I love reader-author events. Big ones. Small ones. In-between ones. What's better than an opportunity to spend time with my tribe, chat about favorite stories and characters with fellow readers and bask in the glow of the authors who create them? Well...not much in my book. ;-)
I'd been aware of the Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation event since its inception but scheduling conflicts always prevented me from attending until last year. I had so much fun that I decided to repeat the experience. A couple weeks ago, I flew to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for #BVW18 where I thoroughly enjoyed three days filled with author bingo, romance jeopardy, hilarious mad libs, a fabulous author luncheon, a more casual author breakfast, raffle baskets galore, a terrific book signing, and more...more...more. Here are a few of the highlights:
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| Danica Favorite & Julie Moffett |
Sheldon joined the festivities, courtesy of author Julie Moffett. Geek Girls - - and guys - - rule!
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| Rose Lerner |
Historical Romance author, Rose Lerner came all the way from the West Coast for another fun weekend with happy readers.
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| Lenora Bell & Eloisa James |
Prepping for the Royal Wedding? Lenora Bell and Eloisa James looking elegant in their fascinators!
I loved the centerpiece on Elicia Hyder's luncheon table. Lights Out Lucy, the first book in her new Music City Rollers contemporary romance series is so much fun!
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| Marina Adair & Nancy Naigle |
Nancy Naigle had a fun Christmas theme at her luncheon table in honor of her book, Christmas Joy which will be part of Hallmark Channel's 2018 holiday movie lineup. How exciting is that! Here she is with fellow contemporary romance author, Marina Adair whose St. Helena's Vineyard books have already been made into movies and aired on Hallmark. Lots of talent at this table! (I still can't believe I managed to catch Nancy's antlers mid-blink!)
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| Eloisa James, PJ, Kim Castillo |
With two of my favorite people: historical romance author, Eloisa James and her assistant, Kim Castillo. Have you started reading Eloisa James' new series: The Wildes of Lindow Castle? The first book Wilde in Love is already out and book #2, Too Wilde to Wed will be released May 29. They're so good!
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| PJ & Mary Burton/MaryEllen Taylor |
If you love edge of your seat romantic suspense, you'll want to check out Mary Burton's novels. But if you enjoy emotional, contemporary women's fiction with mysteries from the past, check out her books written as Mary Ellen Taylor. Either way, she's an author you don't want to miss!
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| Nancy Herkness & PJ |
Local reader, Karen Grage is a magician with a needle. This is the quilt she made for this year's raffle. Isn't it fabulous? All proceeds of the raffle were donated to a wonderful organization in the Milwaukee area that supports women battling breast cancer. Admiring the quilt with me is contemporary romance author, Nancy Herkness. Have you read her books yet? So good!
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| PJ & Karen Hawkins |
With historical - and contemporary - romance author, Karen Hawkins. If you enjoy humor in your romance, you'll definitely want to check out Karen's books!
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| Lenora Bell, Pintip Dunn, PJ |
You find the nicest people in the bar at romance events. I wonder what that says about us? lol!
There's a whole lot of awesome in this photo. Lenora Bell is a 2014 Golden Heart® winner and a 2018 RITA® finalist who, in her day job, has lived and worked on five continents. New York Times bestselling YA author, Pintip Dunn is a three-time Golden Heart® finalist, 2016 RITA® award winner, and the 2018 RWA Golden Heart® Awards Emcee. She's also a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Harvard University and a graduate of Yale Law School. If all that isn't enough, these women are two of the most genuinely nice people I've ever met. Like I said...awesome.
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| Jade Lee/Kathy Lyons |
This is what happens when authors who have been tucked away in their writing caves are set free.
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| Sonali Dev |
The always beautiful, always hilarious, superbly talented, Sonali Dev.
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| Janna MacGregor & Kim Castillo |
Here come the brides! Janna MacGregor and Kim Castillo before the author luncheon. Janna's tablemates had great fun dressing as brides to celebrate her wonderful The Cavensham Heiresses historical romance series.
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| Lady Fury |
Elicia Hyder brought along roller derby star, Lady Fury to help readers celebrate her new roller derby contemporary romance series. She was great fun!
Chefs at work! Tracy Solheim's table had so much fun celebrating her new Men of the Secret Service novel, Recipe for Disaster. Check out my recent review of the book here.
Adorable Mary Poppins themed gifts for readers at Lenora Bell's luncheon table.
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| Shirley Hailstock |
I have no doubt that the readers at contemporary romance author Shirley Hailstock's luncheon table all felt like Cinderella. And Shirley (in addition to being one of the kindest people around, that woman has mad skills) made all the decorations!
I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into this year's Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend. Visit my Facebook page for more photos from the event.
More small reader-author events are popping up around the country. Would you attend if one came to your area?
Which authors would you most want to meet?
Are any of you attending the Wild Deadwood Reads weekend in Deadwood, South Dakota June 7-9?
How about the RWA Literacy Autographing in Denver, Colorado on July 21st?
Have you heard about Avon's KissCon in Atlanta, GA on October 20th?
Did you know Avon's also planning a KissCon 3-day weekend in Chicago April 5-7, 2019 with 20-30 authors in attendance?
One randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, May 20 will receive a package of books and swag from this year's Barbara Vey Weekend.
(U.S. addresses only)
