RWA 2011 Rocked!! Wanna see pictures?

My biggest accomplishment for this conference? I did it on 2 pairs of shoes. Total!! I'm really not kidding. Seriously though, the high I've been on since RWA 2011 in New York City hasn't lessened a single bit. I look forward to that conference every year and pretty much as soon as one's finished, I'm counting down the days to next year. This conference was a lot of fun for me because it was in NYC. I used to live there for about a year so it was incredible great to be able to be back in the city again. The hotel was located right in Times Square!! I've heard it described as the cross-roads of the world and it's just a vibrant and alive place, any time of the day or night. I loved that I had such an awesome view of it from my hotel room!

During the day it's spectacular, but at night? Incomparable!

I even had a chance to revisit some of the city. Can you guess where this was taken :)??

It's also important for me to volunteer to an organization that does so much for writers. This year, I signed up to help set-up for the huge literacy signing. This event is open to the public and the proceeds go towards literacy. So many authors, so many fabulous books and I got a bit of a workout. Perfect.

I didn't really know what to expect of the opening session this year, but it really was wonderful. 3 very different authors writing very different books and each one was fascinating. I certainly wouldn't have expected Diana Gabaldon for instance to mention blow jobs, but there you have it! It was a highly entertaining and educational panel :).

The keynote addresses are often a high light at these conferences and this year was no exception. Both Madeline Hunter and Sherrilyn Kenyon absolutely rocked, but it was Sherrilyn that delivered perhaps the most moving and inspirational speech I've heard. You really have no idea when you look at a person what they might have gone through, what they've overcome and how they've triumphed. Now I understand how she could have written Acheron. Not everyone could have written that book. She's my new hero and if I ever complain about writing, someone please pick up one of her books and hit me over the head with it!

The workshops have become less useful for me in terms of craft, but I still get a tremendous amount out of them. In fact, the entire conference is one big inspirational experience from start to finish. What could be better than spending several days in the company of writers and like-minded professionals? It really is a very liberating experience.

Some of the highlights in terms of more 'fun' events were the Romance Divas Divafest. There I connected with people I've only ever met online and got to try a butterscotch martini. OMG yum!

I also attended the RWA Passionate Ink party. Yes, she is doing what it looks like she's doing. But we're equal opportunity.

 And I can't forget the guys either!! I'd only recently joined this RWA chapter but it was SO much fun. Who knew I'd actually learn something useful about Burlesque while laughing my butt off and getting to see some performances that were just great!

I also went to the Harlequin PJ party. No PJs for me, but I was able to connect face-to-face with a number of folks who hang out on the eharl loops. Oh and of course, I can't forget 'naked, g-string guy'. Our window looked directly into the changing rooms for the Broadway show The Lion King. And he was changing. It was right there and it was spectacular. There was no-where else to look. Honest LOL. OK, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

The conference ended with the Rita and Golden Heart Awards ceremony. This is our chance to get dressed up, relax, hang with friends and recognize some of our best aspiring and established authors. It's always fun and some of the acceptance speeches are amazing. Meg Cabot did a great job as MC. Yep, even more inspiration!

Here's a pic of me and Rula Sinara! We only see each other once a year, but we make it count!

 And a self portrait :). I look tired, but it was a good tired!

So...I had an amazing time, caught up with new and old writer friends, got inspired and hopefully fired up enough to carry me through to next year!! Anaheim 2012, here I come!

So...the Lori Foster Annual Reader & Author Get Together 2011!

Better late than never I always say! Yep. I went. It was a last minute decision and boy am I glad I decided to go! It was great to get to meet online friends in person...you know, just to make sure they were really real.

And of course, I had an opportunity to meet THE Lori Foster (swoon, swoon, major fan girl moment). I've read Lori Foster for as long as I can remember. I just love her heroes--the strength with a core of honor and integrity will get me every time. Sigh...

I was also fortunate to meet Nalini Singh who is another of my favorite all time writers (more serious swooning). Her psy changeling series is an auto-buy for me and I ended up with an autographed copy of KISS OF SNOW. It will have a place on my forever keeper shelf, that's for sure. What an amazing story teller she is and just a sweetheart as well! Of course, she's from my part of the world so I wouldn't have expected anything less :).

I also had a chance to meet fellow Romance Divas and KJ Reed and Sasha Devlin, fellow Ellora's Cave authors. That was awesome because we share the same editor. But we didn't gossip, Grace. Seriously!

