The 2017 RT Booklovers Convention is in full swing in Atlanta, Georgia. AND I’M NOT THERE!
I’ve been attending RT since 1994. I think I only missed 2 (this makes 3) in all those years. So that’s 20+ times! I’ve had the pleasure of writing, directing, coordinating, and/or emceeing several RT special events over the years. I’ve moderated workshops, spoken on panels, co-sponsored reader events, and co-starred in Heather Graham’s Mystery Theaters. I’ve signed my books at the Giant Book Fair multiple times. I’ve attended hundreds of parties and workshops. And I have met hundreds of fabulous readers and made several lifelong friends. I CAN’T BELIEVE NOT THERE!
I wasn’t in the stars this year, but that’s okay. I have a bazillion memories to keep me warm. For fun, I dug out a blog post from the past, just to give you a taste of what an awesome whirlwind always is for me and many people). I hope you enjoy the post and pics! At the end I have a fun RT GIVEAWAY!
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Romantic Times Booklovers conventions 2009!
I missed two weeks of blogging due to being away at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention and then, after returning home EXHAUSTED, trying to catch up with work, writing, and life. I still haven’t caught up. So instead of putting energy into a thoughtful post, I’m going to share a few pictures (taken by my friend, Mary Stella) from RT. In a nutshell, I spoke on three workshop panels, rehearsed and appeared in Heather Graham’s Mystery Musical, co-hosted the Mr. Romance Competition, and signed at the Bookfair. Oh, and had a lot of fun with new and old friends.
The photo above: Me at the bookfair, signing copies of Romancing the West, The Fall of Rome, and Evie Ever After!
At the Fairy Ball with friends, authors, and co-actors in Heather’s production: Alexandra Sokoloff, Kathy Love, F. Paul Wilson, and Mary Stella.
Dancing at the Fairy Ball with the nutty, but oh-so-talented author, J.A.Konrath. You can’t see it here, but Joe has fairy wings duct taped to his back!
In Heather’s Count Drake-ula show: Me, and authors, Harley Jane Kozak and Alex Sokoloff. Don’t you just love our vampirette wigs?
In Heather Graham’s Show. That’s Heather in red! An awesome writer AND she sings, acts and dances! My kind of gal.
Hosting the Mr. Romance Competition with co-host and friend, Mark Johnson (Mr. Romance 1996)
Dorchester Publishing threw a Beach Bash Party. A few of my best writing buds and I went as a syncronized swimming team. Yes, we’re geeks. But fun geeks. (I blame Kathy Love and Erin McCarthy. *g*) Pictured L to R, Mary Stella, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Heather Graham, me, Alex Sokoloff, and our Coach, F. Paul Wilson.
Oh, and here’s the rear view!
I hope to share some fun stories soon. Meanwhile, I’ve got a book to write!
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So ends my walk down memory lane. Or at least one year of 20! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed a peek into the whirlwind that is RT. And now for the giveaway!
Swag from last years 2016 RT convention and assorted books!
- 2016 RT Tote Bag
- Assorted swag from various authors
- FALL OF ROME by Beth Ciotta
- ALL ABOUT EVIE by Beth Ciotta
- THE FORBIDDEN LADY by Kerrelyn Sparks
- LOVE WALKS IN by Samantha Chase
- WATER BOUND by Christine Feehan
We may not be at RT, but we can pretend! RT is famous for it’s costume balls and parties. To be eligible for this Vintage RT giveaway, chime in and tell me what period costume you be wearing to the ball?
Random winner chosen and announced on this blog on Saturday, May 6!
May 4, 2017 @ 12:07 am
I never knew about events like RT until you began sharing your adventures to them. Your stories have made me consider attending one in the future. They look like a reader’s dream! Thanks for sharing and broadening your readers’ knowledge of the author’s side of the world!
May 4, 2017 @ 12:28 am
Sherry, knowing what an avid reader you are (and knowing you), I think you’d get a thrill out of attending a book convention. There are small local conventions and BIG national conventions. Research a convention that is reader oriented. And take a friend. The bigger ones like RT or Comic-Con or Dragon Con can be overwhelming. Plus, it’s just more fun to be with a fellow book lover!
