Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Book Lovers Con 2019: Part One



Hi All! I'm back from the first Book Lovers Con, in New Orleans, Louisiana, completely exhausted but filled with lots of wonderful memories. Here's some of the photographic evidence that what happens at BLC doesn't stay there. No, we book lovers like to share our fun far and wide!


Our first night in town I ventured out to dinner at a local restaurant situated in a historic building which for many years was a well-known brothel. So much fun! The food was delicious, the atmosphere threw us back in time, and the company couldn't have been better. If you're in New Orleans, I highly recommend trying The Cellar Door.  L to R: PJ, Alanna Lucas, Cathy Maxwell, Lorraine Heath, and Linda Watson. Linda and Alanna were my wonderful roommates. You'll probably see Linda in the front of many of my photos. That's because she's the widely-acknowledged selfie queen. Seriously, the woman knows how to take fabulous selfies! Alanna, Cathy, and Lorraine are all historical romance authors. 







Everyone staying at the hotel knew romance readers were in town! 











With historical romance author Sabrina York who gave me the most beautiful crown pin! 












Enjoying the first night's Jazz Fest with food trucks and good friends. Back: Alanna Lucas, (historical author) Deb Marlowe, PJ, (historical author) Collette Cameron. Front: Linda Watson, (historical author) Amy Jarecki







Two of my favorite authors and favorite people: RaeAnne Thayne and Emily March. They both have new books out (or on the horizon): RaeAnne's The Cliff House (3/26/19) and Emily's Jackson:Eternity Springs:The McBrides of Texas (6/25/19)













Sabrina Jeffries gives the best hugs! Project Duchess launches her new Duke Dynasty series on June 25. 











With the always delightful Nancy Naigle. Have you watched any of the Hallmark movies based on her books? 














It's impossible to be in the presence of Sheila Roberts without smiling. She has such a happy, positive spirit. And I was surprised to run into 2018 RWA Cathie Linz Librarian of the Year, Fran Cassano. I had no idea she would be there. I love surprises like that! 














Sonali Dev is a triple threat: beautiful, hilarious, and wicked smart. Oh yeah, and an incredible author. Check out her newest release: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors











The Fiction from the Heart authors hosted a fun sash-making session called Project Runway:Bridesmaids Edition to celebrate their upcoming anthology: Once Upon a Wedding:A Fiction from the Heart Second-Chances Anthology. More on that when Liz Talley visits the Dish on June 17. Check out their fun reader group on Facebook.







Photo booth fun with Fiction from the Heart authors Liz Talley, Donna Kauffman, and Sally Kilpatrick!











Ready for the Faery and Fantasy Gathering! Sonali Dev and Vanessa North












Priscilla Oliveras is ready to save the world!















Blue Saffire wore my favorite costume at the Faery and Fantasy Gathering. Isn't she gorgeous? 












Sabrina Jeffries brings part one to a close with a wish for fluffy pillows and sweet dreams. Not quite ready for bed yet, Sabrina was headed off to the Regency Bedtime Bingo affair! 








That's it for Part One! More to come later this week. 

How would you dress for the faery and fantasy gathering? Or are nightcaps and long nightgowns more your speed? 

What would your bridesmaid sash say? I chose "Sweetness" for all the chocolate I gave away. Sonali is holding a bag of it in the photo. 

One person leaving a comment before 11:00 PM, May 22 will receive a goody package from BLC19 including a book bag, books, and assorted swag. (U.S. only)




A second person leaving a comment before 11:00 PM, May 22 will also receive a book bag, books, and assorted swag. (U.S. only)






31 comments:

  1. Sounds like a fun time. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. It looks like you had a of fun. I've never been to New Orleans. Did you do any sightseeing or did you need to stay close to the hotel?

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    1. That should say "a lot" of fun.

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    2. Kim, I did have time to do some sightseeing. I'll share those photos later this week! :)

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  3. So glad to get to spend some time with you, PJ!

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    1. I'm sure I enjoyed spending time with you too.

