SOS Aloha: July 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

RomCon Recap - Author! Author!

I just returned from Borders' RomCon in Denver - I enjoyed 3 days of bliss! I arrived on Thursday afternoon after descending in turbulence. I hate turbulence. The gentlemen in my row were gracious to talk me through it.  I encountered a pleasant surprise on the shuttle bus - Lori Foster and Cindy Gerard!   Both generously support military families through SOS and other military charities.

After checking into my room, I met with Anna Campbell, looking lovely after her long flight from Australia.   She introduced me to Pamela Clare and two fans from New Jersey - Cathy and Sarah.   Pamela shared her experience as a investigative journalist - thank you, Pamela, for making a difference!

We all dined with Lucy, a bookseller from Australia.   I frequently saw these new friends throughout the weekend and look forward to keeping in contact with them!

On Friday morning, I attended the Early Bird Breakfast hosted by Cindy Gerard and Tara Janzen. They rotated among the tables to answer questions from readers. I was a little embarrassed that I had not read either author, but they instantly put me at ease, telling me about their romantic suspense that center around military heroes.   They shared their sincere appreciation for our military personnel and families.

Later in the morning, I attended an Intimate Chat with Susan Mallery.  She inspired us with her stories of how she because a romance writer.

For lunch, I joined Lavinia Kent and Sally MacKenzie for lunch. Both had attended the RT Booklovers' Convention in Columbus (which I did not attend), so they shared their fun adventures from it.

In the afternoon, I attended the Book Review Workshop with moderator Cathy Maxwell plus panel members Catherine Anderson, Courtney Milan, Deb Werksman, Melissa Mayhue, and Jennifer from Bitten By Books.  As I understand from other readers, this panel has been a hot topic on blogs, Facebook, and Twitter - not all of it positive. But I thought it was a positive experience as Cathy encouraged the panel and audience to share their opinions about book reviews. From my perspective, there are no wrong answers. Our democracy allows us to express our opinions, no matter what they may be.

On Friday night, I joined Cathy (the author), Pamela, Cathy (the reader), Sarah, and a Navy couple at the scheduled dinner. Lori Foster was the keynote speaker, offering tidbits from her journey as a romance author.   After dinner, I attended the Blogger and Reviewer "Meet and Greet" hosted by Melissa Mayhue and friends:

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2010/07/romcon-recap-bloggers-and-reviewers.html

On Saturday morning, I breakfasted with Cathy, Anna, Jo Beverley, Judith Arnold, and Jessica from Read, React, Review. She worte a funny recap, including our breakfast, so I just refer you to her website:

http://www.readreactreview.com/2010/07/12/13-hilarious-heartbreaking-and-horrifying-moments-of-romcon-2010-with-quiz/

Terri Brisbin reminded us to attend the "Shock the Queen" workshop later that afternoon. And let me tell what a riot it was!  Terri was the Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria (her picture posted on both sides of a panel).  Authors included Jo Beverley, Anna Campbell, Deeanne Gist, Hannah Howell, Elizabeth Hoyt, Delilah Marville, Courtney Milan, and Pamela Nowak.  Each author took a turn asking a historical etiquette question to the participants of this "Mother May I" style game. If a reader provided the right answer, Terri would flash the picture of the stoic Queen Victoria and the reader could take one step forward.  But if a reader provided the wrong answer, Terri would flash a modified picture of Queen Victoria in a "shocked" state. It became a riot when Spicy author Delilah asked where a Regency gentleman could procure a condom. The Queen was shocked by the right answer!   Then Inspirational author Deeanne transitioned the discussion with a bit of humor.

I attended the Intimate Chat with Anna who also inspired us with her journey as a romance author.   I followed her to the Historical Tea Party hosted by Anna, Jo Beverley, Hannah Howell, Elizabeth Hoyt, Melissa Mayhue, and Julia Quinn.   They quizzed us on our knowledge of their lives ... and we learned some of their secrets!   The audience was surprised to learn that Melissa spent the night in an Italian airport surrounded by armed soldiers - Melissa will blog about this experience as a Navy spouse in November when we celebrate the Navy's birthday!

Later in the afternoon, I attended the Blogger Workshop hosted by Sue Grimshaw from Borders, Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Jane Litte from Dear Author, and Elizabeth Boyle who blogs about knitting. Sue invited readers as guest bloggers, but emphasized that she only publishes positive comments. In fact, she stated, "Something positive can be written about every book." She also noted that "there is a book for every reader." Sarah shared her inspirational story of how she became a romance reader. Both she and Jane encourage readers to share their passion of romance through blogs, noting there is plenty of room on the Internet for more discussion of romance.