I think one of the most important things writers get out of writer get togethers is inspiration and a renewed enthusiasm for writing. At least, that's what I want (hope) to get out of them. There's just something so special about connecting with other writers, people who really do understand what it is that drives us, because let's face it, not many other people do.

What promo stuff do you like??

Does anybody see May? I've searched everywhere. Did anybody see where it went? I can't believe half the month is already gone which means I need to get my act together and figure out what promo items I'll be offering at RWA Nationals in NY at the end of June. Honestly, this is a stressful decision. I want something to showcase myself well, but for it to be an item that's useful and wanted. Needless to say, I want to make sure my investment in this is a wise one. I don't think it translates to sales, but it is a way for an author to get their name in front of potential readers and industry professionals. It needs to be interesting and eye catching, something useful and something that's not too expensive.

So...what things do you like to pick up at events/conferences? What catches your eye? What do you wish authors would offer more of? What things do you actually keep and use? What things do you hate? Yeah...I need some HELP!

Blogger has been having some issues lately so I haven't posted over the last week. I THINK it's all better so we'll be getting back to the regularly scheduled programming now!

RomantiCon, a Book Signing and a new Release, OH MY!

OK, I have a LOT to pack into this post. First off, I can now officially say I'm a multi-published author. PAY UP released today! Big sigh of relief. Of course, I'll be waiting for those first impressions of the book, so I'm still nervous, but I'm SO excited it's out there today.

The last week has just been a whirlwind of awesomeness. I attended RomantiCon 2010 in Ohio and had the BEST time. When I tried to think about why the event was so great, it's because it was just...so well rounded. There was something for everyone. It had amazing opportunities to meet authors and readers. I'm not much of a social butterfly or a mingler, but I met and talked to a LOT of people at this conference. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. I met Ellora's Cave founder and many of the staff who were wonderful and worked so hard organizing and managing this event. It had interesting and informative workshops. The social events were amazing and just SO MUCH FUN, I can't even tell you. There was a book signing, which was awesome. It was special because it was my first but it would have been exactly what I would have wished for if I could have scripted it out myself! And there were the Cavemen. OMG! Not only are these guys absolutely beautiful to look at, they're great guys. They attend most of the events, provide entertainment ::fanning myself remembering:: and mingled and danced with attendees. They really are such great sports. They posed for photo after photo without complaint.

SO, you wanna see some photos?

AWARDS

I got an award!! I was given a 2010 Rising Star award at the dinner on Saturday night. I was SO surprised and SO psyched 'cause it meant another photo op with all the Cavemen!

Nara Malone, me and Marilyn Campbell

Nara Malone, Marilyn Campbell and I all share an editor at Ellora's Cave and we all picked up an award that night!  How cool was THAT?

And of course, all the winners got to pose with the models. Sigh...

MY EDITOR

Me & Grace Bradley

One of the highlights for me was hanging out with my editor. It's amazing what you share with someone you've never met in person. I haven't figured out if getting to know her better will help with that or not, but she's not only talented, she's a really great person! Grace, I think the next drink was on me :).

AUTHORS

I lost count of the number of authors I already knew by reading their work or seeing them on the social network scene.

THE Jaid Black

I have to say I did have several 'fan-girl' moments at the conference. Not all are captured on film, but those that are, are pretty special!  I had an opportunity to meet THE Jaid Black. She started it all - Ellora's Cave, the erotic romance wave and a new book publishing model! 

Me & Desiree Holt

Desiree Holt! She went out of her way to send me a wonderful message when she read PICTURE THIS. I'm still blown away that she read and liked my book!

Helen Hardt & I

Helen Hardt! I've known Helen a long time from the internet. She's always been generous and friendly and she's even nicer in person. AND she looks so YOUNG! We sat next to each other at the author meet and greet as well.

BOOK SIGNING

I signed at my very first book signing and it couldn't have been a more positive experience. Well, I guess if I'd sold a hundred books, that might have topped it LOL. I sat between the fabulous Helen Hardt and Francesca Hawley. I signed and sold my books, I chatted to readers and even had people stop by who had already read my book. My very first autograph was so special, I took her picture. Thanks, Sheila. Hopefully, I didn't weird her out too much! You'll forever be my first!

THE CAVEMEN

What can I say? These guys are drop dead gorgeous and the nicest and most gracious guys you'll ever meet. It's a deadly combination, let me tell you! I watched them pose happily for photo after photo with attendees and dance up a storm with everyone on the dance floor. I had a chance to pose with them in costume for our Friday night Roaring 20s party

and snapped as many pics as I could get while we partied. They're not bad dancers either. In fact, they're awesome. I'll be thinking of them...fondly for months to come I have no doubt LOL!!

