Aloha to the RT Booklovers' Convention - Day Two: Book Blogger Conference

Tuesday offered the Book Blogger Conference hosted by Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches) and Jane Litte (Dear Author).  

It was an informal affair where Sarah asked (paraphrase), "Talk as much as you listen".   Here is a sample of suggestions offered by the other bloggers:

- Book Likes is an alternative to Goodreads.

- Options to self host (to migrate away from restrictions of Blogger and Wordpress).

- Make sure your blog layout is appealing to readers.

- Consider a "fresh look" for your blog.

- View your blog from an older PC and even smart phone to ensure all elements are visible.

- The image behind your blog should be less than 10% so it doesn't distract the reader from the content.

- "I have the book for you".

- Late reviews (i.e., reviews posted some time after book publiciation) are still welcome as they promote sales of backlists.

- Attacking the author (in lieu of reviewing the book) does not convey a professional attitude.  The publishers are open to criticisms of the writing, but not unprofessional behavior towards authors, other reviews, and even readers.

- Offer recipes to "feed the trolls".

Harlequin hosted a cocktail party with delicious nibbles and goodie bags!

Hats off to Sarah and Jane for the warm welcome and helpful mentorship!   Do you have any advice to offer bloggers?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, May 24, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 25, at SOS Aloha.  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spiriti in Charm City

Tamara Argyle, Sara Humphreys, and a reader
enjoy the Sock Hop on Tuesday night.

Aloha to NJRW Conference (part 3) - Let them eat cake ...and read books!

Let them eat cake!  The NJRW conference continued with a delicious luncheon featuring my favorite food group - chocolate!

I had to loosen my belt so I could waddle around the book signing to see Elizabeth Hoyt and Sara Humphreys.

I chatted with Kathleen Long and Sally MacKenzie.  Sally recently returned for a "research" trip to England, including a visit to Devon - my ancestors' stomping grounds.

Stephanie Draven and Vicky Dreiling were all smiles for the camera ...

... so were Risky Regency writers Diane Gaston and Elena Greene; they contribute to the Risky Regencies Romance Blog (link).

Here are the RomVets - Christyne Butler, me, Diana Cosby, Cathy Maxwell, and Ella Quinn.

I am giving away two conference bags filled with fun swag plus:

Diana Cosby's HIS CAPTIVE
Diana Cosby's HIS WOMAN
Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE
Eloisa James' KISS ME ANNABEL
Anthology, THE LADY MOST LIKELY, with Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about taking photographs - do you have a fancy camera or a simple camera like me?  

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 26, 10  pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 27.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Dinner at Bahama Breeze ... do you recognize these authors?

Our waitress is Ciera, left back, who was awed by them!

Aloha to the New Jersey Romance Writers (NJRW) Conference (part 1)

This past weekend, I drove with Cathy Maxwell to the New Jersey Romance Writers (NJRW) Put Your Heart In A Book Conference (link).  The theme was DREAM BIG - WRITE NOW.  Cathy and I arrived just in time for the cocktail reception to celebrate the writing contest finalists.  Above is Diana Cosby, Cathy, and Diane Gaston.    

Kimberly Rocha from BOOK OBSESSED CHICKS (link) joined our group.  After chatting with Kimberly, I realized that we both attended Lora Leigh's RAW - she's in the picture of line dancing at this link.   

C.H. Admirand and Sara Humphreys chatted about their publisher, Sourcebooks.

The West Coast was represented by Margaret Mallory (Washington) and Jane Porter (California).

Cathy and I dined at the Kona Grill in memory of Hawaii. After eating healthy entrees, we splurged on a decadent dessert - butter cake with vanilla ice cream.   There are no calories at conferences, right?

I am giving away two conference bags filled with fun swag plus:

Diana Cosby's HIS CAPTIVE
Diana Cosby's HIS WOMAN
Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE
Eloisa James' KISS ME ANNABEL
Anthology, THE LADY MOST LIKELY, with Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite dessert.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 26, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winners on Saturday, October 27.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City