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RWA: Romance and Literacy
July 31, 2008

Stephenie Laurens, Pamela Spengler-Jaffee (of HarperCollins and Victoria Alexander

The official start of RWA and people were lined up for registration at 7 a.m.  After waiting in a very long line, I found out that my stuff was at a different location.  I got my name badge, Barbara Bey, close enough.  So, we took a marker and made the B a V (they have since printed a new one spelled correctly).  

The Librarian breakfast is always a wonderful event.  These people know their books and are so enthusiastic about it.  Dorthea Benton Frank was the speaker and she entertained with tales about how she came to writing.  She wanted to buy her mother's house and they didn't have the money, so her husband challenged her to write a book to pay for it.  She did.

Historical Group:  Maire Jolie, Hanna Rhys Barnes, Annemarie Hasnain, Deliah Marvelle

The luncheon speaker was Stephanie Laurens who used science to explain why everyone should read romance.  Her ultimate proclamation:  "Read romance or perish."  The librarians at my table were planning on making banners to hang in their libraries.

I stopped by the Beau Monde and Hearts through History gathering.  They had panels like Life as a Roman Centurion, Victorian Clothing, My Lady's Boudoir, Historical Medicine and Illnesses and Sex through History.  Obviously, these writers do a lot of research and it shows.

Kris Hohls, me and Lucy Abarcia

The Literacy Signing had 450 authors signing their books for charity.  It was packed as usual, but some very happy readers went home with arms full of books signed by their favorite authors.  While I was I was there I met Kris Hohls from Germany who does LoveLetter Magazin and Lucy Abarcia from Austraila with Ever After - The Romance Book Specialists.  Once they said they read my blog all the time, I knew we'd be BFFs (best friends forever).

Sherrilyn Kenyon brought along two of the characters from her popular Dark-Hunter series, Acheron (Ash) and Nick.  These guys were very much in demand for photos, so of course, I had to get in line for this.  St. Martin's had a party after the signing and the first 200 fans that had books signed were invited.  There was a DJ and a cake with the cover of her new book, Acheron.

Ash (Michael Johnson), me and Nick (Forrest Koig)

Next up was the Romance Bandits party.  This online group had Tim Tams (Austrailian cookie covered in chocolate) since some of their Austrialian members took the long journey here.  I heard one person say it took 3 days with all the airport delays.  No thanks.

The OCC (Orange County Chapter) gave awards away at their party.  The rectangular acrylic blocks were engraved with the winner's name and catagory.  I'm going to have to write a book so I can win one.





 

The Romance Bandits

The Orange County Chapter

                                                                                                                           

Nora Roberts Shoes

                               
Now for my special feature.  One of the big topics is what shoes Nora Roberts is wearing.  So everyday I'll try to hunt her down and get a picture of her feet.  Here's what she was wearing at registration.

And, for your enjoyment, a couple of Drive By Videos with authors Jill Monroe and Gena Showalter (they are wild and crazy in person too).

Bottom Line:  Since I was wearing my orthopedic shoes, I won't be posting a picture of my feet.

Authors Jill Monroe and Gena Showalter

Posted by Barbara Vey on July 31, 2008 | Comments (16)