May 5, 2017 @ 10:49 pm
Rachel and I and some friends of ours did got to LeakyCon in Orlando in 2014. There were several authors there doing book signings. We participated in some of the workshops as well. It was a lot of fun!! I would definitely want to attend another event with a fellow book reader. Right now I am reading your book Charmed and a book written by my one of Ron’s cousin’s wife (Dorothy Papadakos) called The Kingdom of Winter. 🙂
May 5, 2017 @ 11:04 pm
Maybe will bump into one another at a convention, Sherry! In the meantime… happy reading!
May 4, 2017 @ 12:37 am
I think maybe something from the medieval period because the dresses look somewhat comfortable and, BONUS, cloaks.
May 4, 2017 @ 12:41 am
I ADORE Medieval fashion, Cassandra, and you would rock it! As for cloaks–Yah! Ask Elle how she feels about cloaks. 😉
May 4, 2017 @ 1:04 am
I would probably have to go with medieval. I would just like the style better.
May 4, 2017 @ 1:06 am
I love Medieval fashion Jennifer. Funky AND classy!
May 4, 2017 @ 1:06 am
Humm when I attend I don’t wear a costume, but I’d love to go one time as a Victorian lady or medieval…..
May 4, 2017 @ 1:11 am
Wendy, I personally love both Medieval and Victorian fashion. That said, I also find find something deliciously wonderful in attending a costumed ball…. un-costumed. There’s something to be said for voyeurism.
May 4, 2017 @ 1:16 am
I’ve really been wanting to go to some of the writrr/reading conventions. As for period dress. I kinda would go for a Greek Roman Atlantis sorta look I think. Or at least how I imagine atlantean clothes might of appearrd
May 4, 2017 @ 12:27 pm
Ooh… Greek/Roman. I like it! You don’t see that a lot. Unique and beautiful! And awesome hairstyles too! All best in the drawing, Skye!
May 4, 2017 @ 1:41 am
Beth!!! Love your new blog!!!! Love the fashion of both Victorian and Medieval!!!! I have never been to any of the book conventions!!!!! One day!!! Hopefully!!!! Good luck with your new blog!!!!
May 4, 2017 @ 12:22 pm
Hi, Karen! So glad you like my new look! And thank you for being here. I’m such a sucker for period fashion. Both Victorian and Medieval are big winners with me. You’d look fabulous! Good luck in the drawing!!
May 4, 2017 @ 4:39 am
I’d probably be out of place but I’d wear and old western ball gown.
May 4, 2017 @ 12:18 pm
One of my favorite costumes that I ever sewed from scratch was a western ball gown. I don’t think you’d be out of place. I think you’d stand out!
May 4, 2017 @ 12:04 pm
Probably stodgy Victorian. Proper and all, you know. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
I love Victorian fashion! Although I do often add steampunk accents. 😉
May 4, 2017 @ 1:57 pm
I would have to say Steampunk costume!
May 4, 2017 @ 2:03 pm
Such fun!!
May 4, 2017 @ 1:58 pm
I would have to go with the medieval or Victorian styles. They both look fun! And perhaps one day I will get to attend one of these fancy shindigs 😉
May 4, 2017 @ 2:05 pm
I would love to see you at one of those shindigs, Ashley. I also love your costume choices! 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 2:08 pm
I’d be wearing something Edwardian.
May 4, 2017 @ 3:49 pm
Beautiful fashion in that period, Darla. Just one of the reasons I especially liked the earlier seasons of Downton Abbey. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 2:15 pm
I would say I would wear an medieval or renaissance garb. I have never been to RT, but I was lucky enough to go to the Historical Romance Retreat in Spokane. There was lot’s of dressing up there and so much fun.
Thanks for the terrific giveaway it is fun celebrating your new website with you.
May 4, 2017 @ 3:47 pm
Gayle, I love attending Renn Faires whenever I get the chance. The costumes are to die for. The Historical Romance Retreat sounds like fun, too. Thank you for celebrating with me!
