Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Pass It On

This past week I posted pictures from Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon here, here, here, and here.  Here are the statistics:

61 authors at each table + 7 readers per table = 488 book lovers in one room

The luncheon tote bags included 11 print books and 13 ebooks.

Barnes and Noble sold over $8000 during the book signing following the luncheon.

Over 100 raffle baskets raised $10,074 for the American Cancer Society.

Barbara kicked off the Reader Appreciation Luncheon in 2012, hosting it on the Tuesday before the RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago.  I remember a group of authors leaving the hotel for the two hour ride to Milwaukee.   The luncheon was held in a community center with Barbara's family volunteering for the prep work.   She had a vision which has come to fruition in four years.  Barbara announced next year her event will be a reader weekend.

The success of this event is shared by Barbara, her family, authors, and readers - all book lovers eager to reach each other. Barbara has created a template for other regional reader events.

I am fortunate that the Maryland Romance Writers participate in the Baltimore Book Festival each fall - my pictures are here, here, and here.   The MRW hosts their own tent with interactive programs which appeal to readers.   The Washington Romance Writers kicked off their own reader luncheon last fall - my pictures are here.  I look forward to attending this year's event on October .

I challenge RWA chapters and other local writers groups to capitalize on Barbara's success to connect with readers in your area.  Long live booklovers!

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.  Have you attended a regional "reader" event, such as a book signing, luncheon, or even library program?  

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

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Glisten and Glow

After the luncheon, readers could mingle with the authors.  I chatted with Tess Gerritsen and Jane Porter - both have ties to Hawaii.  

I spotted this clever purse ... we are in Green Bay territory after all!  

I returned home on Sunday, sitting again with Terri Brisbin and Cathy Genna.  Terri shared her first experience at the RT Booklovers' Convention in Nashville.  She volunteered with the Mr. Romance contest, expecting to hand out programs. Instead, Terri assisted the contestants in the dressing room. It's was a hard job but someone has to do it!  She explained the techniques of applying baby oil - make them glisten!   Mahalo, Terri, for entertaining me on my flight home!

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.  Leave a comment about your favorite football team.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha  Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Author Tables (part 2)

Heather Graham loves New Orleans ...

... her assistant Connie Perry hand made these beautiful masks.

I would have a hard time choosing my favorite.

Each mask is unique.

With feathers and sequins.

One randomly selected commenter from this week's posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about which mask you would choose for yourself.  

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Tracy Solheim celebrated her fictional team,
the Baltimore Blaze, from her Out of Bounds series.

Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Author Tables (part 1)

On Saturday morning, I helped my roommate take down table decorations for the Reader Appreciation Luncheon. This gaive me an opportunity to photograph the author tables.  Above is my fellow veteran Terry Spear.   Below is another veteran, Cindy Dees.

I loved Cindy's napkins.

The Belle of the Ball was Cherry Adair ...

... with her jungle theme!

Mary Burton decorated sweet ...

... with a country theme!

Nancy Naigle rolled out the Grannies ...

... from her new release, IN HIGH COTTON.

Jocie McKade celebrated the Baer Truth ...

... while Terri Brisbin brought along Scorch for RISING FIRE.

More tables to come tomorrow!  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.  Do you have any Beanie Babies?  I have Scorch plus the international bears.

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

3.  I'll post the winners on Sunday, May 3, on my book blog, SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Here's my personalized gift
from Valerie Bowman.

Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Welcome to Milwaukee

Last Friday, I departed Baltimore at o-dark-hundred for Milwaukee - home of Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon.   I was pleasantly surprised to find two other luncheon attendees at the gate - historical author Terri Brisbin and Cathy Genna, RWA's 2013 Bookseller of the Year.  We chatted during our two hour flight, making it seem like no time at all.

I grabbed a quick nap at the hotel before joining reader Danielle and librarian Lynne for lunch.   We shared our fangirl moments with favorite authors.

Later in the evening, we attended the Q&A with the 61 authors attending the luncheon.  Here's a sample (paraphrase based on my notes).

Angie Fox:  What the hardest part of being an author?  Making dinner in the middle of a scene.

Cherry Adair:  What inspired you to become an author?  I started to rewrite new endings to books I was reading.

Damon Suede:  What do you spend your downtime?  Collect bad movies (Damon hosts Cinema Craptastique at the RT Booklovers Convention).

