RT12 Recap!

Going to the Romantic Times Convention for me started as one thing: a way to improve my writing by listening to those in the craft on panels and in workshops. Did it help that I was going to room with my fantastic Critique Partner and Long-Lost Sister Jennah Scott? Well YEAH. And then it got better - I would also be sharing a room with Heidi (YA Bibliophile) and Kristi (The Story Siren). I've known/loved these girls since I started blogging just a little over a year ago, so you can imagine how psyched I was to spend a WHOLE WEEK with them!

The first event I went to was the Wednesday morning welcome breakfast. Renee Bernard was welcoming us all and said, "The friendship and the ties are genuine." I looked around at the huge room of people I didn't know and thought, Yeah. Sure. But she was right. Over the course of the next few days, countless hours in line and at events, I met some of the worlds coolest people and I wouldn't trade those days for anything in the world.

Of course, I insisted that I "pimp my badge" and so off I went! Fun stickers, jewels, all kinds of fun stuff!

It didn't take long to end up with a million buttons, either! But really, they're so catchy! How do you not show them off?!

Next thing was the Western Roundup! We happened to be some of the first in line and in the room, where we were told "You'd better get your picture with the boys first or there will be a line!" It wasn't something I had planned on, but after a quick introduction I realized that these guys were probably the nicest guys in the world! They put up with all the groping, creeper pics and squealing. Saints, I tell you!

Len and Scott, The Saints!

It didn't take long for me to realize that after the reader panels and workshops, everyone wants to let loose and PARTY!! And you know...do cartwheels in the elevator lobby...not that I...Yeah, ok I did. But I wasn't alone, dang it!!

Ellora's Cave treated us like QUEENS!

The Fairy Ball!

Samhain Stampede!



Meeting Sophie Jordan, Author of Firelight, Vanish and
Hidden at the YA Slumber Party!

JEN SANDWICH! Woot!!

Friday night, Tahereh Mafi, Cynthia Hand (pictured), Anna Carey and Veronica Rossi were signing at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. I'm not sure if you know this or not but OHMYGOD I LOVE TAHEREH! I had to go. Luckily, I have some pretty awesome friends that weren't at RT that wanted to go too and I got to meet up with them!! Thanks for letting me steal your pic, Jamie!! <3

Jamie, Myself, Heidi, Makeshift Jen
Tara, Anna, Kristi

I also managed to meet some of my favorite authors at RT!

Charlaine Harris

JR Ward



Jus Accardo

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Jennifer Probst

And then it was time to party again! I had been looking forward to the Harlequin Night of Stars ALL WEEK. Multiple dresses were bought in anticipation. Sailor Dress won. :)

Last but not least, I realized that what Renee Bernard said, all those hours and parties ago, was true. After dancing the night away - several times- with complete strangers, I came to call them friends. I didn't take enough pictures, but who has time when you're in the middle of the dance floor?! To all of my friends, those I've known for years and those I came to know only during that wonderful week - thank you so much for making my first RT something I will always cherish...and countdown for next year :) We're under 365 days!!