      P.S. Who are you? *grin*

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  4. Got to have wings for sure! I loved blue Saffire. A halo also would have added a nice touch

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  5. It looks and sounds like you had a blast! I'm glad you were able to attend, as you made all the authors smile.
    Susan in AZ

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  6. It looks like you all had such a lovely time. I've never been to New Orleans and would love to go one day.

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  7. Oh, it looked like it was so fun!!! Maybe I can go next year in Tennessee!!!

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  8. I love reading about this - sounds fun and joyous!

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  9. Oh what fun!! Thank you for sharing all your pictures! Every one looks like they had an awesome time and I really wish I was there giggling with you all! Welcome back PJ!!💜

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  10. I think I would make a pretty good mermaid. So glad you had fun

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  11. I LOVED the pictures. One day I would like to make it to a book convention. You all looked like you were having the time of your life. And meeting your favorite authors would be the icing on the cake. Thanks so much for sharing all the fun with us.

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  12. Golly - so sad you could not find many smiles there in New Orleans. I thank you for sharing your pictures. Wonderful. I think I would have a sash that read - Hope. That seems to be my word for 2019. And finally, I would be in a costume that had wings, I would love to be a Fairy Princess.

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  13. I always enjoy your photos & tales of your book trips!
    For a Faery gathering I think I would need some sparkly wings!

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  14. My speed is long nightgowns and caps. As for my sash it would read. "Happy".

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  15. So interesting to see what everyone looks like IRL. And great fun activities!!

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  16. It looks like it was a blast, PJ!! Love seeing your photos! As for a sash, is it self-identifying? Maybe "introvert" ;) And the dress-up occasions look like a blast, although I think PJs might be more my speed than superhero costumes!

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  17. What a great post PJ! Don’t enter me- I just wanted to see your posted the whole time!
    It’s obvious everyone had a blast! So much fun!

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  18. As an adult, I've had the opportunity to spend time in NO. I visited some of the city when I was a young teenager and was there with my parents. We were only there for 1 day, but I loved what I saw. I so wish I had taken the time to visit for several days as I grew old enough to appreciate and enjoy the city and what it had to offer. Looks like you all had a whale of a good time. Look forward to more of your tales.

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  19. Sounds like a wonderful event!! Not sure what my sash would say. Maybe Bookworm. I'm not sure I could get into dressing up for the fairy princesses. It's my shyness. I love all the authors in your pictures.

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  20. I've never been to New Orleans but have heard there are many great places to visit. Working on getting to a convention some day. Your pictures show what a wonderful time you had. I think I'd go the long nightgown & cap route. My dash would probably say Thrilled.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

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  21. What lovely photos and a memorable experience with all those authors. I would love to dress up as a fairy princess. A sash that would read Happiness.

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  22. The event was so impressive and wonderful. The photos are great and you all look really outstanding. Dressing up as a fairy princess would be a unique experience for me and very enjoyable.

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  23. It looks like you had so much fun! I need to get myself to a book convention!!

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  24. I so enjoy looking at your pictures! One of these days I hope to attend a big booklovers convention.

    Your bridesmaid sash is perfect for you. You are sweet, and so is your candy. I am happy to say that I have tasted your candy, and it is delicious. For my sash, I would choose New Grandma. My first grandchildren are 2 adorable girls, ages 6 months and 3 months.

    I think I might choose to wear a nightcap and long gown. As I get older, comfort is becoming most important. LOL!

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  25. Thanks for sharing! It's fun to see so many authors I read and enjoy.

    Fairy ball I loved what Blue wore! I love long, elegant gowns. I'd be a sprite.

    Bridesmaid sash- smiley

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  26. I want a dress and wings like Blue Saffire, only in purple. Gorgeous outfit. I'd like my sash to say "Blessed." Great pics. Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the NOLA food.

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  27. I'd probably go as a Lord of the Rings type forest elf. As for a bridesmaid sash, mine would probably say 'grace' or 'graceful' in a totally ironic way since I am not graceful by any stretch of the imagination even though my middle name means graceful. ;-)

    It looks like you had a wonderful time!

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