Wednesday, July 13, 2011

RWA Recap - The Final Chapter

Saturday: my final day in New York City.  As I said in my first post, RWA National had been exciting, educational, thoroughly exhausting and oh so fun.  Though I was running on fumes by Saturday morning, I still had eight hours left and I planned to make the most of them.  Most of my farewells had been said Friday night before heading for bed as people would be leaving for home at different times on Saturday but after saying good-bye to my roommates and depositing my luggage at the Bell Stand I decided to cruise the 8th floor lobby one last time.  I'm so glad I did!  I ran into Eloisa James who was waiting for Connie Brockway who I hadn't managed to connect with during the conference.  I knew I'd be seeing Eloisa in a few months but I hadn't seen Connie since 2006 in Atlanta and was afraid I would be leaving without seeing her again.  So glad that wasn't the case! 

For those of you living in the southeastern United States, Eloisa will be the Keynote Speaker at this year's Georgia Romance Writers' Moonlight & Magnolia's Conference in Atlanta.  She will also be signing books at the conference literacy signing (open to the public) on Saturday, October 1st and will have a "meet and greet" (also open to the public) immediately preceding the booksigning.  For more information, check out the GRW Moonlight & Magnolias Conference website. 

After visiting a bit with Connie and Eloisa, I headed out into the city for a little exploration.  I hadn't really had a chance to get out and about much during the conference and I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful Saturday morning to venture off the beaten path.  My first stop was the lovely Bryant Park.  If I lived in the city, I think I'd be spending quite a bit of my time there.  It's like an oasis of calm in the midst of noise and chaos.  I bought some delicious Greek Yogurt with honey and settled in to enjoy my breakfast while absorbing the sights and sounds of the park.



My wanderings took me to Madison Avenue, Library Way (very cool name!) and the famed Fifth Avenue. 


I also stumbled across a street fair - a really big street fair!  It went on for ten blocks!  Delicious smells, quirky jewelry and just about every tee shirt design imaginable.  What fun for a Saturday morning!

Saturday's lunch was again at Junior's but this time at their Grand Central Station location and my lunch companion was the wonderful Stacey Agdern, romance buyer for Posman Books.  I had so much fun visiting with Stacey that I forgot to take a picture of her!

After more exploring, I slowly worked my way back to the hotel then enjoyed a farewell slice of cheesecake before leaving for the airport.  And yes, it was definitely as delicious as it looks!



Before I sign off, a few more highlights from my week at RWA11:



Goddess-in-Training SuzyQ's drink of choice:  True Blood, of course! 

















Goddess-in-Training Marcail (Cail), the inspiration for the heroine in Karen Hawkins' new historical, SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND.













It was a joy to have the beautiful and talented Jennifer Haymore back with us this year after her courageous battle with cancer!  Her new book,CONFESSIONS OF AN IMPROPER BRIDE, comes out July 26th.












I spent a fair amount of my standing-in-line time pimping Emily March's wonderful new Eternity Springs series.  I love these books!





















I was lucky enough to have one-on-one time with both Teresa Medeiros and Christina Dodd.  I'd love to tell you what went on in each of their "inner sanctums" but at conference, "what happens in the author's room, stays in the author's room!" *grin*  Christina's next book, SECRETS OF BELLA TERRA, comes out August 2nd.

PJ & Christina Dodd



















With a quick wit and a ready smile, Susan Andersen is always a joy to be around.  Her next book, PLAYING DIRTY, comes out July 26th.
















I was delighted to meet Paula Quinn, the wonderful creator of Highlanders I'd love to claim for my very own.  Her new book, TAMED BY A HIGHLANDER, was released July 1st.











Lady Liberty, M&M style!











That's it for this year's RWA Recap.  Thanks for coming along with me on my journey.  I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did.  Let's do it again next year!

What was your favorite highlight of this year's RWA journey?  I'll choose a random commenter to win some goodies from my RWA stash. 

~PJ
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32 comments:

  1. HelenJuly 13, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    PJ

    Thank you so much for sharing your adventure I have really enjoyed it. You never know your luck in a big city maybe one day I will get over to The States for one of the RWA Conferences.

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. Kim in BaltimoreJuly 13, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Aloha, PJ! I enjoyed reading your recaps (even though I was there) because RWA and NYC offer something different for everyone!

    And when I eat Greek food again, I shall think of you!

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  3. ConnieJuly 13, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Thanks so much for the story of your adventures. I have enjoyed reading it all and seeing the lovely pictures of all of these happy authors. Everyone looked so excited to be there and have a chance to kick up their heels with their peers. Of course, I look forward reading yet more books from everyone.

    Connie Fischer

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  4. DebJuly 13, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    PJ, these posts about your trip were so fun and wonderful to read. Thank you for taking us on a post-trip with you. You did a wonderful job of telling and showing us your experiences. Can't wait until next year's recaps! ;)

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  5. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Hi All!

