Thursday, October 17, 2019

Coastal Magic Author Spotlight & Giveaway - - Cathy Maxwell








PJ & Cathy - Buns & Roses 2017
Welcome to my third Coastal Magic Convention spotlight! Today, I'm happy to welcome historical romance author Cathy Maxwell to the Dish. I met Cathy in person almost 12 years ago, at a reader-author weekend event in Columbia, South Carolina. It was the first time I had ventured out of my comfort zone to attend such an event and I was nervous, not having any idea what to expect. How lucky was I that Cathy Maxwell was sitting at the event registration desk when I walked into the hotel. Her smile lit up the room and within minutes (honestly, probably seconds), she had me laughing and feeling like we had been friends forever. If there's a better representative for the fun to be had at a reader-author event, I have yet to meet them. Come join us at the Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach. Is there a better place to be in February than on a Florida beach?

Cathy's zest for life shines through in the many roles she has filled in her career. Beginning as a news broadcaster, she decided she'd rather make news than report it. That led her to the U.S. Navy, specifically Naval Intelligence, as well as time at the Pentagon. After her military career ended, Cathy pursued writing and now has 40+ published novels and novellas to her credit. Many of her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and nominated for various awards. She has also been honored by the Washington Romance Writers organization with the Kathleen Gilles Seidel "Legend" award for her service to this RWA chapter.

Cathy's next book, His Secret Mistress is scheduled to be released February 25, 2020, launching her new Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women series. 

At the Logical Men's Society - an exclusive bachelor's club - brandy flows like water, bawdy stories abound, and a gentleman tempted to marry is always persuaded to reconsider...  

I love the sound of this new series! His Secret Mistress is currently available for pre-order.

You can discover more information about Cathy and her books at her website and engage with her online at Facebook and Twitter

 Welcome back, Cathy! 




Venturing Out into Romancelandia
By roving cub reporter Cathy Maxwell


I don’t even know where to begin with this blog. I’ve been wrestling with it for over a month. PJ suggested I give you all info on what I learned from all my travel this summer—New Orleans, Paris, Berlin, San Diego, Kansas City . . .  Well, actually, she was thinking of my yakking about Europe, but why limit the subject? I have a great life and it is one you can have as well, because I traveled with romance readers.


PJ & Cathy

So, part of what I want to say is what I learned through my travels about what we are reading in romance and another part is to encourage you to join in the fun. There are conferences all over the country, all over the world.  I even travel alone, because once I arrive at the conference, I’m among readers who will soon be new friends. 

Where to start? Let’s just dive in. This is a hodge podge.  Sorry, not sorry:

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With German authors in the Green Room

Romance readers are discerning readers, no matter where you go.  Whether I’m in New Orleans or Berlin, readers want bold emotion, great conflict, and strong writing.  I was interested in the number of European readers who are happy to read in English. They want the full emotion of the words and believe they can only receive it reading in the writer’s language.


Kerrelyn Sparks and I had a great workshop on what makes for a great hero.

They may be right. I had the opportunity to talk to several translators They were wonderful fans of romance and shared that the hardest part of their jobs was not translating words but conveying the emotions the writer meant.  The job called for a complete understanding of social mores in both countries, a thorough grasp of romance tropes, and healthy respect for the genre.

I suggested that US readers would be interested in books by German and French authors. That idea was challenged.  They wondered if US readers would want to read a book about a farm girl in Germany.  To be honest, most of the books presented by the German authors were about German girls going to New York City and, yes, I would want to read that book.  Wouldn’t you? Certainly, I have enjoyed the romantic comedies written about young women in London or the fun chick lit (is that term still viable?) set in Ireland. I like reading about different cultures.
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Lunch out with Lorraine Heath and Kerrelyn Sparks

When I was in New Orleans at Booklovers Con, my table at the signing was located down from Karen Marie Moning and close to Charlaine Harris. 


Book Lovers Con


Rumor has it that paranormal is on the wane but that didn’t appear true from where I was sitting.  The lines were long for both writers.  Plus, my wonderful friend Kerrelyn Sparks sold out.  Lickety split.
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Elizabeth Hoyt

Speaking of Booklovers, they will be in Nashville next March www.bookloverscon.com.  I hear you protesting.  You would love to travel to a conference and have a grand time like you see from all the social media posts on the romance sites. However, you don’t have anyone to travel with.  

It is work to find a traveling partner. I agree with you—which is why I enjoy traveling to conferences because I can go alone. I hop on a plane, go to the hotel, and start making friends by turning to the person next to me and asking, “What are you reading?”



Charis Michaels photobombs Cathy and a French reader





If you are an introvert, use strategy. My advice is to join some of the social media boards like The Romance Dish or Old School Romance Book Club or Contemporary Romance Book Lovers. Truly, there are dozens of fan sites for these books we love to read.  










Start interacting online, let people know you are going to a particular conference and want to know about any meet ups planned.  It really is that simple and they are fun.  How do you think I met PJ? Or Gannon? Or so many others.  Half of the battle is just showing up. Photo below: with the fabulous Bridget Costedoat whom many of us know from romances pages on FB.  


