. My in-laws picked us up at the airport and took us to dinner at one of our favorite BBQ places. We told them all about red vs. green and admitted we probably would never again truly enjoy the Mexican food served at restaurants here.
It was this view that told me I was finally home. I already miss everyone, especially Bella Leone, who I would have hugged harder if not for fear of hurting Ninja Baby. I so hope everyone who is a fan or an author of gay romance considers going next year, ‘cause Atlanta is going to be a PARTY!
Read MoreGayRomLit Day 3: Braving the crowds
The morning started with the Loose Id French toast breakfast. I sat with a great group of folks, and we discussed all sorts of things from books to regional accents to tea. I also finally met Treva Harte and Christi Lockhart from Loose Id, and they were both really nice. Still recovering from my karaoke triumph from the night before, I totally forgot to take any pictures. Enjoy this picture of French toast.
My next stop was a reading session where Lori Toland read a sexy excerpt from The Long Con. Anel Viz and J. P. Bowie had everyone in the room laughing with their readings. Again, I totally spaced on taking pictures *head hung in shame*
The Loose Id publisher spotlight was next, and it was very well attended, both by readers and authors. There were three full tables of Loose Id authors, and I met several new people just at my table. The discussion was lively and mostly centered on how awesome it is to write for Loose Id
With my BFF Bella Leone
Afterwards, I met an aspiring author, who I hope to read something from very soon, and a fellow Alabamian and Crimson Tide fan. ROLL TIDE!
My final GRL event was the book signing, or in my case, the cover art signing When Damon Suede said there would be a rush of people, he wasn’t kidding. It was great to meet people who’d read and enjoyed my books, and after a little bit, I relaxed and had lots of fun. Thanks to Scotty Cade for tossing me chocolate across the aisle!
My table mate was the awesome Shae Connor. We talked about baseball (we love it), our plans for next year (I’m definitely going to Atlanta Pride), and porn (I mean, who doesn’t love porn, am I right?).
The question I was most asked: will there be a sequel to What We Deserve? Shea, who was a beta for WWD, told everyone she was waiting on it, too. The answer: I’m working on Tyler’s book, which I hope to finish after NaNoWriMo. Then there will be a book for Jamie. Trust me, their story isn’t over.
After the signing, I came back to my room and crashed with Hubby to watch the Alabama-Tennessee game. ROLL TIDE! I got lots of sleep and lots of packing done.
Oh, and did I mention all the awesome swag that will be part of my super-duper giveaway? Check it out:
Read MoreGayRomLit Day 2: Breaking out of my shell
Today was the day I’d been worrying about: the day of my first ever reading. I’d practiced several different readings and decided to attend a reading and see how things worked.
Z. A. Maxfield was the first reader, and she read an excerpt from ePistols at Dawn. She had the crowd in stitches, including me. I realized, however, that the readers were reading for much longer than I thought. So I had to go back to the drawing board to decide what to read.
By the time my reading session started, I’d finally decided what I would read. I read two scenes from the first chapter of Pine Tar & Sweet Tea. My husband recorded a video, and once we get that edited and formatted, I’m planning to post it.
The room for the reading was very nice and had great sound and acoustics. It was a great location. Kate McMurray also read during my session, and she was great.
After the reading, we all headed to the Wool Warehouse for a lunch thrown by Torquere Press. I sat with Bella Leone and B. A. Tortuga, and we talked about books, writing, and the South. The Mexican buffet was very tasty as well.
After lunch, we all boarded buses and headed to Old Town Albuquerque for sightseeing and shopping. The San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church was particularly beautiful. We shopped, spent way too much money, and had a nice dinner before heading back to the hotel.
We ended the evening at karaoke, which was a blast. After my first failed attempt (the guy played the wrong song), I finally managed to get through a song. It was kinda awesome.
GayRomLit Day 1: Getting over my shyness
Wednesday night, Hubby and I boarded a plane (well, actually two) on our way to Albuquerque. Both flights were nice and relaxing (thank you Xanax and American Airlines), and we landed in ABQ just in time to put out my swag and order room service before we crashed for the night.
The next morning I headed for the GRL registration desk. How awesome is the welcome mat? I sat outside the swag room with Hubby, who was trying to convince me to go inside. “But I don’t know anyone.” *whine* I was terrified to go inside. I even tweeted about it. And my peeps at Southern Magic tweeted for support.
Someone keep our gal company! MT @kfwritesbooks Sitting next to reg scared to talk to anyone. Glad when @bellaleone gets here #GRL2012
— SouthernMagic RWA (@SouthernMagicRW) October 18, 2012
Finally I saw someone I recognized. I waited until I saw her going through her registration packet and read her name. It was Leaundra Ross! She and I talked, and we braved the swag room together.
