I know, it’s a weird title, but I flashed on the old film the lost weekend, and this definitely was not that. Let me preface, by saying, I had a really good time last weekend. And so my story begins:
For weeks it was a question whether I was going to be able to go at all. Family issues and general stress wreaked havoc for a time, but I weathered the few weeks that it took to deal with those concerns. (A special thanks to MB, My sister and Mary, who talked me into seeing all the positive.) By the weekend before I was looking forward to meeting the nearly three hundred that attended the weekend.
The only problem with the drive was the amount of money the gasoline cost. There was some bumper traffic in Cincinnati the last thirty miles. When I reached the hotel I was surprised to find out that the place was over run by teenage baseball players there for a play off. With so many groups and luggage the four luggage carts were no where to be found, so I made four trips in the ninety odd degrees carrying in luggage, baskets and promo material.
I will admit, since I have multiple witnesses anyway, that I will wear a headband, just like Tammy Fay and pull out a fan to cool down. I blame it on my father. I inherited his sweat glands. Oh, excuse me, his perspiration apparatus. (I sweat, I only wish it were a glow.) I was looking forward to sitting back in my hotel room and cooling down with an ice cold drink before running out for a late lunch. I snatched up the ice bucket and headed to the ice machine. EMPTY. The baseball families had filled their buckets and ice chests. I went to my room steaming. I was hot and sweating, but steaming sounds so much more intense. I finally went to another floor in my search. In conclusion of my chilling drama, I found ice on the third floor. A diet coke never tasted so sweet and cold.
After lunch I was a much better person and by the time I made it to the lobby again there was a line around the main lobby forming to register and pick up our name badges. I got in line and within two minutes was befriended by Gia Dawn, one of the nicest people I have ever met. She is funny and smart and writes a great story. We chatted and she shared her hand fan, though we both felt that gorgeous males should have been fanning us with large palms. (I will say that by the next morning the hotel was talked into turning up the air conditioners. Three hundred people in a room is a mighty furnace.) Can you tell I’m menopausal?
For the dinner portion, The one table where I knew the majority of people only had one chair open and though I was invited to join them, I decided that I’d spread the joy and head to a table with only one or two people. They had it set up to where four authors were asked to be at each table. I sat down with a couple of nurses – It’s like radar, we can find each other any where. We did some chatting and then another author joined us, sci fi and paranormal romance writer, very sweet lady – Hi Laura. Right after that Susan Carr was with us.
The cool happened just moments after they opened the buffet, Michele Boungufiglio sat down to my left and next to her was Ann Christopher. I figured there were about 250 other authors that wished they were sitting with the lifetime TV book reviewer and I wasn’t budging. She is a petite thing and had this fabulous purple purse that was as big as she was. Nearly everyone in the place came over to say hello to her, so that was fun to watch her be gracious and fun.
As new writer, there were only a few that had ever heard of my book or me. I meet folks from an Indianapolis book club that I’m looking forward to seeing when the book is out in print. My Nashville Chapter of the RWA was represented and we hung out quite a bit.
Late on Friday I joined Gia for a drink at the bar and met several Samhain Authors and the amazing Chrissy Brashear. Bianca D’arc was among those there and I found out when I got home Sunday night that Friday was her birthday. I even managed to offend her when I made an inappropriate comment about New York men being rude – I meant that men in any group mentality can be rowdy – I think I managed to get my foot out of my mouth by the end. J Like so many of the people I met, she is a lovely, brilliant woman.
Saturday morning there was a continental breakfast and after I headed over to hear the two agents speak with my Nashville crew. (Yea, we wear gang colors when we hang.) They had some interesting information to share. The market for super sexy is there, the erotic market – kinky – is not. Romance is the way.
All of the Writers and Readers were winning baskets from the raffle and we raised over four thousand dollars for charity.
To my Nashville Homies, including two Samhain authors Jody Wallace and Marie-Nicole Ryan, thanks for letting me hang with you. Gia, Bianca and all the authors at my table it was a great honor to meet you and share a meal and conversation. I will be looking forward to next year.
Oh, and the added plus was my trip to the AKEA store. They have very fun stuff. I managed to get back home before my car battery died in front of the Borders. I say, if you gotta wait for a tow truck, it might as well be while you’re having a smoothie and reading.
Do I recommend this conference? You bet ya!
Rhianna Samuels
