Saturday, July 9, 2011

RWA Recap - Part Three

I awoke early (again) and hungry Friday morning so I wandered over to Junior's for some breakfast.  It was a beautiful morning and I was lucky enough to snag a table on the front deck where I enjoyed some quiet time, a huge cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast.  I had discovered during the week that Junior's was a great place for lunch and dinner - and dessert - so I wasn't at all surprised that their breakfast rocked.  Once again I was blessed with a terrific waiter.  Thanks, Napoleon!


Friday was filled with more publisher book signings and workshops.  Here are a few more smiling faces.


Vicki Lewis Thompson


Karen Hawkins

Vicky Dreiling & Debra Mullins















Anne Gracie, Jo Beverley & Cara Elliott
















By Friday afternoon I had mailed six pre-paid flat rate boxes of books and swag home from the conference (for lots of great giveaways!) but I still had lots - LOTS - of books from the day's signings and was wondering how I was going to get them home.  Enter my angel, Kim Castillo!  She and her husband came to my rescue.  Without them, our prize coffers here at the Romance Dish would have about 80 fewer books.  Thank you, Kim!

After an afternoon of signings and visiting, I joined my three roommates for dinner, again on the deck at Junior's (What can I say?  I love the place!) before returning to our room to get ready for the Golden Heart/Rita ceremony. 


Comfort food!
Unlike past years when dinner was served during the ceremony followed by a dessert reception afterwards, this year they served dessert and coffee only during the awards.  I didn't mind so much that we weren't served dinner but I really missed the post-awards reception.  Instead of everyone gathering in one place to congratulate the winners, mingle and chat, people scattered to the four winds immediately following the last award.  Consequently, there were many people I missed seeing in their Rita finery and only had the opportunity to congratulate three Rita winners (two Friday night and one Saturday morning).  I hope they re-institute the reception next year.  A lot of people missed it.  Like me. 

The ceremony itself was terrific.  Meg Cabot rocked as Mistress of Ceremonies (Has anybody ever noticed how much she looks like Tina Fey?) with impeccable timing and a great sense of humor.  Many of the acceptance speeches were memorable; some humorous, some poignant and others overflowing with enthusiasm.  It was, all in all, a very good night. 


Joan Kayse, Christina Brooke, Susan Sey & Inara Scott



Tiffany Clare, Maggie Robinson & Miranda Neville




Apologies to Tiffany's friend (far left).  I can't remember her name.  I'm so delighted that I got to spend more time with Tiffany and Maggie at this conference!











Katiebabs (a/k/a KT Grant) and PJ.  Kate runs her own blog, we were fellow reviewers at RNTV and now she's a published author.  So happy for her writing success!












Harlequin SuperRomance author Kay Stockham and PJ.











Keri Stevens




Kate Douglas


Gabriella Edwards & PJ



Jodi Thomas - I got to hold her Rita!


PJ with Kris Kennedy


Manda & Santa


PJ & Karina Cooper

Toni Blake/ Lacey Alexander

PJ & Joanne Lockyer

Anna Sugden & Trish Milburn














Tiffany Clare rocked the (mythical) red carpet in one of my favorite looks.





Check out her gorgeous hair accessory!



You can't have glamorous dresses without fabulous shoes. Here are a few of the shoe highlights from RWA in New York City!









































































Rita night is filled with glamour, excitement, laughter and tears. Farewell hugs are dispensed in abundance and "See you next year!" is heard time and time again.  People are brimming with enthusiasm and creativity; anxious to return to their writing and take the world by storm while at the same time filled with the bittersweet emotions of saying good-bye to friends old and new.  I didn't want to leave the party but I still had to figure out how to fit all my "stuff" back into my suitcase so I decamped to my room sometime after midnight to work my packing magic.



The conference was officially over but I still had one day left in NYC.  Stay tuned for the final chapter of my RWA Conference Recap!

Earlier, I mentioned the huge drinks served in the hotel bars.  (A couple are pictured below.) What's your favorite drink for those special celebrations? 





