Okay, here it is - the lowdown on the very first Australian Romance Readers Convention! Yeehah! It was da bomb!
It was such a total blast! For the first time, I had readers come up to me with wide eyes, saying how much they love my books and would I sign - pretty please? Well, gosh, let me think about that for an entire nano-second… I can’t imagine the thrill of it would ever get old, not for me, anyway.
Hardly any of these pictures are actually mine - I stole ‘em from other blogs all over, but I’ve linked to them further down so you can go read about all the stuff I missed. I’m such a doofus - or possibly such a gasbag (ya think?) - that although I carried my shiny new camera everywhere, I clean forgot to take photos. Well, duh!
Best memories?
- The absolutely incredible, ear-shattering noise as I walked into the Friday night welcome reception. Hundreds of women, all shrieking with joy as they greeted each other. A tree full of screaming rainbow lorikeets had nothing on it.
- If MaryJanice Davidson gets tired of writing, she could make her living as a stand-up comedian. That woman is seriously FUNNY!
- Sherrilyn Kenyon describing her Deep South family - “We ain’t real bright,” she said in her Southern gal drawl. The word bogan springs to mind. (The Aussie version of redneck for you Over There.) She was so gracious and giving. The readers just ate her up!
- Amy Andrews talking about the man who came into Emergency with a can of hair mousse shoved up his rectum. Yep, that was funny enough, but the looks on the faces of the American authors - MJD, Susan Grant and Liz Maverick - were priceless. “Moose?” they said. “You mean with…antlers?” OMG, it’s all in the pronunciation!
This one time, at band camp… Authors share anecdotes about where their story ideas come from..
Left to Right: Liz Maverick, Amy Andrews, MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant
- I moderated a panel, “Love and Alternate Realities”. The panelists were Susan Grant, Keri Arthur, Tracey O’Hara and Angela Verdenius. Gulp! I was a tad nervous, I must admit, but the panelists were so responsive and so damn funny, and the audience so warm, I forgot all about the nerves after a while.
- Tracey showed off her dragon tattoo, Angela talked about her eleven beloved cats, Keri confessed her Labrador dog weighs 50 kilos (almost 8 stone) and Susan, the fearless fighter pilot, is afraid of ants. Go figure.
- The conversation rapidly became very um, interesting, ranging from centaur sex to vampire sex to alien sex and also to that alpha male soul mate thing - as in, “You are my mate! I shall now ravish you - and you will enjoy it!” Yeah, well - I have news for you, idiot. See this frying pan? DONG!
Urban fantasy, Sci-fi, futuristic - Love and Alternate Realities
Left to Right: Tracey O’Hara, Susan Grant, Keri Arthur, Angela Verdenius and me (moderating)
- The Author Signing sessions were great. I sat next to Stephanie Laurens. (Not bragging, oh no!) Poor woman had no
choice, I simply plonked myself down next to her. I signed my books and conversed with my charming, though very short queue - but mainly I chatted with the long line of readers waiting patiently for Stephanie to sign. Was fun! - And in another Brush with Fame, I was on a panel with Sherrilyn Kenyon. I actually sat next to her! Yep, no kiddin’.
The duelling cameras were a hoot. That was when I finally recalled I possessed a photographic device and pointed it at Harlequin author, Paula Roe. Being Paula, she pointed hers right back at me.- I’m in awe at the organising skill of the ARRC gals. The whole thing went like clockwork. And they raised over $7,000 for the Bushfire Appeal with a silent auction!
- The Jasper Hotel itself constituted a highlight. Each floor was painted a different very VIVID colour - as in eyeball searingly vivid. My floor was purple, others tangerine, neon green, electric blue. But the best was what the girls called the “Barbie Exploded” floor - a hot pink so completely unrepentant, I winced every time the lift doors swished open. Ouch!But the rooms themselves were soothing and comfortable, and the staff delightful.
- The gala dinner was luverly. Everyone got gussied up and I wore my favourite red hooker heels. Go me! Picture below courtesy of Erica Hayes’ blog. Erica is about to hit the romance world with her dark underworld of fairies and Things That Go Bump in the Night. Can’t wait!
From Left to Right: Me, Keri Arthur, Tracey O’Hara, Erica Hayes
If you’d like to see and read more, visit Liz Maverick’s blog. She even has a couple of videos!
Then there’s Kat and Wundergurl on Book Thingo. They did the Twitter thing.
Marg’s Reading Adventures and Tez Says. Not to mention the ARRC site itself!
There was much talk about the NEXT ONE! Oh, I do hope so. Sydney in 2011 was the buzz. We’ll see…
Don’t you wish you’d been there? *chuckle* I should mention, BTW, that everyone staggered away with armloads of free books. So - who’s on board for 2011? How many of you go to the Romantic Times Convention? Did you enjoy yourselves? I’m actually considering it for next year in Nashville. Woohoo!
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LOL! It sounds like you had a fantastic time. I have never been to a romance convention of any kind and I want to go to RT this year since it’s an hour and a half away from me, but with the economy the way it is, I’m not sure that I can afford to go. Which sucks, but I can go over for the book signing that’s open to the public which is nice. If you’re coming (possibly) to next year’s RT then I’ll definitely save up to go and I’ll bring my books for you to sign too (yeah, I’m sounding a little bit like a fan girl). If I could make it to the ARRC someday I would. Here’s to wishful thinking!
Denise
I was there and totally loved it. It was fantastic meeting you and talking to you and I agree the noise of all the Ladies on the Friday night was amazing. I have lots of books to read and lots of new authors on my list of books that I need to buy.