On Saturday night, I joined Cathy, Elizabeth, Sally, Lavinia, and Terri at the scheduled dinner. Jo Beverley was the keynote speaker - her British accent was charming.

During the dinner, Cindy Gerard and Tara Janzen educated the audience with the weapons that their military heroes use in their romantic thrillers.   It was a romance version of Abbott and Costello - very funny especially when Tara drenched Cindy! They could always be comedians if they wanted a second career! The authors at my tables suggested we have the soldiers from Fort Carson air assault into the dinner next year (I'm sure Cindy and Tara would want to drop down with them).

On Sunday morning, I attended the Library Love In hosted by Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Boyle. We had an active discussion on how authors, readers, and librarians can engage in programming spotlighting romance.  After the discussion, I introduced myself to the author next to me, the lovely Nalini Singh.   I shared the positive comments I had heard about her paranormal books (which I typically don't read). She then gave me a book - thank you, Nalini!   (This book is not part of the giveaway as I will keep it for myself).

I also the Historical Author Mix and Mingle coordinated by Courtney Milan with Jo Beverley, Celeste Bradley, Anna Campbell, Deeanne Gist, Hannah Howell, , Lavinia Kent, Sally MacKenzie, Melissa Mayhue, Monica McCarty, Pamela Nowak, Jodi Thomas, and Veronica Wolff. Each reader was given a list of five items to find from the authors. In turn, the authors told the readers about their books as hints to the items they may have. It was a fun event, especially as the readers tried to determine with author of Scottish Romances (Melissa, Monica, and Veronica) had the blue vs red tartan.  Courtney's helper was "Mr. Milan" - thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Milan, for a fun event!

For lunch, I joined Sally, Lavinia, Anna, Pamela, Terri, Elizabeth, and other authors who wondered in an out of the restaurant. What a great way to end RomCon ... in the company of authors.

Obviously, I prefer historical romances and attended events sponsored by historical authors. But there was a wide range of panels for contemporary and paranormal readers, too.   Almost every author I met claimed to be an introvert yet they were warm, open, and friendly to all the readers.  I thank them for making this a great weekend for me!

I also send out a special Mahalo to Elaine Levine and Michelle Chambers for the behind-the-scenes work they did to entertain us all weekend long!

I met many bloggers and readers at RomCon, including Jessica and Kristie J from Ramblings on Romance. Check out Kristie's RomCon Recap at:

http://kristiej.blogspot.com/2010/07/adventures-at-romcon-day-1.html
http://kristiej.blogspot.com/2010/07/adventures-at-romcon-day-2.html

And I am giving away books from RomCon - read more about it at:

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2010/07/romcon-recap-book-giveaway.html

If you could have attended RomCon, which author would you seek out?

Happy Reading!

Kim Adams
SOS Military Liaison

RomCon Recap - Book Giveaway!

I just returned from Borders' RomCon in Denver. I stuffed as many books as I could in my checked and carry on luggage (note to self - next time bring wheeled carry on luggage). Perhaps you can use some of the review sites I've listed:

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2010/07/romcon-recap-bloggers-and-reviewers.html

to help you select a book!

I have multiple copies of several books. I will giveaway these books on a first come, first serve basis. Please send your top three choices and your mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com. Due to mailing costs, this giveaway is only open to US residents. But if you are an international resident, I can send you a stash of bookmarks!

For those who receive books, please email the author to thank them for their donations to RomCon and SOS - many authors gave me extra copies for this giveaway.

Happy Reading!

Jo Beverley, Skylark, The Secret Wedding
Elizabeth Boyle, Confessions of A Little Black Dress
Meljean Brook, Demon Night
Carolyn Brown, I Love This Bar
Laurie Brown, What Would Jane Austen Do?
Anna Campbell, Captive of Sin, My Reckless Summer, Untouched
Pamela Clare, Unlawful Contact
Gwen Cready, Flirting with Forever
Christina Dodd, Chains of Ice
Judi Fennell, Catch of a Lifetime
Jeaniene Frost, Destined for an Early Grave
Cindy Gerard, Risk No Secrets, Whisper No Lies
Kristan Higgins, The Next Best Thing
Elizabeth Hoyt, To Taste Temptation
Hannah Howell, Highland Captive, Highland Fire, If He's Wild, Nature of the Beast
Tara Janzen, Crazy Cool (ARC)
Alison Kent, The Icing on the Cake (ARC)
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Born of Fire
Laura Kinsale, Midsummer Moon, Seize the Fire, Uncertain Magic
Melissa Mayhue, Soul of a Highlander
Laurel McKee, Duchess of Sin
Courtney Milan, Proof of Seduction
Linda Lael Miller, McKettricks of Texas: Tate
Brenda Novak, The Perfect Murder
Julia Quinn, Ten Things I Love About You, The Duke and I, The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever, What Happened in London
Lori Wilde, The True love Quilting Club

RomCon Recap - Bloggers and Reviewers

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Wednesday Wanderings visits the Reading Reviewer

Welcome to Wednesday Wanderings! This weekend is both exciting and conflicting for book lovers with:

- Thrillerfest in NYC, http://www.thrillerwriters.org/thrillerfest/ with SOS supporters Allison Brennan, Anna De Stefano,. Heather Graham, Tess Gerritsen, Rebecca York, to a name a few.