I'll choose one random commenter to win a signed book from my RWA conference stash.

~PJ
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59 comments:

  1. HelenJuly 9, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    PJ

    Sounds like another great day and night thank you so much for sharing I am loving it.

    Love those shoes but there is no way I could wear any of them LOL

    Those drinks look so nice I am very partial to cocktails and one of my favourites is called a
    mudslide

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    LOL @ Helen! I'm with you. I wore shoes like that once upon a time...which is probably why these days I mostly can only wear sneakers. Now I only admire sexy heels from afar. :(

    Mudslides are good. I like anything with Kahlua in it. :)

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  3. Keri StevensJuly 9, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    RRROW!

    Love all of the gown shots. My favorite is Toni Blake's. It looks like it was made on her!

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  4. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I thought the same thing, Keri. She could be a model for her own book covers. Gorgeous woman! (also an absolute sweetheart)

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  5. Nicki SalcedoJuly 9, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    More fun pictures! Thanks, PJ. I only wear high heels when someone pays me to wear them. (That did not come out the way I intended...I meant my day job!...In an office.)

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  6. JoanJuly 9, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Mornin' PJ!!!!

    Wow, what a fabulous recap of last week! I came home and was thrown (yes, thrown!) into day job so just now catching up.

    It was so wonderful seeing you! And thank you again for my bag 'o turtles. I savored them all week though I did resent my roomies claiming I was curled up with it saying "My preeeeecious".

    I had a great conference getting to spend quality time with my friends. I didn't get to go to too many signings but I came back jazzed to write (yes Suz! I'm writing!) with Diet Coke and new Fossil purse at the ready.

    Love you girl and while your many photos show how many A listers you know....I knowone of the best...YOU!

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  7. AndreaJuly 9, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    PJ, I am enjoying "experiencing" this year's RWA conference through you. All the pictures are terrific! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

    As for drinks, I'm a diet coke kind of gal. ;-)

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  8. DebJuly 9, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Ooh, I loved the photos of all the ladies in their finery. Thanks, again, PJ.

    I'm not much of a drinker, but I would say a strawberry or peach daiquiri or margarita. Otherwise, a wine cooler.

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  9. LisaJuly 9, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    PJ,
    Thanks for the recap and photos-I love them! :) It makes me all the more excited about going to next year's conference. :)

    I love all the RITA photos-everypne looks so happy, excited and glamarous! And I'm with you and Helen-I can't wear those shoes either, I'd fall and break my neck. As you've met me, you KNOW I could use the height, but I just can't do it!

    As for me-I'm strictly a white wine kinda gal (especially reislings), and I do like amaretto sours and mimosas as well.

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  10. AnonymousJuly 9, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Great pix! It was so good to see you. (and I'm sorry I was late from the dang elevator. Crazy system, yes?)

    I enjoyed Juniors so much I've made plans w/my husband to go to NYC in the fall & stay at the Marriott, take in some plays & eat some cheese blintzes!

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  11. DebJuly 9, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    P.S. I would like to add that I've gained 5 pounds this week just reading about the delish food and desserts!

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  12. BuffieJuly 9, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    YAY, more fun!!! PJ, I love the picures of the shoes. I recognize a few of them ;-)

    Junior's sounds like a place I would like to visit -- good food any time of the day!

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  13. gamistress66July 9, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    sounds like you had a great time. those drinks look like they would help with that ;) I always use to love strawberry daqueris & haven't had one in years. hmmm, just got a bunch of fresh berries, maybe that should change this wknd ;)

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  14. KimJuly 9, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Thanks for the pictures the last two days. I'd have a soft drink because I would want all my wits around so many authors.

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  15. AntoniaJuly 9, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Another great recap, PJ!

    I would die to have those red shoes (from the first shot you posted).

    I don't drink alcohol very often, but one of my favorite alcoholic beverages is Cuba Libre.