Cathy & Bridget



Other great conferences include The Historical Romance Retreat  www.HistoricalRomanceRetreat.com  Dress for tea, for the ball, for chatting up your friends.  This is an intimate event with loads of fun activities and is usually held at the beautiful Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. Another conference with the same flavor will be Romancing the Gold Coast www.RomancingtheGoldCoast.com  in Glen Cove, NY.

Two fan favorites to consider are Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together www.ReaderAuthorGetTogether.com in Cincinnati, OH and Coastal Magic www.coastalmagic.com in Daytona Beach, FL. I believe Lori’s event leans more toward contemporary. Coastal Magic started off promoting paranormal romance but includes all subgenres now. I will be at the one in 2020.  After all, it is Florida in February. Let me know you are coming at www.facebook.com/maxwellcathy and I’ll be your friend.

Also, let me put in a plug for Mid-Continental Public Library’s Romance GenreCon www.mymcpl.org/events/romance It is romance celebration of author panels, fun games, events, and writing classes and everything is free. Yes, free.  It is also located in one of my fave cities on this earth, Kansas City. Please, check it out.

This is just a small list of romance travel opportunities. You can find more at www.romancerefined.com  A list of romance events is listed under “Resources.” The list also includes one day book signings in fun places. I prefer events where I can mingle but if you just want to meet your fave author, go.  Some of these are also held in exotic, fun locations which brings me to overseas conferences . . .

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I’ve been to reader conferences in Australia, Paris, and Berlin.  In Paris and Berlin, there were enough workshops in English to keep me happy. I also enjoyed the locations. They were in spots the locals go. Photo below: Panel of Australian Annie West and French authors Marianna and Carine Pitocchi at Festival du Roman Féminin in Paris. 




In Paris, the Festival du Roman Féminin www.facebook.com/FestivalDuRomanFeminin was right off Paris’s Chinatown district or Quartier Asiatique. Need I say the food was phenomenal? The location was also a short Metro ride to the all the tourist sights, but I felt I was a part of the city.


East Berlin

              The Love Letter Convention www.loveletterconvention.com  was held in East Berlin this year which gave me a bit of a charge.  It was also close to some dynamite shopping.  Besides sightseeing, I also took in a show - something I like to do whenever I travel. 


Everyone was excited about Cathy's panel!

            
  The Australian Romance Readers Association www.australianromancereaders.com.au will be holding one day luncheons and book signings in five different cities over a two week period. Two keynote authors will be traveling to all five cities. Next year it will be Susan Donovan and Darynda Jones. That will be a fun adventure. Those two are a good time.

              Australia itself is magic. There is no language barrier and the Aussies are welcoming. Plus, there are a host of fabulous romance writers such as Anna Campbell, Anne Gracie, and Stephanie Laurens for you to meet.

In all cities, the authors, organizers, and attendees could not have been more generous or inclusive. Trust me, I have blundered about and people have been kindness itself when I realize I’ve charged too forward. I also come upon close groups of friends who hadn’t known each other until they attended a conference. Now, they look forward to seeing each other at events.  Just like in the States.
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              So, are you feeling the itch to do some conference traveling? Trust me, whether it is over glasses of wine or sitting on a beach, talking books is fun with friends.

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 18, will receive a package of four Cathy Maxwell books. (U.S. addresses only)




43 comments:

  1. It would be wonderful but life is interfering with any travel plans at this time. Maybe some day (sigh).

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    1. Here's hoping life gets its act together!

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    2. It is always a balancing act, isn't it? But I never regret taking time for myself.

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  2. I have always wanted to do something like that but I am a very shy and introverted person and I have a hard time putting myself 'out there' in front of strangers. Like oil and water...don't mix well. That said, I live vicariously through those who have attended and wrote about it! Sounds like heaps of fun! BTW, I enjoy Cathy's work a lot although it has been quite a long time since I've read her books.

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    1. Karen, there are a lot of shy readers out there. I'd suggest starting with something small nearby if you have the opportunity to dip your toes into the waters. And if that isn't doable, keep coming here and I'll continue to help you experience them vicariously!

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    2. PJ is a great guide. She knows everyone! Thank you, Karen for letting me know you enjoy my books. Hope you crack open a spine again soon.

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  3. going to a book/author convention is on my bucket list - I don't know if it will ever happen logistically, but also I'm not a fan of big crowds

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    1. They're showing up in more areas of the country so don't give up hope!

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    2. The good news is that nowadays, there is usually an event right around the corner from you. Keep your eye on the site www.romancerefined.com Truly, there are so many events, it is hard to keep up with the. Oh, and also lurk on your favorite author's facebook page, webpage, or follow on twitter. We tell everyone where we are going to be because we want you to join us!

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    3. Oh and there are smaller more intimate events. I love the evenings we do with authors reading from their books. There are Lady Jane type salons all over. We do one in Austin called Heart of ATX, one in Richmond, VA titled A Romance Yarn, and one in Kansas City named Lady KC. I hope you have a chance to attend one.

