Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers Convention - Kissass Cops, Cowboys, and Kisses

The RT Booklovers Convention is a pot of gold for readers to find fellow fans in their favorite genres ... and I'll be at this Reader Event after the Welcome Party:

Kickass Cops, Cowboys and Kisses

If you love cops, cowboys and a whole lotta lovin', join Intrigue, mystery and suspense authors BJ Daniels, HelenKay Dimon, Delores Fossen, Elle James, Julie Miller, and Angi Morgan, for an hour of dancing, games, free books and prizes.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

B.J. Daniels
HelenKay Dimon
Delores Fossen
Elle James (aka Myla Jackson)
Julie Miller
Angi Morgan

I give a special salute to HelenKay, Delores, Elle, and Julie for their connection to the military!

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Can you recommend any books from these authors?  I love HelenKay's Men of Hawaii series!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 5, on my book blog SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers Convention - Book Blogger Conference

The RT Booklovers Convention offers readers the opportunity to find their "tribe" - other readers who share passions for authors, genres, etc.   For readers who are bloggers, here's a pre-conference event for you .... the 2015 Book Blogger Conference:

One Day, All Bloggers, Totally Excellent

We have a date: Tuesday 12 May, 2015, one day before the RT Booklovers Convention

We have a place: The Hyatt Regency, Dallas Texas

Sarah from Smart Bitches and Jane from Dear Author are collaborating again to organize a one-day conference for book bloggers. So many bloggers attend RT each year that it’s excellent opportunity to talk with one another about the issues we face, large and small, and to learn from one another.

We hope you’ll join us and share your ideas and perspective. It won’t be awesome without you.

Jane Litte (Dear Author) 

Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Blogger)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What feedback would you give as a reader to a blogger?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 6, on my book blog, SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Lucky is part of my tribe.

Aloha to Historical Authors (part 3) - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

The Historical Market Today — How to Stand Out and Stay Sane

Unlike history itself, the market for historical romances is constantly changing. With all a modern author has on her plate: blog stops, Twitter, Facebook, copyedits, page proofs — and don’t forget writing the book! — she needs a shortcut to catching readers’ attention. Join these panelists to discover tips and tricks to stand out from the crowd.

Friday, May 15, 2015 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Shana Galen
Elizabeth Essex
Eloisa James
Sabrina Jeffries

What advice would you offer these authors on "catching your attention"?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday on my book blog, SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Historical Authors (part 2) - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

Take a Walk on the Historical Side!

What era would you choose to live in, if you had the power to do so? Come party with your favorite historical authors and meet the characters who have inspired our writing! Whether it's Regency, Western, Victorian, Edwardian, Celtic, the Great War or another past era — we celebrate our love for all time periods, along with our readers who love them as much as we do! Refreshments, goodies, mega prize bags and more surprises round out this fun and special event that has become the kick-off “must-do” party of the convention!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Ally Broadfield
Gina Conkle
Elizabeth Essex
Heather Graham
Elizabeth Hoyt
Sabrina Jeffries
Janet Justiss
Amanda McIntyre
Hildie McQueen
Sharon Page
Ella Quinn
Victoria Vane
Beth Williamson (aka Emma Lang)

What costume would you wear?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments open through Saturday, March 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 29 on SOS Aloha Book Blog.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Historical Authors (part 1) - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

My favorite genre is historical romance ... and I will be attending several panels with historical authors at the RT Booklovers Convention (link), including ....

HISTORICAL: Writing the Authentic Historical for the Modern Reader

Balancing the tastes and expectations of the modern reader while crafting historically accurate romances has never been more of a challenge. Join these panelists for a frank chat about what to leave out, when to bend the facts and which rules — if any — are inviolable. Learn the secrets successful historical authors employ to craft historical romances that appeal to the reader in 2015 and beyond.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 3:45pm to 4:45pm

Shana Galen
Tessa Dare
Sophie Jordan
Lauren Willig

I am giving away a book choice from this week's blogs.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  How much historical accuracy do you like in your romance novels?