 Lorenzo!

Angelo!

Brooks!

ALL of them! Sigh... 

Oh yeah, I have a book out today! PAY UP released from Ellora's Cave and I can now refer to myself as a MULTI-published author. I'm so excited for this story because I really connected with the hero in this one. Rio (God, just the name is hot), is protective and respectful of women, but that doesn't detract from his mega-alphaness. Actually, it just amps it up even more.

BLURB

Neighbor. Friend. Lover.

At least that’s what Carly Wagner wanted Rio Reyes to be. She’d settled for two out of three for almost a year and it just wasn’t enough. Not anymore. When Rio proposes a shockingly sexual bet, she knows it’s out of character and he’s not really serious, yet she can’t resist. The pay off could be finally getting her hands on the gorgeous firefighter she’s drooled over since she moved in next door.

The timing had never seemed right for him and Carly, but that hadn’t stopped Rio from imagining wild and wicked things about her. It had been a joke—sort of, but Rio’s shocked when she takes him up on the dumbass bet. Now he’s in a world of hurt, because regardless of who wins, he might be crossing a line he never thought he would and jeopardize a friendship that means more to him than anything.

ENJOY!

Gulp...I'd almost forgotten

It's October. RomantiCon is this week. I'm SIGNING on Sunday!!! That is, I'll be doing a book signing. Of course, it's my first. And I'm SO excited to be able to check that one off the list, but it's scary too. The good news is I'll be in the same room as many fabulous and talented authors. The bad news? Well, I'll be in the same room as many fabulous and talented authors!! Authors who have been doing this far longer than I have, have extensive backlists and have readers who know who they are! They'll actually be signing books! Me? I'm not sure. I'm looking forward to the experience, I'm eager to learn how experienced and established authors handle these things, and I'm looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of being in a room with so many like minded people. But I'm scared too. It might be unlikely I'll come across anyone who's read my book and I'm not sure I'll sign or sell any copies of Picture This. I'm not sure anyone will even talk to me, but darn it, I'm going to have a good time with it regardless!

If you happen to be in the area (yeah, right :)), I'd love for you to stop by and say Hi! I'd probably be forever grateful LOL. The details are:

Date and Time
October 10 at 12 pm – 3 pm

Venue
Days Inn & Suites
4742 Brecksville Rd., Richfield, OH 44286

More about the event
- https://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon/index.html

RWA 2010. I promised pictures...

The RWA 2010 conference seems so long ago now, but I love to go back and look at the pictures. It was an amazing event, so rich in offerings, so diverse in attendees and so much FUN! Just like Nationals in DC last year, I took so much away from this event. It's inspirational fuel to get me through the next year, that's for sure. I didn't take a ton of photos like I know others did. I tend to get lost in experiencing the moment before I think to capture it on my camera, but I'd like to share a few of the memorable ones!

The literacy signing. Even though I attended it last year, it still blew me away. So many authors. So much talent! So few dollars to buy all those fabulous books :). The room was enormous. It's awe inspiring to see so many of our genre all together! I volunteered for the event helping with the exit procedures and water duty for the signing authors. Sigh... Perhaps I'll be in the room next year and someone will be bringing ME water?

Old friends. For those that attended. Nora's (Roberts of course) keynote, it was funny and thought provoking and bluntly honest, like I think she probably is. She talked about the early conferences where she made those special connections with colleagues that have lasted a lifetime. Last year I had that experience with Rula Sinara. We just clicked and stayed in touch over the course of the year. This conference was a great excuse for us to get caught up in person and we had a ball! I think we scrubbed up quite nicely! I'm on the right!!

Famous authors. I have to admit I love to catch glimpses of my favorite authors and I go to their sessions if I can. I've loved Linda Howard for a long time and I'm sure I've read every book she's ever written. Her writing and style has evolved tremendously, but the core understanding of the mechanism of the man - woman developing relationship always intrigues me. She did a very funny and educational session about the 12 stages of intimacy. I usually like to do my 'groupie thing' from afar, but when she announced at the end that she was retiring from public speaking, I knew I may not get another chance. I love this shot. She is so beautiful and she smelled so darned GOOD!