Deeanne Gist:  What is your favorite Romantic Comedy movie? Kate and Leopald with Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman.  I watched it on a transoceanic flight twice because it was Hugh Jackman!

Eileen Dreyer:  Do you kill off characters that remind you of real people.  Yes!  I used to be a trauma nurse.

Eloisa James:  What was the worst advice you received?  Write the book of your heart.  Only you and your heart will buy it.
Write the book that will sell.  

Heather Graham:  What music have you played while writing? Conan the Barbarian while writing that type of character. 

Jason Mott:  What did you in real life before writing?  I worked in a Verizon Call Center.  Just in case you call a center, know that we cannot help you find your cell phone.

Joanne Rock:  Have you disagreed with an editor?  I've considered their feedback and slept on it.

Katy Lee:  What was the best advice you received?  Join RWA.

Kelsey Browning:  Are your heroes like your significant other? My husband is Macgyver so I write characters who can fix things.

Kimberly Lang:  What do you eat on deadline?  Jelly beans and Diet Coke.

Kristan Higgins:  If you could have a superpower, what would it be?  Write a book in two months.

Sharon Sala:  What is the most embarrassing moment in a book signing?  Two chapter mates came to a signing, one called out, "OMG, its Sharon Sala".  The other, "I need her autograph" and they walked over to my table in exaggerated slow motion. 

Terri Brisbin:  How do you come up with character names?  I hear them in my head.

Tracy Solheim:  Who would you cast to star in a film about your book?  The cover from FOOLISH GAMES looks like Matt Damon so I would cast Matt Damon.

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 question would you ask an author at the luncheon?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Party Hardy at the RT Booklovers Convention - RT Book Reviews Awards Ceremony, Winners’ Reception & After Party!

The highlight of the RT Booklovers Convention is the annual awards ceremony:

RT Book Reviews Awards Ceremony, Winners’ Reception & After Party!

This year the RT awards ceremony, normally an afternoon event, will be turned into a glitzy evening celebration! A two-hour awards ceremony will kick off the festivities as authors take the stage to deliver their heartfelt acceptance speeches while hundreds of fans cheer them on. The awards presentation will be followed by an hour-long reception where fans can mix, mingle and celebrate with the winners. Photo ops will be available with your favorite authors, so be sure to practice your signature selfie pose! Sparkling wine and decadent sweets will be served, adding to the fun. At 10 pm it’s off to the after party, where the celebration will continue with music and dancing until midnight!

The winners are posted online at this link.

Did your favorite book win any awards?  I loved Elizabeth Boyle's THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE (link) ... and this book won Historical Love and Laughter.   One randomly commenter from this week's posts win a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 18, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 19, on my book blog at SOS Aloha (link).

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Party Hardy at the RT Booklovers Convention - Wild, Wild West Steampunk Party

Ross Martin and Robert Conrad in The Wild, Wild West
Public Domain 

Cowboy meets Victorian on Thursday, May 14, at the Wild, Wild West Steampunk Party:

Start decorating your cowboy hats with gizmo's and gadgets, shine up your goggles, and start shopping for your corsets and western-style skirts. And anything goes for the gentlemen who no doubt will be donning a cool steampunk weapon and ready to capture hearts.

The possibilities are endless for this Steampunk-themed costume party that is sure to wow and entertain all who attend!

Queen Kapiolani (third from left) Princess Liliuokalani (third from right)
in an English garden.  The Hawaiian Royal Party attended
Queen Victoria's golden jubilee.
honoluluadvertiser.com

I am cooking up a unique costume .... Hawaiian Royalty enjoyed a close friendship with Queen Victoria ... so expect a touch of Paradise!

What would you wear to the Wild Wild West Steampunk party?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 18, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 19 on my book blog at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

'Eli 'eli kau mai - let awe possess me

Steam from Kilauea

Photo by traveldave.com

Party Hardy at the RT Booklovers Convention - Taste of Texas Romance Rodeo

The RT Booklovers Convention offers evening parties ... on Wednesday night, we celebrate the Taste of Texas Romance Rodeo:

RT’s opening night party is sure to set the tone for a wild Western fun time in Dallas. A Texas barbeque celebration — pulled pork sandwiches and some traditional Texas-style side dishes — will be served up and, for entertainment, there will be line dancing, country music and a mechanical bull! St. Martin’s Press and Grand Central Publishing will each have a “kissing booth” decorated with wood, burlap, gingham and all things country! 

