Thursday, August 6, 2015

Author & Reader Convention in NOLA

Last week I attended the Author & Reader Convention in NOLA!
At the BTS Red Carpet Awards ceremony, I won two awards: Rising Star 2014 & Best Cover for Tortured Souls (of course that one goes straight to my amazing cover artist Amanda Matthews)


I had a fantastic time at the convention. It was my first major event, and I was very nervous. I can't believe how many authors and readers I met. I'd always heard that the writing community could be wonderful and supportive. It was great to experience that first hand.

This was also my first trip to NOLA, and I definitely need to go back again soon. Maybe when it isn't so hot. The first night we went on a walking ghost tour in the French Quarter. About 2/3 of the way through it started pouring rain. Understand, I lived near Seattle for two years and now I live in San Antonio-- I'm used to heavy rain. This was like walking under a waterfall! Several of us stopped mid-tour and headed for dinner. We had some great Cajun food-- can't get enough of that :)

The next night I went on a carriage ride with a group led by V.A. Dold-- if you haven't read any of her books, be sure to check them out-- That ride was the highlight of the trip. I loved clopping down the French Quarter streets and hearing the intriguing history of the city. I didn't take any pictures. I was too engrossed in the tales to even consider pulling out my phone.

The book signing was fantastic. So many friendly people stopped by. Honestly I was a tad overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendliness I ran into. Here's a picture of my table:


Like I said, this was my first event, so I wandered around checking out the other tables, getting ideas for the next one.

So what's coming up?
RT Roundup in Houston October 9-11 is my next event.


This is my Rising Star 2014 award. Kind of hard to see, I know. The trophy is about 8 inches tall and weighs 10 pounds or so. I am so honored to win this award. I've been in a rather dark place lately when it comes to writing and the whole business. This award has renewed my enthusiasm and crushed through my writer's block like nothing else could.

Writing can be a very solitary profession, but it doesn't have to be. There are amazing people out there: readers, bloggers, authors-- all ready to talk and provide comfort and support. I am very shy, so shy that I avoided any conventions until this one. Now I'm so glad that I went. I know there are other introverts and shy people out there who have avoided events like I did. My advice: jump in with both feet. It's really worth it-- I promise. If you're at a convention I'm attending, seek me out. We can conquer our shyness together.

I will have news coming soon!
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3 comments:

  1. We were in NOLA for vacation last month, and yeah, so hot! But such a neat city. And the French Quarter is a history lover's dream! Congrats on winning two awards, that's so awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!

      I can't wait to go back. A few of the locals told me that the holidays are a nice time to visit. Maybe I can break away for a few days. It's a great place to get inspiration for writing paranormal.

      Delete
  2. I just want to say thanks for your wonderful post, it is contain a lot of knowledge and information that i needed right now. You really help me out my friend, thanks! (*) Green Pramuka City So Excirted From :)
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    ReplyDelete

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