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  4. The event would be delightful. Love the photos. Taking care of little ones is full time right now.

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    1. Taking care of little ones is a full time job!

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    2. On some events, you can bring them. At the big bookfairs, there are many people with stollers or tweens.

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  5. One of these days. . .

    For the record, I would love to read books written about people from other countries! I do get the challenges of translating them without losing the emotional impact.

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    1. I also enjoy books from other countries. It feeds my wanderlust. ;-)

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    2. Especially if they are written by people who live the culture. That always makes a book more interesting to me.

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  6. I would love to go, but I don't have anybody to go with me. My friends have other interests, and can't understand my love of books. The pictures are wonderful and you always look like you're having a wonderful time.

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    1. The first time I went to a romance event I didn't know anybody and, believe me, it took a lot of courage for me to step outside my comfort zone. But, I'm so glad I did!

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    2. PJ, perhaps you need to pick an event that you will be attending, maybe one that is a year out, and announce a Romance Dish get together???

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    3. BTW, I always am having a good time. It is one of my gifts. With my active mind, I could probably enjoy solitary confinement.

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    4. PJ, perhaps you need to pick an event that you will be attending, maybe one that is a year out, and announce a Romance Dish get together???

      I like the way you think!

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  7. I'm an introvert. Making friends is a very hard thing for me to do. I went to a book signing in NYC once and I forced myself to interact with other book lovers and I must say I enjoyed it although I was dreading it at first

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    1. I was much the same when I first went. It gets easier with each event.

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    2. First, when you attend a book signing, we authors are THRILLED you have taken time out of your life to visit. We love you! It is a joy for us to meet you. You don't even have to say anything. And when someone tells me that enjoyed one of my books, I'm over the moon!

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  8. I'm also an introvert but I can come out of my comfort zone for these amazing sounding conventions. I am trying to get to one as soon as I can. I loved reading about your adventures Cathy and want to add that I love your books. Thanks for the great post.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

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    1. Take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of other introverts at these events who feel the same. I hope you make it to one!

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    2. Thank you, Carol! I'm "over the moon" that you enjoy my books.

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  9. I have to apologize for my late arrival--but truly, I commented early this morning to catslady and the comment didn't show up. Even when I think I understand what is going on, I rarely do!

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  10. BTW, I stay in the Tatiana and Oberon room when I visit the Inn Boonsboro. Those of you who have read about PJ's latest traveling adventures will know what I mean. :-)

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  11. What an interesting post. Thanks, Cathy. I haven't attended any conventions like these, but they sure do look like fun. Maybe, eventually!

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  12. I think that most of us avid readers are introverts (after all, how would we have time to read if we were gregarious social butterflies, lol). I encourage everyone to go to whatever book festivals are nearby. I always look at it as a way to recharge my batteries by interacting with my "tribe" and enjoying the sight of book addicts and the opportunity to fawn over favorite authors. I'm blessed that there are several events that take place every year...and most of them have a free day for readers to interact with authors! Great article, Cathy, and so much fun to see all of the wonderful folks you've met. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. You are welcome, ELF! And thanks for letting introverts know that being with fellow readers is a "safe" space. Book festivals are how I learn about new authors.

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  13. Hi Cathy! It was wonderful meeting you in Berlin. I hope you travel again in Europe soon :)
    It's so cool going to conventions! The group of reader friends that I am talking the most to I met a few years ago in Berlin. We kept queuing up at the same panels.
    PS: not entering the giveaway
    PPS: OMG I am in the 2nd pic

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    1. Yes! You are in the pic! I had a great time with your group. You were generous and welcoming. Reader friends are the best!

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  14. I would love to go on a conference.

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  15. I always enjoy PJ's recap of her adventures at different romance conferences. Everybody seems so friendly and everyone definitely seems to have a fun time.

    Cathy, I've been enjoying your books for many years. Keep on writing! I've even gotten my 95 yo mom to enjoy your stories.

    One day I hope to attend a conference either in southeastern Florida or in Wisconsin in the summer. Right now I share (with my sister) assisting my mom when she wants or needs help.

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  16. Love Cathy's books. I'm always looking for book friends. Love talking about books. I've gone to a couple of book conferences and can't wait to go to more.

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  17. I would love to be able to attend such a wonderful event. Unless I can find enough chairs and welcome people to my living room, I am going to be unable to attend.

    Thank you, Ms Maxwell, for such a wonderful post on all the excitement, fun and sharing of good friendship. You have made it evident that everyone who reads would have a wonderful time.

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  18. I know I missed the deadline. Author-reader events are great fun. I have been lucky enough to attend 2 - RomCon 2013 in Colorado Springs and RT in Dallas (the last one)a couple of years ago. They were great fun. RT was a bit overwhelming it was so huge. I would love to attend another event. Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together would be fun as would Coastal Magic. I notice Book Lovers Con will be only 5 hours away next year. It is tempting to go to it.

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