Be sure dust off your cowboy boots, break out the hats and pack your finest Western attire for this fun-filled fantasy evening. And don’t forget your cameras, ‘cause this is sure to be the perfect photo op for your RT Convention scrapbook!

NOTE: Coveralls, hats and gloves will be provided for anyone who is not dressed to ride the bull — so no excuses!

DIAMOND SPONSORS: St. Martin's Press and Grand Central Publishing/Forever

RUBY SPONSORS: Authors J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), R.K. Lilley, Melody Anne, B.L. Marsh and Cindy Nord and Lori Perkins publisher of Riverdale Avenue Books.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Would you ride the mechanical bull?  I'll be taking pictures with my boots safely on the floor.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 18, 10 pm.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 19, on my book blog at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers' Convention - Mad Hatter Fantasy Tea Party

Jeffe Kennedy always has a cute hat ...
... picture from RT14 in NOLA.

My suitcase is getting fatter with every accessory I need for these fun parties, including the Mad Hatter Fantasy Tea Party:

Come join the fun and mayhem at our Mad Hatter Tea Party with some of fantasy romance’s bestselling writers. Full of games, goodies and giveaways. The first 100 people will get a goody bag — and books!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Grace Draven

Tameri Etherton
Rebekah R. Ganiere
Elizabeth Hunter
Jeffe Kennedy
LH Nicole (aka Lisa Hood)

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.  Leave a comment about hats or tea ... do you wear hats?  How do you take your tea?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 12, on my book blog at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers' Convention - Author Chat: Love, Passion & Action

The RT Booklovers' Convention is a smorgasbord for readers, including Author Chat: Love, Passion & Action!

Join today's hottest contemporary romance and romantic suspense authors Sylvia Day, Liliana Hart, Jennifer Probst, Jill Shalvis and Julie Ann Walker for an hour-long chat about everything contemporary. They'll talk heroes, settings, sex — and more! Bring your questions about their books, their characters, their series, they'll tell all.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Sylvia Day
Liliana Hart
Jennifer Probst
Jill Shalvis
Julie Ann Walker

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

1.  Leave a comment about Sylvia, Liliana, Jennifer, Jill, or Julie ... what do you love about their books?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 12 on my book blog, SOS Aloha. 

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers' Convention - Scrapbooking Mania

For those who are crafty ... the RT Booklovers Convention offers Scrapbooking Mania:

Join Jennifer L. Armentrout, Rachel Caine, Celeste Easton, Darynda Jones, Jeffe Kennedy, Ciara Knight, and Kim Meyer for a fun and interactive scrapbooking event! No experience necessary. Authors and fellow readers will be on hand to help decorate. Bling it out, go crazy and have fun creating your little piece of RT 2015 history. We'll have all the supplies you need, even a camera and printer so you can create a page from the workshop with your favorite attending author — or better yet, a picture with the entire group. Best of all, you leave the workshop with your ready to autograph, original RT 2015 scrapbook!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn)

Rachel Caine
Celeste Easton
Darynda Jones
Jeffe Kennedy
Ciara Knight
Kim Meyer

Do you keep a scrapbook?  I have one for each of our overseas adventures in the Netherlands, UK, Japan, Korea, China, and Hawaii.   One randomly selected commenter from this week's posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 12, on my book blog, SOS Aloha. 

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers Convention - Big Fun in a Small Town

For fans of small town romance ... this is your tribe!

Join bestselling authors Victoria Dahl, Nancy Naigle, Brenda Novak, Molly O'Keefe and Sheila Roberts for fun, games and goodies! Learn how they created their towns and get the dirt on all their favorite characters. We'll have a fun quiz to see who knows the most about our favorite fictional towns. Three lucky winners will receive a Barnes & Noble gift card so you can enjoy a visit on us. We'll also have a door prize drawing for enough chocolate to keep you going all through the conference. And of course, we'll have some books to give away!

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 1:15pm to 2:15pm

Host(s):
Victoria Dahl
Nancy Naigle
Brenda Novak
Molly O'Keefe
Sheila Roberts

Location:
Lobby Level

Room:
Reunion C

What's your favorite feature of a small town - real or fictional? Today's pictures come from my home town, Safety Harbor, on Tampa Bay.  I like the cozy feel of this Florida small town.

One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 5, on my book blog SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City