Sydney 2011 here I come !!!!
Have Fun
Helen
Like you, I kept forgetting to take photos. I think I spent most of the first day just being thrilled to actually be there.
Oh Dani, you can be my fangirl any time you like!
If you see Joey at the signing in Orlando say hello from me. And I’ll let everyone know what I’m going to do about Nashville. I think I need to go out and buy a new piggy bank!
Hi Helen. Wasn’t it great to put faces to email signatures? It was such a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy your new books and I’ll see in Sydney in 2011!
Hi Kat, thanks for dropping by. It was amazing, wasn’t it? I always love the sensation of talking to the similarly obsessed. So comfortable because everyone understands!
It was a blast! And you did an awesome job of moderator of our panel. It was such fun to meet everyone, both readers and other authors. I’m saving for Sydney 2011!!!
Hi Denise,
Wasn’t it a great weekend! So many woman all with the same interest all chattering away at the same time.
Thanks for the signing (and photo at Dymocks). Louise hasn’t given me my copy yet - has she sent you yours?
Now I just have to figure out how I am going to get you to sign a copy of The Flame and The Shadow. Still think the cover is one of the best I have seen.
Ciao Barb
Hi Angela - welcome to the Dark Side! Um, unless, of course, you’re already there.
Glad you think the panel went okay. I was definitely worried, I admit. But isn’t it amazing and wonderful? You remember you told me you were nervous, but once up there, you were so gorgeous and funny and genuine - no one would ever have known.
Keri and I (with Kelly Hunter) will be doing an RWA Roadshow in Perth late in May. Would be great to see you!
Hey, that’s my picture!
somewhere I have one of the red hooker heels…
I had such a great weekend. To be surrounded by so much enthusiasm was humbling. Here’s to Sydney 2011
Hey Denise…it was fun wasn’t it! I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to catch up with you more.
Next time I’m going as a fan I think..or an author maybe
Maggie
Looks like you had a great time! I don’t think I’ll get to Sydney in 2011, but I will definitely be at the Perth Roadshow!!
Coming in here to agree - ARRC was an absolute blast!!!
And the panel you moderated was fantastic, Denise and Angela you were such a pro!
Oh and I love the pic of me (probably something to do with the fact you can’t actually see my face) Who’d you get that from?
Hey there, Barb! The autograph and the photo opportunity were my very great pleasure.
And no, I haven’t seen a copy yet. This is the Dymocks Romance Club newsletter, folks - the Collins St store for those in Victoria.
As for signing The Flame and the Shadow, if you email me your snail mail address, I’ll post you an autographed label. Might send a few down to Louise as well.
And yes, the cover is totally amazing. I lurve it to death. You can read my interview with the cover artist here. It’s utterly fascinating how he does it. Oooh, and just wait til you see the cover of Thief of Light!! It’s just as gorgeous, but this time it’s a big blond hunk. *sigh*
Oooh, Erica, I’d LOVE to see the pic of the red hooker heels - there were about half a dozen pairs, I think?
And yes, the euphoria takes a while to wear off, doesn’t it?
Oh Maggie, you were so incredibly busy. Every time I looked at you, you were a blur of motion. I can’t get over the way some people just step up to the plate and get things done. I just dither.
You and the Committee were awesome.
And just think of how much you’ll enjoy ARRC11.
See you in August, in Brisvegas?
Hi Denise,
Hi Denise,
Thanks for volunterring to sign a postcard for me for The Flame and The Shadow and send it via snail mail! I am so looking forward to reading it - and the other 3 in the series!!
My address is:
Thanks
Barb
Barbara, hope you don’t mind, but I’ve edited your comment to remove the actual address. Just to be on the safe side. I’ve made a note of it, so no worries there.
Christina, that’s wonderful! I’m really looking forward to Perth, it’s going to be such fun.
Be sure to come and say g’day.
Ah, my dear Amy - I took that one my very own self.
I’m soooo proud. And I have another, which I think might be an even better shot of you. You’re one photogenic baby - unlike moi. *sigh* I’ll send it over.
Oh Denise - trust me I’m not at all photogenic which is why I’m jumping all over that photo. Its so rare to find a goody!!
Thanks.
Looks like a whole lot of fun Denise. LOL re the mousse comment.
Oh it was, Eleni! It was!
I’m so sad I missed it this year
Hubby was away and I had to stick to mothering duties. Glad it was great. I hope I’ll catch the next one.
Oh, Sami, I feel your pain. Next time for sure. And there’s always the conference in August!
[…] Reading Adventures — Reminiscing about ARRC - Part 2 I’m listing Marg first because we sat together at dinner and she has stories about our table. Anna Campbell — March 2009 Denise Rossetti — Memories of ARRC09 […]
Denis I thought I’d let you know I got the book and the front Lami got you to sign for me at AARC. *does happy dance* I’ve held Trey, Brin & Ange in my hands. WHOOT!!
Lami asked “Who do you want a book signed by?” and I said “Denise” and she said “Anyone else?” and listed all the authors and I said “No. Just Denise.” So thank you
I can’t wait to get my paws on Mirry, Jan and Fledge and insert your signature into the front.
Aw golly, Pamela, I’m blushing here.
No, actually I’m grinning my head off, delighted that you’re so delighted. If you send me your snail mail when you buy a print copy of Tailspin, I can send you a signed book label. Not much, but you can always stick it on the fly leaf. Until the day we meet. 
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