Arizona Dreamin' Romance Reader (and Writer) event 2011

I just returned from Tempe, Arizona, after spending the weekend with my good friend Beverly Preston at the Arizona Dreamin' romance reader and writer event. It was terrific and we had an amazing time. We arrived Friday night and were so glad to get out of the car, wandering around in search of a little bit of cold libation and some great conversation seemed like just the ticket. We met some extraordinary ladies, all of us so happy to just hang out with other writers (and readers), away from family and responsibility for a few days.

We first had drinks at the hotel's cafe with Ann Narcisian Videan (pictured) and the Quill Sisters, Amylynn Bright and Kelli Daymor. A great time was had by all and I think we all talked a mile a minute. Beverly and I stayed with a friend who lives nearby and she cooked us dinner, with which we shared chocolate wine; and let me tell you, if you haven't had this stuff, it's amazing! If you like chocolate and you like red wine, this is the perfect combination; Beverly said it tasted like a Mud Slide, I thought it tasted like Bailey's Irish Cream. Whichever, it was awesome! I think we drank all but one small cup's worth! That night. Woo-hoo! :)

In the morning, we didn't sleep in (what is up with that?), but we did laze around, reading. Ah, reading, with no interruptions of children asking for water, or food, or the chores of the house calling our names. It was great, but I was so excited for the event to start, I could hardly sit still.

When we returned to Tempe, the first person we met was the FRICKIN' AWESOME Morgan Kearns, who greeted us with her million-watt smile. What a greeting! I couldn't help but grin back at her and she showed us where to sign in, pick up our swag bags (and let me tell you, there was some GREAT swag in those bags), and choose a place to sit for the dinner. We chose to sit with Morgan (who can turn down a great smile like that?) and off we went.

The FRICKIN' AWESOME Morgan Kearns, Ruth Lacy, and Siobhan Muir.

I think the highlights of the event were meeting some new authors (to me): Vijaya Schartz, Cassie Ryan, Erin Quinn, Morgan Kearns, Linda Conrad, Tami VanGurp; seeing friends: Kris Tualla, Deb Haralson, Shannan Albright, CR Moss; and meeting some professionals in the business of romance writing: Jimmy Thomas and Sapphire Blue Publishing. I even got a photo with Jimmy; he's as friendly as his smile and has more than 1300 book covers to his name! Fabio doesn't come close to that number!

Siobhan and Jimmy Thomas

It was a great time. I couldn't stop grinning (notice in all the photos?) I bought books, won books, was given books, and just increased my TBR pile by at least 10! Want a sample of what I'll be reading here soon?
Vijaya Schartz's Coyote Gorgeous
Kris Tualla's A Prince of Norway and A Matter of Principle
Cassie Ryan's Seducing the Succubus
Linda Conrad's Her Sheik Protector and The Sheik's Lost Princess (less than great titles, GREAT author)
Tami VanGurp's Winter's Heat
Morgan Kearns' Fade to Black and In it To Win it.
Erin Quinn's Haunting Beauty and Haunting Warrior

If you do read them, do these lovely authors a favor and leave reviews on Amazon or Barnes and Noble or Smashwords. It helps us all. If you want to see the rest of my photos, please visit my Facebook page and happy reading! :)