May 4, 2017 @ 2:29 pm
Hmmmm I think something Victorian but sexy lol loving the new site and Bitmoji!!!
May 4, 2017 @ 3:46 pm
Ooh. Sexy Victorian. Do tell. Or rather, do show. LOL Would love to see. So glad you like the new site, Sylvia!
May 4, 2017 @ 2:35 pm
I think I would like to try steampunk or Victorian.
May 4, 2017 @ 3:45 pm
Victorian Steampunk! SO much fun. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 2:37 pm
If I went to one I might wear somethin Victorian or from the 20,s bibbiesparks@yahoo.com
May 4, 2017 @ 3:44 pm
Either one would be fabulous, Toni!
May 4, 2017 @ 3:14 pm
I would like to do the Roaring 20’s period. Even though I don’t have the body for it, I would love to wear a flapper outfit. Sorry you can’t attend the RT this year. It looks like a lot of fun.
May 4, 2017 @ 3:43 pm
Love, the LOVE the fashion of the 1920s. Actually, I love everything about the 1920s. 🙂 I’m betting you’d rock that flapper outfit, Dianne. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 3:16 pm
Something from the 70s, tie dye, bell bottoms
May 4, 2017 @ 3:41 pm
I can see it. What fun!
May 4, 2017 @ 4:04 pm
I’m not much for costumes, but I would say Victorian would be my choice 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 4:06 pm
Happy to see you hear, Megan. And I bet you’d look fabulous in Victorian fashion!
May 4, 2017 @ 4:25 pm
Hi Beth, great new site. I have yet to attend a convention but it’s in my future plans for sure. I’d like either the Regency era costume or something Grecian. Thank you for the awesome giveaway chance.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:25 pm
Hi Carol! So glad you like my new look. 🙂 As for a convention, when the time is right and you do go… I’m betting you’ll have a wonderful time! Regency or Grecian. Both lovely. Grecian would definitely be the most unique. You don’t see much of that period. All best in the giveaway!
May 4, 2017 @ 5:16 pm
I think I would go for the 60s or 70s era for a costume because they are just so fun and colorful.
I keep thinking that I would like to go to a book convention in the future but am never sure what conventions are for readers and which are for writers.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:32 pm
Hi Michelle! 60s and 70s fashion… so much fun! As for conventions, definitely research before committing. Some conventions are geared more toward writers OR readers, but some are geared toward both. Of some national, bigger conferences…
RT Booklovers Convention is for both
RWA National : Writers
Comic Con: Both, but mostly Fans
DragonCon: Both
Did you have any particular one in mind?
May 4, 2017 @ 5:37 pm
I love the “Roaring 20’s” times and the costumes from that era.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
Ginny, I actually with the fashions of the 1920s & 30s would come back! 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 6:11 pm
I have never been to an RT convention but I would love to go one year. If I had a bucket list this is at the top. Thanks for the chance, I love your books.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:34 pm
You’d have a blast at RT, Sheryl. Here’s hoping you can attend one day. Thank you for being here. I’m glad you like my stories!
May 4, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
I have to say renaissance or something Medieval because they are so pretty. Thank you for the chance I have always wanted to go to RT convention so I could meet all the writers I love. There is a lot there this year I would like to see.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:37 pm
Medieval and Renn. Personally love both! As for RT, it definitely is place to meet some of your favorite authors. My first RT was in 1994. My favorite author at the time was Johanna Lindsey. She was like a God to me. Still is!) And I got to meet her! Almost fainted. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 6:48 pm
I am so 1940’s glam. Long, tight gown, with a blonde bob hair cut, and a long cigarette holder in my hand.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:38 pm
Oooh. I like, Audrey. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 6:49 pm
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/535506211932283061/
May 4, 2017 @ 8:38 pm
Love, love, love!
May 4, 2017 @ 7:56 pm
I would love to go to RT sometime. It would be great to meet all the authors, and get to talk to them in person. Talking on Facebook, is kind of impersonal, so it would be nice to be face to face. I love the swag too. Thanks for the chance!
