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Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-TogetherJune 7, 2008 Driving to Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together was an event in itself....One of my favorite parts of audio books is the comfort they provide while driving the trip from hell. I left South Milwaukee at 2:08 a.m. so I would avoid the worst of traffic in Chicago. It worked brilliantly, but once through, the orange demons that bloom every spring on our highways were sprouting before my very eyes. Andrew was sweet enough to install a GPS in my car, so I thought (foolishly) that this would be a breeze. Well, it was, until I got to 65 and found that it was closed! And the lovely voice on my dashboard was very patient as she kept repeating, "Take the next right and turn around," when I know she was thinking, "You idiot! I told you to get off." After a short <snort> 20 mile detour and a quick nap in a McDonald's parking lot, I was back on the road and finally arrived in Cincinnati at 11:02 a.m. (And I think I heard my GPS actually sigh when I turned off the car)
Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together is exactly what it promises, a very laid backed chance for readers and their favorite romance authors to meet up in a jeans and t-shirt atmosphere. This is the 4th year for this event sponsored by authors Lori Foster, Dianne Castell and Linda Keller and they've seen attendance more than double to over 250. The line of romance junkies circled the hotel lobby as they waited patiently to get their goody bags which were stuffed with books, bookmarks, pens, candy and some undescribable things that I'll have to take a picture of for you to believe. Once in the ballroom, readers were given a scavenger hunt task where they had to find certain authors to sign their papers for a chance to win a Kindle. What a great idea for a mixer! Throw in a pizza party, games and more free books and this is the ultimate weekend getaway for any romance reader. The perimeter of the ballroom was lined with give away baskets (that I already know I won't win), but it's always a hoot to walk around and listen to the oohs and ahhs as people check them out while stuffing raffle tickets into the containers. I caught up with my online friends Tony and Lori Karayanni (who write the terrific Sophie Metropolis series as Tori Carrington). We met on MySpace, and Tony's homemade baklava was to die for, so I'll never settle for the virtual stuff again. They offered Greek dancing lessons, but I was busy stuffing the sticky dessert in my mouth and washing it down with wine.
Then I found Dianna Snell hunkered down by the Krispy Kreme donuts. (I told you this was a great party) There were lots of editor appointments with excited new wannabe authors who's enthusiasm is infectious. But my favorite part is sitting around talking to die hard romance readers and hearing things like "I once read a book about a pirate and a spinster in Barbados" and having others shout out that they read it too while they're naming favorite characters and scenes. Bottom Line: It's like they've all come home and are among their own kind. And isn't that a happy place to be. Authors Lori and Tony, writing as Tori Carrington
Posted by Barbara Vey on June 7, 2008 | Comments (21)
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together mary s commented: Thanks Barb for the update--glad you made it!! But the baklava description & donut description made me hungry for breakfast!!
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together TarotByArwen commented: DANG IT! Now I want a donut! Lucky for you I am heading out to the first day of Farmer's Market in my town (it's a big deal--my standard poodle is sure they gather up just to pet and praise him.) But I will be buying a humongous crumb-topped blueberry muffin. Sadly I have to share it with the dog, but I will enjoy my part. Enjoy the conference. Can't wait for more updates.
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Shari Anton commented: LOL!! I keep threatening to somehow replace the patient voice in the dh's GPS with one that gets more irritated with each instruction that isn't followed :). Waving at Lori & Tony and craving baklava!
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Scotdncr (Becky) commented: Darn I wish I was there, sounds like an absolute BLAST!!!
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together tara commented: Thank you for the update!! Wish I was there!! LOL
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Kwana commented: I love new authors! Congrats Leanna. I've got to check out Dark Nest!
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Storidiva commented: WOW! Leanna at her first booksigning. You go girl. DArknest is a terrific book and I hope you have continued success.
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Jody commented: Enjoy your time in Cincinnati you are missing all the fun at home and the horrible weather. It is just nasty. Tornados, floods rain 3 inches in an hour, flying manhole covers because of flooding,, hail the size of golf and tennis balls, and loads of lightening. Be careful on your drive home we are expected to have even more tomorrow. Sounds like you are having a blast. Well at least it isn't snow.
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Edie Ramer commented: Ditto what Jody said. Smart of you to leave this weekend. Tony and Lori make a cute couple. How sweet of Leanna to bring her mother with her.
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together TarotByArwen commented: I totally missed my chaptermate from FF&P in the video! DUH! Go Leanna!!! "Dark Nest" is on my Must Be Read list!
June 7, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Cheryl commented: Sounds like a lot of fun. Wish I was there. Enjoyed the videos
June 8, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Leanna Renee Hieber commented: Thanks Barbara! And thanks for the kind words, everyone!
June 8, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Dianna Love commented: Barbara -
June 8, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together violet s commented: It was nice to see the new author with her mom! Just wanted that out of one of my children (& now my son is published!!) but where is my hairdresser, my airline employee, my florist?!!
June 8, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Falconear commented: That's Great Leanna! Dark Nest is great book and I wish you much success. Any publicity is good. God Bless your mom!
June 8, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Stacey Klemstein commented: Yea, Leanna! Congrats on your first signing!!! : )
June 9, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Kelley Nyrae commented: I had such an amazing time. I met so many wonderful people, connected with old friends and shared my love of romance novels. What a special weekend.
June 9, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together U-vonne commented: It really was A great time! I enjoyed meeting and becoming 'instant friends' with everyone. I increased my knowledge of the industry and found some great new favorite authors like Leanna and Kelley.
June 9, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Leanna Renee Hieber commented: I have to jump back in and echo what other attendees like the fabulous Dianna Love have said about what an incredible event this was. One of the best weekends this industry has offered me in heart, friendship, knowledge and spirit. This was my first time and the beginning of a wonderful new tradition, with great causes benefiting my hometown! I met incredible people I'll carry with me throughout my just-getting-started career, *waving to my awesome and incomparable "instant friend" U-vonne!*
June 9, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Patricia Sargeant commented: Hi, Barb! It was wonderful to meet you during the Get Together. I always have a wonderful time at the event.
June 15, 2008
In response to: Lori Foster's Writer and Reader Get-Together Missy Taylor commented: Man... you really have the best job in the world...
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