Speaking of Tess Gerittsen, tune into TNT on Monday, July 12, 10 pm EST for the premier of Rizzoli and Isles based on her books. The previews are fabulous and funny with Angie Harmon (Law and Order) and Sasha Alexander (NCIS). For more info, log onto http://www.tnt.tv/series/rizzoliandisles/.

- Turn the Page 15th Anniversary Book signing in Boonsboro, Maryland, http://ttpbooks.com/ with Nora Roberts, Loretta Chase, Jocelynn Drake, Diane Whiteside, Donna Kauffman, Mary Blayney and local authors Katrina Shelley and Austin Gisriel.

- and Borders' RomCon in Denver, http://www.romconinc.com/index.php/convention.

I'll be at RomCon with more SOS supporters, including Jo Beverley, Anna Campbell, Sally MacKenzie, Cathy Maxwell, and Julia Quinn to name a few.

Make sure you stop by Wednesday Wanderings next week for a RomCon Recap and book giveaway.

Today we visit my friend Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer, http://www.marygramlich.com/. We met in line during the book fair at RT/Daytona in 2006.   We roomed together at the RT/Houston in 2007 and RWA/DC in 2009. Mary is a reader's best friend - she posts reviews from many genres on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million, Historical Romance Club, and Mystic Castle.

And she supports SOS America! Each month she donates books from publishers for the SOS book giveaway.   So let's meet Mary ...

- What inspired you to become an avid reader? What a great question! About 10 years ago I started to realize that my sons were growing older and I had some freedom to do what I wanted to do - read. I had read as a child but the books then never grabbed me like they did in my mid-40’s especially after I discovered romance. I started with a recommendation here or there from co-workers or friends.  I love the historical romance for its pomp and glory, the contemporary romance for its real life drama and just about everything and have quite the collection of books that I will never part with and tend to read and read again. Books take me to a place of quiet after a tough day and have brought me amazing peace when things in my life are out of whack. Like every reader I have stories about this book or that book which helped me just get through the day.

- What inspired you to post reviews about books? I first started posting my reviews to help the authors sell the book as my mind was stuck on the idea if someone saw my review, liked it, and bought the book based on my review, how awesome would that be!  However I was not pushing myself until my friend said “either do something with this or stop reviewing”.  She helped me see what the next level could be and my reviewing career has exploded!

- What is the toughest challenge of writing reviews? Making sure I put into my words what the book was about in a coherent manner. I want to be a reviewer who is trying to make sure everyone sees how great the book truly is. By reviewing I am able to take it to the next step and help my authors be a success which keeps them publishing which is a great thing for all readers.

- What was your favorite "fan moment" when meeting an author? I love the conferences - the whole experience is just so magical and authors are downright the nicest people in the world. My favorite and most tongue tied moment came when I was right in front of Julia Quinn at the RWA convention in 2009. She was so warm and friendly and exactly as I hoped she would be. After I walked away, I started crying it was that lovely to meet her.

And Mary has a treat for SOS readers - she donated books that she recently reviewed.  If you would like to request any of the books list below from Mary,

(1) Leave a comment if you read reviews or not;
(2) Check out Mary's website, http://www.marygramlich.com/
(3) Send your mailing address and your top three requests to sos.america@yahoo.com.

I will giveaway the books on a first come, first serve basis.  Due to mailing costs, the giveaway is only open to US residents.  But if you live outside the US, send me your mailing address and I will send you a special promo from RomCon!

Mahalo, Mary, for visiting Wednesday Wanderings and supporting SOS America!

Sherrill Bodine, Talk of the Town
Lyn Cote, Her Abundant Joy
Dee Davis, Dangerous Desires (ARC), Dark Deceptions
Cara Elliott, To Surrender to a Rogue
Michael Koryta, So Cold the River (tradesize ARC)
Margaret Mallory, Knight of Passion (ARC)
Leila Meacham, Roses (hardback)
Carla Neggers, The Angel
James Patterson, Worst Case (hardback)
JD Robb, Big Jack
Nora Roberts, Vision in White
R.C. Ryan, Montana Destiny
Vanitha Sankaran, Watermark
Sheryl Woods, Along Came Trouble