RWA 2010 Highlights....and the Lowlight

It's hard to believe that one week ago the Dishes were beginning the first day of RWA 2010. Some of us (um, probably just me) are still doing laundry and figuring out where to put all of those books we brought back! We brought back lots of books and swags for giveaways---I see a giveaway in the very near future. :-)

RWA is filled with so many activities, it can make your head spin. But my favorite part is reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. We Dishes were lucky to be able to spend time with some of our favorite authors and friends. Here are a few of my highlights from this year's conference:


Dinner With Julie James and Beth Kery: On Tuesday night, we had a lovely dinner with Julie James and Beth Kery. A little wine, great food and fabulous conversation with friends is my kind of evening. I still get a little thrill when I'm talking to an author whose books I love---like hanging out with a celeb. Julie and Beth are both lovely ladies, and Julie is expecting baby #2 this fall. Isn't she the cutest pregnant woman you've ever seen?




Lunch With Anna Campbell and Christine Wells: Anna and Christine are two of my favorite people, and I was so happy that all of us were able to have lunch together. The six of us made so much noise laughing that the whole restaurant was staring. It was fabulous! Of course, all I have to do is think of "The Glittery HooHa" and I start snickering again. I've got your attention now, don't I? *vbg* You just never know what those Aussie gals will say! With Anna and Christine around, fun is always on the menu.


Snacks and Chat with Eloisa James and Teresa Medeiros: Yes, there is a pattern of food consumption here. Guilty as charged. But when you're sharing cookies with Eloisa and Teresa, it's all good! They were so gracious to take time out of their very busy schedule to gab with us. We talked about Eloisa's year in Paris, kids, books, tattoos and everything in between.





Breakfast with Jenna Petersen: Another meal with a fab author! Jenna told us all about her new zombie series which will be released on the 31st of this month under the name Jesse Petersen. It sounds hilarious which is no surprise since Jenna/Jesse is an absolute hoot! Another meal with lots of laughter.





Breakfast with Vicki Lewis Thompson: No doubt you're thinking we ate our way through the conference. LOL On Friday we had breakfast with Vicki and her daughter Audrey. As always, Vicki was a sweetheart and Audrey is just the same. They told us that they will be heading to Australia and New Zealand later this month. Vicki will be speaking at the Romance Writers of Australia. We all have serious travel envy and can't wait to hear all about and see the pictures.



Lunch With Christina Dodd and Lisa Kleypas: PJ and I have both met Christina, and Andrea had met Lisa at a book signing, but we were all practically giddy with excitement to have lunch with both of them on Saturday. All I can say is WOW! Total and complete fan girl moment, complete with tears. While we were enjoying our time with Lisa and Christina, everyone else at the conference was lining up for the St. Martins book signing---at which Lisa would be signing. Obviously, we would be at the very end of the line, and we weren't sure we would get a copy of Lisa's book. Well, sweetheart that she is, she went in the signing room and came back out with personalized copies for each of us. After she gave them to us and gave each of us a hug, my eyes filled with tears, and Buffie followed. I never thought I'd cry over something like that, but it was a real moment. Truly one of THE best times during the entire conference.


And now for the lowlight, and it was a doozy. I woke up not feeling up to snuff on Friday morning, but I was looking forward to our breakfast with Vicki and Audrey. After that, we all headed over to the Harlequin and Avon signings to score some books. Well, after about 30 minutes of standing in line, meeting authors and getting books, I made a dash for the ladies room. Whether it was food poisoning or a stomach bug, it was the pits! I spent the rest of the day in bed---I missed lunch (didn't miss that conference chicken, though) and more book signings. But the biggest disappointment was missing the Avon and Harlequin parties that night. I was so bummed, but since I felt like I'd been run over by a truck, I don't think I would have been in any condition to boogie. Oh well, there's always next year!

There you have it. A few of my favorite things. And since I have so many books from the conference that need new homes, I'll be choosing a random commenter (or maybe two) to receive some goodies!


~ Gannon