    I'll be away from the computer all day but will drop by tonight to respond to comments.

    Thanks for traveling this RWA11 journey with me!

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  6. travelerJuly 13, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    What an enjoyable and special trip. The photos depicted this wonderful event so well. Best wishes and have fun.

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  7. Nicki SalcedoJuly 13, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    We can't wait to see you and Eloisa in Atlanta for Moonlight & Magnolias! Bring your dancing shoes...

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  8. Marilyn BaronJuly 13, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    PJ,
    I enjoyed spending time with you at RWA and having a drink at the revolving restaurant at the Marriott. Looking forward to reconnecting at M&M. Enjoyed your photos and recap of the conference.

    Marilyn Baron

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  9. Chele BladesJuly 13, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Chele BladesJuly 13, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    this was a great recap!!! wish i was there but the journey was great thru your eyes (just think i saved the cash)

    my favorite...was shoe style...there were several that i need to go out & get sexy!!

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  11. LisaJuly 13, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Thanks for sharing the last part of your RWA experience with us, PJ! :) As always, love the pictures. It makes me feel like I was there for the whole thing. :) So glad you got to meet up with Eloisa and Connie before you left.

    Bryant Park looks so nice and peaceful. It always makes me think of Project Runway, lol.

    And you know the shameful thing? I have yet to have an authentic slice of NY cheesecake. Must rectify this the next time I'm in NYC!

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  12. AntoniaJuly 13, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your RWA experience. I loved reading your recaps and looking at the pictures you posted.

    And after reading this post I'm craving cheesecake. :P

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  13. Marilyn BaronJuly 13, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Oh, and I left out our trip to Carnegie Deli and the walk in Central Park before The View.

    What a fun night that was. I stayed over that weekend and of course we went back to the Carnegie Deli.

    Marilyn

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  14. KatJuly 13, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I so envy you talking with Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. Did they mention if they had completed a new book with Julia Quinn? If so when it might be out; I so enjoyed The Lady Most Likely.

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  15. BuffieJuly 13, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    PJ, I have so enjoyed your blogs about RWA. I am happy that you were able to have some "me" time Saturday and enjoy the city a little bit.

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  16. runner10July 13, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I love all the pics, but I especially love the party dresses and shoes. Everyone looked like they had a blast.

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  17. ShereeJuly 13, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I soooo miss Junior's cheesecake!

    I loved the dresses and the shoes!

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  18. AnonymousJuly 13, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    It is hard to pick one thing. A few days of good friends, good food, and meeting great authors is hard to beat. I would love to have participated min just a few hours of any of it.

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  19. cheryl cJuly 13, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Thanks for sharing your pictures of the authors. I loved seeing all of them. Be sure to take your camera when you go to M&M in Atlanta. :-)

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  20. fsbuchlerJuly 13, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    My favorite part of RWA includes meeting you, meeting some of my favorite authors, the Avon Tea, Having a Second Honeymoon with my Dear, Wonderful Husband in the miracle and chaos that is NYC. Staying at the St. Regis, (with our own butler!) and being driven to our breakfast with Connie Brockway and Eloisa James in the hotel's Bentley! What a dream of a vacation. Then comming home to your terrific recap of RWA on the Romance Dish and seeing that you are now also on FB! You Rock, PJ!

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  21. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Helen, I'd love to welcome you to the States one day!

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  22. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    And when I eat Greek food again, I shall think of you!



    Me too, Kim!

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  23. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks, Connie! I can assure you that a very good time was had by all!

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  24. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Glad you enjoyed, Deb!

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  25. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Thanks, Traveler!

    Nicki, I'm looking forward to M&M too!

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  26. pjpuppymomJuly 13, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Thanks, Traveler!

    Nicki, I'm looking forward to M&M too!

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  27. AndreaJuly 13, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    ...but at conference, "what happens in the author's room, stays in the author's room!"

    LOL!!! Love this! And so true! ;-)

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  28. Mary PrestonJuly 14, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    Everybody looks like they are having an absolute blast. Why aren't I there???

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  29. JaneJuly 14, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    I love seeing everyone's pics. I get hungry every time someone mentions eating at Junior's or getting cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery.

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  30. mariskaJuly 14, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    Wonderful posts PJ. love the recaps ! it's like i was there too :) nope. i'm safely and sound in my house across the sea. lol

    my favorite, hum..love those pictures of delicious food. my mouth always watering when i saw those pictures :D

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  31. TxDeeJuly 14, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Wish I could have been there, but sharing all the photos and seeing my favorite authors "in person" was what I liked best.

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  32. kim hJuly 17, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    allthe pics are great love the city want t o visit soon

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