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  16. cheryl cJuly 9, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    It was fun to see the lovely dresses. The shoes were great-looking, too, but it does seem like they would be uncomfortable. I guess it's more important to look good than feel good, right? LOL

    Favorite drinks- frozen strawberry dacquiri and frozen peach margaritas

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  17. AnonymousJuly 9, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    More great pic's love the shoes. I couldn't wear them but still like them a lot. Looks like you ladies had a ball wish I had been there.

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  18. runner10July 9, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Love the shoes!!
    Something cold and fruity always hits the spot.

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  19. Caren CraneJuly 9, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Hm. I posted a long, raving comment that Blogger wouldn't post. Anyway, the gist was, I was horribly sad to miss conference (and all the Dishers and Banditas!). Great shoes, HUGE drinks and wonderful food. Plus, I think Meg Cabot is the greatest speaker and emcee ever. I'm sure she did a marvelous job!

    I really would have loved hanging out on the deck at Junior's with you, PJ. We could have done serious damage to some food! : )

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  20. NaJuly 9, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Delicious food, I can already hear my stomach grumbling :) Thank you for sharing your love of books with us and for giving us such fun virtual looks at your adventures. It's something I always look forward to and hope to one day get to experience in person.

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  21. KirstenJuly 9, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    I'm not a fan of fancy drinks, so I usually have a gin & onic with lemon and no ice.

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  22. Laney4July 9, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I usually drink Shirley Temples or water. Boring, but at least I can drive home. (I quit drinking Pepsi on Oct 29/10 and miss it like crazy....)
    Thanks for sharing the great pics and descriptions!

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  23. JaneJuly 9, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Love the pics. I like fruity drinks, too, like watermelon martinis.

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  24. Susan in AZJuly 9, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    If I drink a Mango Martini, and wear pink shoes, then the drink will not "stain" the shoe...hah!

    Gorgeous pictures. However did Lacey manage to slink herself into that beautiful form-fitting dress?

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  25. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    LMAO @ Nicki! I won't tell you the first thing that came to my mind. ;-)

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  26. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    LMAO @ Nicki! I won't tell you the first thing that came to my mind. ;-)

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  27. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Aww, thanks Joanie! I love you too!

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  28. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    I'm not much of a drinker, but I would say a strawberry or peach daiquiri or margarita. Otherwise, a wine cooler.

    Yum! Sounds delish, Deb! I just happen to have fresh peaches in the fridge too.

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  29. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    I enjoyed Juniors so much I've made plans w/my husband to go to NYC in the fall & stay at the Marriott, take in some plays & eat some cheese blintzes!



    Oh, what fun, Maggie! Have a piece of cheesecake for me too?

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  30. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Lisa, I could use the height too but my feet just can't take heels anymore. I just have to admire them from afar.

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  31. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    P.S. I would like to add that I've gained 5 pounds this week just reading about the delish food and desserts!



    Deb, believe it or not I lost one pound last week! I think it was all the walking I did because I sure didn't stint on the cheesecake.

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  32. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Gamistress66, I think that sounds like an excellent plan!

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  33. RFTC BlogJuly 9, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I love looking at all of your pictures. It looks like you had a great time. I'm so jealous! I'm not the biggest drinker so I'm usually the one who orders a coke at the bar while everyone else drinks. Now if the bar has some sort of basil strawberry concoction I may try it.

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  34. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Penfield said, I'd have a soft drink because I would want all my wits around so many authors.



    The better to take notes and photos! *grin*

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  35. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Antonia said, I would die to have those red shoes (from the first shot you posted).

    Aren't they great? *g*

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  36. AnonymousJuly 9, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Wow those drinks are huge. I rarely drink alcohol but when I do it is usually a frozen fruity drink. Pina Colada is one of my favorites. Great pictures PJ!

    user1123 AT comcast DOT net

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  37. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Stacie, mine was a Bloody Mary minus the vodka so basically a really huge glass of spicy tomato juice with celery and giant olives. ;-)

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  38. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    It was fun to see the lovely dresses. The shoes were great-looking, too, but it does seem like they would be uncomfortable.