2.  Comments ar open through Saturday, March 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The Military Hero (part 3) - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

The third military workshop at the RT Booklovers Convention (link) is hosted by Lindsay McKenna - Navy veteran turned romance author:

Creating Memorable Military Heroes and Heroines

Want to write believable military characters? Not many writers have been in the military, but Lindsay McKenna has. She created the military romance in 1983 and has the longest-running military romance saga in publishing history: Morgan's Mercenaries. Discover and dig into the psyche of the man and woman who joins the military, how their emotions rule them, how they view the world, what fuels them and makes them who they are. We'll cover the psychology of the military hero from the inside out, so you can make them unforgettable, sympathetic — and hot.

Event Date:  Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 11:15am to 12:15pm  

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly commenter selected from this week's blogs.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Do you remember the first "military" romance you read?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 21, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out the other military hero panels here and here.   And, of course, the SOS America Military Tribute here.  

The Military Hero (part 2) - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

The second military workshop at the RT Booklovers' Convention (link) is hosted by four members of the RomVets (link),

Not Every Man in Uniform is a Navy SEAL

What about heroes—and heroines—in other hot military professions? Join these RomVets: military veterans-turned-romance authors, who put down the sword and picked up the pen. Learn about other military career fields; where to research military characters; typical military lifestyles, including deployments; and what it’s like to be a female in today’s military. Find out how to create military characters without enlisting — or doing a single push-up!

Event Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Heather Ashby
Lacey Falcone
Merline Lovelace
Dr. Tamara Worlton

Heather, Lacey, Merline, and Tamara will be participating in the 12th Annual SOS Aloha Military Tribute on Thursday, May 14, 0830 (just before the miltiary workshop).  Check out this link for more information about the military and free tickets.  

The panelists are seeking feeback.  For readers, who is your favorite flavor of hero?  For authors, do you have any questions for the panel?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, March 21.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Use #allmilitaryam and #realwomenwearcamo to help us promote these events on social media!

The Military Hero - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

The RT Booklovers Convention offers three workshops about military heroes ... the first one is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 12 - 1 pm:

The Military Hero: A Look Into Creating Romantic Yet Realistic Men In Uniform

Military heroes. They’ve captured the imaginations and hearts of readers, with a fandom that grows every day. But creating a well-rounded military man for your romance is not easy. Balancing the swoon-worthy aspects of an alpha hero with very real issues, ranging from tragedies and loss to injuries and PTSD, can be complex. Join five of your favorite authors, two of whom have actually served our country in uniform, as they explore the many aspects involved in creating these alluring, tortured men.

Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak)
Victoria Blue
Kennedy Layne
JM Madden
Angel Payne

Kennedy Lane and Angle Payne are also sponsoring the 12th Annual SOS America Salute on Thursday, May 14, 830-945.   Check out this link for more details and free tickets (link).

I am giving away a book choice from my convnetion stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What is your favorite movie with military heroes?   Mine is BATTLESHIP!  I'm also a fan of A FEW GOOD MEN with Tom Cruise and Demi Moore.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 21, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 22, on my book blog at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Aloha to the New Adult College Game Night - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers Convention

We are two months away from the RT Booklovers Convention in Dallas (link), giving me enough time to find the perfect T-shirt for the New Adult College Game Night:

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 8:15pm to 10:00pm

College settings are hotter than ever right now and whether you’re a recent or very distant alumni, we can all experience campus life together! Come sporting your college team T-shirt and some comfy pajama pants. Share a table with your favorite NA author, play college-themed games, eat your way to the "freshman 15" with our junk-food feast and win prizes — hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards to your favorite places! Come early! The first 200 attendees receive a Between the Covers gift bag, so get those pom poms ready. It's Game Night!