Professional connections. It was wonderful to meet some of the folks from Ellora's Cave. There's nothing that can really take the place of that person-to-person connection and I got to meet EC's Editor in Chief, Kelli Collins and the Publisher, Raelene Gorlinksy. Both smart, insightful women. Here they are in action (L to R) at the EC Spotlight. 

Fabulous parties. The Rita and Golden Heart awards ceremony is such a fun event. It was a formal sit down dinner run much like the Oscars. At least it had that vibe about it. Very exciting for those nominated and those dreaming that one day they might be. It was great to see everyone looking so magnificent and it was an awesome way to wrap up the conference!

I really can't wait for next year. New York, here we come!!

RWA Nationals & Win a Nook!

RWA Nationals are almost here. It's funny. I've been waiting for this conference for over six months and it comes down to the wire to get ready. Why does it always happen that way? Nails to get done tomorrow and I still have to pack. I'm driving, so I better make sure I know where I'm going. I need to download my camera of photos from my vacation at the beginning of the summer and I need to back up the laptop. I also bought new shoes for the Rita & Golden Heart awards ceremony that I KNOW are going to rub my feet. Sigh. There are probably a million little things to remember. OK, probably not that many but I already feel like I've forgotten something. This will be the first year I'll be putting something in the Goody Room at the event. It's exciting and nerve-wracking. What if no-one takes my stuff LOL? Not sure I want to lug it all the way back home. Maybe it's best not knowing. I'll be attending as a RWA-PRO this year, so I'm really looking forward to the PRO Retreat. Really, I'm just excited overall to be among so many other people who think hearing voices in your head is NORMAL! I'll plan to post some pictures next week!

During the month of August, I'll also be participating in the Long and the Short of It's 3rd Anniversary Party. What does this mean? Well, firstly, there's a chance to win a Nook. Actually, they're giving away THREE Nook eBook Readers that come with $50 BN.com gift certificates AND are already pre-loaded with dozens of romance and juvenile fiction eBooks. My book, Picture This will be one of them! It's a scavenger hunt and you can find all the details here. Sounds like fun!

Oh my...

It's one week to the RWA Nationals conference in Orlando and...oh my! I've been excited for a long time, but just recently the nerves have started to kick in. Why? I'm not exactly sure. I'm pitching to an agent, but I did the same with an editor last year, and while it's nerve wracking, I don't think that accounts for the anxiety I have. It's not like it's my first conference. I did attend the event in DC last year and it was so valuable and awesome I can't describe it. I think the biggest thing I came away with was inspiration. I was incredibly motivated after the event last year and filled with the certainty that I was going to be a published author. Well, here I am, going into the conference this year and I'm just...nervous. Perhaps it's because I've made that first step. I've stepped up onto that first rung of my publishing journey and I have more at stake now, I'm more invested, I've had a small taste of success, I'm not just on the sidelines wishing and hoping. Back to the fear of success thing again? Maybe. Regardless, I'm looking forward to spending 4 days with like minded people, who understand what it's like to be a writer and a romance writer at that. I'm looking forward to the educational sessions to improve my craft, to learn more about the business side of publishing, the opportunities to meet and mix with published authors and to meet people face to face I've only 'talked' to online. I'm also looking forward to coming away with that renewed enthusiasm, the strengthened drive to succeed, the inspiration to write the next best book that I can! For THAT, I can hardly wait!

I'm a PRO!

That's RWA-PRO of course! I remember attending RWA Nationals last year with my 'first timer' ribbon (a big neon sign that said 'newbie') and seeing all the others with PRO and PAN ribbons. I kind of wanted to blend in and it made me feel conspicuous, to say the least. A good thing came of it though. It was a conversation starter for fellow newbies and I met another wonderful aspiring author. She had the guts to talk to me first! I really had no idea of all of the designations at the time, but swore by the following years conference, I would at least step on up to the next level. Of course, there were some hurdles - the major one being the controversy around Harlequin's status in RWAs eyes as an eligible publisher. Man, I'm glad all that was figured out and common sense prevailed! And of course, I had to complete a full manuscript, have it requested and send it off! I made it though! And now? It's early days. I've looked at the information on the RWA site, I've requested access to the PRO loop, I know there is a PRO retreat at the Nashville conference and that PRO members get priority for securing editor/agent appointments at the event. That's all good. Right? For the rest, I'm not certain, but it sure felt great to achieve such a tangible goal on this journey. That doesn't happen all that often. And now I'll have a PRO ribbon to wear in Nashville. It's silly I know, but wearing that ribbon will sort of make me feel like I belong there this year.