    Cheryl, surprisingly, everybody I asked said their shoes were very comfortable.

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  39. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Virginia, the whole week was jam packed with fun. I hope you can attend one someday!

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  40. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Caren, you were missed! Will you be at M&M? Hope so!

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  41. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Na, I'm glad you've enjoyed the journey with me. The food was so very good!

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  42. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Kirsten, I love Gin and Tonic but I've never tried it with lemon. I'll have to give that a go!

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  43. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Laney said, I usually drink Shirley Temples or water. Boring, but at least I can drive home.

    I remember ordering Shirley Temples on special occasions when I was a kid. I felt so grown up! ;-)

    I really don't drink much alcohol these days and never when I drive.

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  44. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Jane said, I like fruity drinks, too, like watermelon martinis.

    Ooh, that sounds interesting!

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  45. pjpuppymomJuly 9, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Danielle said, Now if the bar has some sort of basil strawberry concoction I may try it.



    Hmmmm... I love strawberries and love basil but I have to admit I never thought of putting them together. Interesting!

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  46. Tami BrothersJuly 9, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Love these! Was wondering where the shoes were...grin...

    Junior's sounds awesome. Will definitely have to check that out when I make it to NYC.

    Thanks a ton for sharing this with us, PJ!

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  47. Gannon CarrJuly 9, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    PJ,

    I'm just loving the pictures and the recap---the shoes are always a favorite!

    If I have to have a fancy/large drink, I love a mudslide. Otherwise, a dirty martini or a mojito will do the trick. :-)

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  48. ShereeJuly 9, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    OMG! I love the shoes!

    To celebrate, I'd go with chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne.

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  49. JoanJuly 9, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Notes? You've got NOTES?

    Um...here PJ...have this piece of turtle cheesecake. Yes...that's right..I'll hold your NOTES...

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  50. mariskaJuly 9, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Love..love the recaps PJ ! always enjoying your post about RWA since the first day. Oh, those shoes are Great, but i think i'm gonna pass because i can't stand properly with those shoes :) lol

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  51. Mary PrestonJuly 10, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    It's NOT fair that everyone looks so happy!! Shoe envy included!!

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  52. kim hJuly 10, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    nice strawberry daquri
    whooo

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  53. MaureenJuly 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    What great pictures and lovely gowns and shoes. I always stick with white wine when I'm at any occasion.

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  54. ConnieJuly 10, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    I especially loved the pics of some of the authors. While we see their photos on the backs of books or at their websites, it's nice to see them in a more relaxed setting. The shoes were awesome but I have to admit that I would probably fall flat on my face wearing them! But they were gorgeous! The food and drinks looked so yummy. Surely, a fun time was had by all. For those of us readers who love gobbling romance novels like potato chips, it's wonderful to know all of those great and hard-working authors are out there writing them for us! Thanks for sharing the pictures, PJ.

    Connie Fischer

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  55. Laurie GJuly 10, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I'm not much of a drinker but I love ice cream drinks GRASSHOPPERS!!

    Those drinks are so refreshing!
    You make me want to visit NY and attend a romance conference!!

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  56. MonicaMJuly 10, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    PJ,
    Love the pictures!! Not sure who's drink it was, but that pina colada is calling my name!!!! Lol!! Ohhhh the shoes. I think those were my favorite shots of all!!! Love the ones with the little bows!

    AND, I did not know that Lacey Alexander is Toni Blake! I'll have to check her out as Toni Blake! Thanks for the info!!!

    Glad you had FUN!!

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  57. KT GrantJuly 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    It was lovely seeing you PJ! :)

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  58. fsbuchlerJuly 11, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Wow, I really should have spent a lot more time with you! Great recaps, PJ! Love them!

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  59. Mary PrestonJuly 14, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Sparkling Wine is always my favorite for every occasion.

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