Host(s):
Debra Anastasia, Nazarea Andrews. Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), J.L. Berg, Jennifer Blackwood, Elizabeth Briggs, Chelsea Cameron, Cora Carmack, Nichole Chase, Chanel Cleeton, Zoraida Cordova, Amy Jo Cousins, Jay Crownover, Jamie Drowley, Megan Erickson, Chelsea Fine,
Abbi Glines, Cristin Harber, Emma Hart, Colleen Hoover, Sophie Jordan, Tiffany King, Ciara Knight, Christina Lee, K.A. Linde, Stina Lindenblatt, Ophelia London, Bethany Lopez, Cindi Madsen, Jamie McGuire, Jen McLaughlin (aka Diane Alberts), Sarai Noyola, Renita Pizzitola. Jamie Rae. Caisey Quinn, Shari Slade, KA Tucker. Lia Riley, Skye Warren, and Rebecca Yarros.

NA authors Chanel Cleeton and Ophelia London are supporting the SOS America Military Tribute (link).

I attended the University of Tampa (above), housed in the former Henry Plant Hotel with its famed minarets in the Moorish revival architecture (link).  I could wear my UT t-shirt.

My AFROTC classes (and marching drills) were held at the University of South Florida (below), where my son will enroll in the fall (link).   Perhaps I should wear his USF t-Shirt.

But my heart is in Hawaii.  Maybe I'll wear my UH T-shirt. 

If you attended the party, what college t-shirt would you where?  One randomly selected commenter form this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out shopping for Western Wear (link) and the YA Spooky Slumber Party (link).

Aloha to the YA Spooky Slumber Party - Getting Ready for the RT Booklovers' Convention in Dallas

On Monday, I shared my adventure to Carol's Western Wear (link) for the RT Booklovers' Convention in Dallas (link).  Now I focus on the parties, including the YA Spooky Slumber Party (link):

Put on your jammies and join us for some spooky, silly fun and games! Challenge your favorite YA authors to time-honored slumber party favorites like Truth or Dare and Boy Meets Girl, and create your very own spooky flash fiction. Snacks and prizes abound — and the best slippers win!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 10:15pm to 11:55pm
Hosts: Kathleen Baldwin, Kate Brauning, Rachel Caine, Erica Cameron, Sona Charaipotra, Lizzy Charles, Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Cordova,  Kady Cross, Lindsay Cummings, Liz Czukas (aka Ellie Cahill), Bree Despain, Sarah Fine, Tara Fuller (aka Nicolette Day), René Gilley, Abbi Glines, Cynthia Hand, Rachel Harris, Lorraine Heath (aka Rachel Hawthorne), Colleen Houck, C.C. Hunter (aka Christie Craig), JR Johansson, Sophie Jordan, Stacey Kade, Lydia Kang, Brigid Kemmerer, Ophelia London, BL Marsh, Gretchen McNeil,Jodi Meadows, LH Nicole (aka Lisa Hood), Lea Nolan, Sara Raasch, Victoria Scott, J.A. Souders, Tamara Ireland Stone, and Nicole Zoltack

I accept the challenge "and the best slippers win!" Slippers, er, slippahs in Hawaii are flip flops.  But I shall strive to create a pair of "bedroom shoes" that will knock the socks off the judges!

Notice my family's NFL allegiances ... plus a few cat hairs as our feline friends sleep on them in the closet.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about slippers - do you use them? Or slipper socks? Or bare feet?

2. Comments are open through Saturday, March 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Carol's Western Wear - Getting for the RT Booklovers' Convention in Dallas

 

On Saturday, I took a break from the snow to visit Carol's Western Wear (link) to stock up on cowboy gear for the RT Booklovers Convention in Dallas (link).  

Carol's offered a wide selection of boots ...

... including "cammo". 

We will be Wild Women and Tricky Ladies in Dallas!

This could be a romance title - Run Wild, Run Free!

I was more interested in the trinkets than the clothes!

The cowboy community is farm strong.

  

Do you have any western wear in your closet?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 15 at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City