The swag room was definitely the place to be! Everyone was there: readers, authors, publishers. I met authors (Andrew Grey gives great hugs, just sayin’), awesome readers (yes, I do plan sequels to What We Deserve), and just generally got over my shyness.
And then it happened.
Like a movie, I saw Bella Leone across the room. I called her name, and we approached each other in slow motion. Then we squealed and hugged like crazy Finally after three years, we got to meet in person. It is the highlight of my trip.
Then the stalking began. I met Z. A. Maxfield *squeee* Turned into a total fangirl. I tried not to, really I did. But there’s no way I could suppress it. Bella, ZAM, and I took a picture to immortalize the moment. Yep, I’m the insane person on the right.
Later, Bella and I attended an author Q&A with, left to right, Z. A. Maxfield, Cat Grant, Isabella Rowan, and Karenna Colcroft. They talked about writing and their books. And of course I asked ZAM a question about Drawn Together.
Note to self: the only pair of shoes you brought to GRL suck. Now you must wear your husband’s Crocs the rest of the trip. Plan better next time.
The afternoon session was the Rainbow Romance Writers scrapbook event. It was great fun, and there were so many people who dropped by my table. Oh, see that blur in the middle of the picture. That’s Damon Suede. I’ve learned he’s always a blur, running around with the other organizers to make the event a success. They’re doing a great job!
I had a great time working with everyone to put together my page for the scrapbook. I had lots of stickers, and people could decorate to their hearts content. I was pretty shocked the first time someone asked me to sign their page. Me? You want me to sign it? It was very very cool.
I must admit, I wimped out on the evening events. My poor feet just couldn’t take any more. But tomorrow is my reading and the trip to Old Albuquerque, so I’ll have plenty of opportunity for pictures.
Oh, and they announced the location of GRL 2013. Atlanta baby!!
Read MoreWordy Wednesday guest post: Fair Puckled by Bella Leone (& a giveaway!)
Today I’m so happy to have a guest post by Bella Leone, whose short story “Fair Puckled” is available from Torquere Press starting today. She’s also a great friend and fellow Book Bunny. Take it away, Bella!
What is Fair Puckled?
Well, it’s my new story that was just released by Torquere Press!
It also is a fun Scotish-ism. Something my Scottish greatgrandmother, Lula, would say sometimes that always made me laugh as a kid. When you’re “fair puckled” you are confused or out of sorts. My main character Jackson is definitely fair puckled in this tale.
I started writing “Fair Puckled” when I was trying for an awesome story for my dear friend Rheana’s birthday. I write her a story every year and last year we had spent a lot of time debating the merits of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon in our book club. James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser is one of our favorite male characters. So when I started writing I thought about what it would be like if someone like Jamie Fraser liked dudes. Not sure why… my mind just wanders sometimes.
I’m a bit of a nerd and I love opposites attract stories so I thought about who would be the complete opposite of a giant, manly, muscle-bound Highland warrior. Pale, scrawny history nerd in glasses and a cardigan, no?
It all just rolled together so seamlessly. I was able to write a majority of it on my layover in an airport filled with Boy Scouts.
When I delivered the goods to Miss Rheana, she adored it and encouraged me to keep writing. I decided to develop it further and look for a place to publish. Torquere Press published my first story, “Happy Hour,” in September of 2011 so they were my logical first choice. I was thrilled when they expedited the release for the 20th of June. I’m so glad they liked it and I really hope you guys will too!
Also I hadn’t realized, but the release of Disney/Pixar’s new movie Brave, is June 22nd. I am so excited that my naughty little story about my nerd and my Highland warrior will be out at the same time as this awesome story about a tough, bright Scottish redhead fighting to change her own destiny!
I hope you’ll love Jackson and his adventures in Scotland! Head over to my site www.bellaleonebooks.com for a sneak peek at “Fair Puckled” and my other books. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter!
Blurb
When Jackson Stuart accompanies a professor on a research trip to Scotland for the Highland Games, he is thrilled to see the majestic country he has only ever read about in books. The one thing his books haven’t prepared him for is the stunning ginger warrior who wants to welcome Jackson to Scotland in the very best way. When he gets a true taste of the warrior, he may never go home to Boston.
“Fair Puckled” at Torquere Press
Giveaway
I am giving to one lucky person PDF copies of Bella’s short stories “Fair Puckled” and “Happy Hour.” Just leave a comment with your email address to enter. (By entering, you are indicating you are over 18 years old and erotic materials are not illegal where you are.)
And check out my post on hot guys in kilts on Bella’s website. Commenting on that post will get you a second entry in the giveaway.
You have until 11:59:59 PM on Sunday, June 24th to enter. Good luck!
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