May 4, 2017 @ 8:40 pm
Hi, Jennifer! I very much hope you get to RT one day. The first time I attended I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. That was 1994. Many of my favorite authors were there. I was STARSTRUCK! Hoping you get to experience the same magic!
May 4, 2017 @ 8:40 pm
I’d be wearing a Flapper costume! I’ve always loved the roaring 20’s & one of my favorite books is The Great Gatsby!
May 4, 2017 @ 8:44 pm
So thrilled to see another fan of the 1920s! Hoping you’ll enjoy my new 1920s historical mysteries. 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
May 4, 2017 @ 9:06 pm
RT sounds amazing, I bet it’s lots of fun. I would be wearing an Antebellum era gown. I really love that era.
May 5, 2017 @ 1:19 am
Now I have Gone With the Wind in my brain, Dianne. Not a bad thing!
May 4, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
Hi Beth Sorry you can’t be there this time. I would like to go in Victorian Clothes they are so pretty and romantic
May 5, 2017 @ 1:17 am
You’d kill in a Victorian gown, Dawn. Oh, hey, maybe some day we can do some sort of Victorian craft at the library. Hmm. 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 11:19 pm
I would probably go in a Victorian dress. I love the fashion during that era!
May 5, 2017 @ 1:15 am
The gowns were indeed gorgeous, Kim!
May 5, 2017 @ 12:07 am
Thank you for sharing your memories and the great swag giveaway!!! I hope a fantastic book event comes your way–one that you weren’t expecting that turns out to be absolutely fab!!!
May 5, 2017 @ 1:13 am
Aww. Thanks so much, Virginia. What a fabulous optimistic wish! 🙂
May 5, 2017 @ 12:15 am
That’s a dream of mine to be able to go. I think I’d have to come up with a mid evil costume for the ball. What fun!
May 5, 2017 @ 1:11 am
Lots of fun! Good luck in the drawing, Margie!
May 5, 2017 @ 1:28 am
I’d love to wear a Medieval style costume – something pretty in a royal blue with silver metallic thread – that would be a lot of fun!
May 5, 2017 @ 12:53 pm
Ooh, I can picture it, Diane. Very pretty!
May 5, 2017 @ 5:41 am
ballgown
May 5, 2017 @ 12:52 pm
Lovely!
May 5, 2017 @ 10:02 pm
I love the delicate gowns of the Regency, however I think for myself I would love, love, love to wear a Georgian gown. Georgian gowns were so dramatic!
May 5, 2017 @ 10:18 pm
Hi, Kathy! I had to look up the Georgian period. I wasn’t sure what the fashion was then. After seeing… Yowza! Yes, indeed. Dramatic! And beautiful. 🙂
May 5, 2017 @ 10:41 pm
Didn’t realize RT was happening until I heard talk of it! I got into the Reader Author Get Together this year!! It will be my first convention, and my first time on a solo trip!!😲😳😍
May 5, 2017 @ 10:48 pm
How exciting for you, Amy! Who is sponsoring the Reader Author Get Together? Where is it? So thrilled for you!
May 6, 2017 @ 4:10 am
The one time I went to RT I had a blast. I actually recently re-read my Livejournal postings (which kinda tells you how long ago it was!) on that trip. I do regret not doing more though (there were a lot of weird things about that trip.)
May 6, 2017 @ 12:06 pm
Rhi, what you did you go to RT? What town was it in? So glad you got a chance to experience it!
May 6, 2017 @ 5:37 am
One of Scarlett O’Hara’s gowns. Maybe the green one, I look good in green.
May 6, 2017 @ 12:04 pm
I can see it! 🙂
May 6, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
I have been to RT in seven lovely cities over the last decade and partied with Beth at all of them. Whew! That is a lot of partying! Best time you can have without getting arrested! I think I would choose Steampunk Victorian as my look. I am trying for Reno, NV RT next year…wish me luck!
May 6, 2017 @ 12:13 pm
A lot of partying indeed, Debi! Yikes. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. 😉 Can so see you in Steampunk Victorian!