Vegas, baby! That's where many of us just gathered for the Romantic Times Readers Convention, at the Rio (which, let me state for the record, is probably no one's favorite hotel). But shoddy decor and miles to walk between rooms and the Convention center did not deter us from having a fantastic time, and staying active whether we wanted to or not. Ten thousand steps? Easily before noon.
The Con kicked off with what RT used to be best known for besides romance reviews, the cover model pageant! What a spectacle indeed. Our brave five contestants were put through rigorous tests including answering a series of tough questions and engaging in improv dance which had to end with the contestant topless. Can you guess who won?
The guy with the guitar who serenaded the audience and had abs of steel, of course!
Next came more serious business-- presenting workshops to readers and other writers. I took part in the Carnival of Romance, a good time visiting your favorite authors to win prizes, and enjoy some music and popcorn. But the publisher spotlights were perhaps the most informative events. Sourcebooks is looking for well-written romance fiction. Paranormal, Contemporary, Historical, Romantic Suspense, they want it all!
Speaking of Romantic Suspense, we all got Katie Ruggle's new book Hold Your Breath in our goody bags. I'm reading it now and it's really good! Yay, Katie! Many of us signed books at the big Book Fair, too. We all love meeting readers.
I did manage to get out and see some of Vegas. My first time. Dinner at Lago at the Bellagio with a view of the fountains and a lovely French meal at Bardot in the Aria were some highlights. Oh, and a show, Penn and Teller. The "Best Breakfast in Vegas" was right there at our hotel, the Hash House a Go Go. And if you ate there, they delivered a meal that could count as all three meals and feed four hungry authors as well. Huge portions!
If you love to read romance (who doesn't? I don't want to know) and enjoy meeting your favorite authors, consider traveling to Atlanta for next year's Romantic Times Convention. We hope to see you there! Any questions? Feel free to ask!
The Con kicked off with what RT used to be best known for besides romance reviews, the cover model pageant! What a spectacle indeed. Our brave five contestants were put through rigorous tests including answering a series of tough questions and engaging in improv dance which had to end with the contestant topless. Can you guess who won?
The guy with the guitar who serenaded the audience and had abs of steel, of course!
Next came more serious business-- presenting workshops to readers and other writers. I took part in the Carnival of Romance, a good time visiting your favorite authors to win prizes, and enjoy some music and popcorn. But the publisher spotlights were perhaps the most informative events. Sourcebooks is looking for well-written romance fiction. Paranormal, Contemporary, Historical, Romantic Suspense, they want it all!
Speaking of Romantic Suspense, we all got Katie Ruggle's new book Hold Your Breath in our goody bags. I'm reading it now and it's really good! Yay, Katie! Many of us signed books at the big Book Fair, too. We all love meeting readers.
I did manage to get out and see some of Vegas. My first time. Dinner at Lago at the Bellagio with a view of the fountains and a lovely French meal at Bardot in the Aria were some highlights. Oh, and a show, Penn and Teller. The "Best Breakfast in Vegas" was right there at our hotel, the Hash House a Go Go. And if you ate there, they delivered a meal that could count as all three meals and feed four hungry authors as well. Huge portions!
If you love to read romance (who doesn't? I don't want to know) and enjoy meeting your favorite authors, consider traveling to Atlanta for next year's Romantic Times Convention. We hope to see you there! Any questions? Feel free to ask!
Thank you, Sherri! It was a great time, especially getting a chance to meet so many wonderful authors and readers in person. After reading your recap, I'm regretting that I missed the cover model pageant; I'll have to make sure to arrive earlier next year! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's something to see. Always happy to make new friends and discover new authors.
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