Bags were packed Thursday night. Last minute things thrown in after I got ready while I helped Makayla get ready for school as well. Joe got up at 6:45 and I continued getting ready. I said goodbye to the girls, said goodbye to him, and started my journey from Castalia to Akron. It seemed to take hours (well it did take two), but finally i saw "Akron city convention center" and I got really giddy. I missed my turn and did a few smart ass navigation through the city streets and found my way there. Sent out texts to everyone and told them I had arrived. Pulled into a parking spot and grabbed my duffel and computer bag. Weighed down in three inch wedge heels, I made my way to the front desk. Where, as I was waiting for my lovely roommate AJ Mills to answer her phone and give confirmation that I was indeed who I said I was supposed to be, I got to see the incredible Desiree Holt going to ask the clerk about something. I was kinda star struck so all I could do was wave say giggley say her name. I don't think she knew who I was at that time, but I can't blame her much lol.
I got my room key then, and completely forgot to listen for the room number. Went up, and accidentally got off the elevator at the Plaza floor. Boy am I glad I did, because as i turned the corner my WONDERFUL new Mama Regina was RIGHT THERE. She instantly knew me, just as she said she would, and I was gifted to probably one of he warmest hugs I'd ever gotten. I was then introduced to Nicole Austin and Eve Savage, who are a couple of the WILDEST and WACKIEST women I've ever met, but I now love them to death! I asked her something... my God I can't even remember what it was I asked her! But she said she'd see me later, and I went up to my room.
AJ greeted me just as warmly as Regina had and I got settled by dropping my bags onto my assigned bag and squealed a little with her over the happenings of the night before. Teased her a little bit and then we headed upstairs for me to check in and get my stuff. There I got to meet the wonderful Princess Allie Standifer, and saw Eve again. Poor Des, picked up the wrong bag and they had to travel to Cleveland airport to get the right bag for her. Regina's workshop had already started, so AJ and I browsed the freebies and got our "I got Boned at Romanticon 2011" T-shirts.
By then the workshop ended and then I followed my Mama Regina around like a puppy allowing her to work her magic to calm me before my pitch. I met Elece, and Cassandra in that time as well, as well as Sherry. Then it was time for my pitch.
Nerves dissipated THANK YOU REGINA FOR THE 50 MILLIONTH time!! I paced, called Joe, he and Lilly both wished me luck, which just about made me cry.... and then it was time. I took a deep breath and went in and introduced myself. Thank GOD i remembered how to give a proper professional handshake. My index card spiral in hand, I began my shpeil. Introduced myself a little told her the genre, how many words it was, and how many I had left to go (Once again, thank you Mama Regina!) I stammered a little because it was kinda out of order in my head, and I laughed and said "Okay... the summary of my book...." she giggled right along with me and after every sentence said some variance of "WOW!" I knew I had her hooked. and then to put the icing on the cake... "What makes my book so different from other Vampire/Werewolf/Witch triangles is there will be a happily ever after for them. The rivals are not going to ask her to choose. Also this is told in four different points of view, from the first person." I thought I had lost her. So I quickly back pedaled a little. "Now, I know that some publishers don't like that but i think how I've written it can be followed very easily as each character has their own way of narrating. They each have their own voice and i let them speak through me into their narrative. I believe that it flows very well, and I hope to have the chance to allow you to see it as well." Instantly... "I would LOVE to see it!"
I wanted to leap across the table and tackle her. Somehow i composed myself and began rambling about the two shorts i had done, and am in the process of doing to submit for the EC for men line. She was instantly drawn to that as well and requested the finished short. I wanted to SCREAM IT from the rooftops.
I rambled some more about The Gifted being a possibility for the Blush line. She loved the premise of that. and said some day it was a possibility and work on Torn for now but she was definitely interested!! I explained to her that my imagination is so great that I would be extremely prolific. She said she couldn't wait to see my short and when i had it finished my book as well. I thanked her and somehow composed myself still until I got to the doors of the room. I kicked my shoes off and RAN at Regina whom I almost lost. I thanked her over and over and squealed and jumped around, and ran down to the room and called Joe and texted Dan, and another friend of mine. Congrats were given all around, and i got ready for the workshops.
But first there was lunch with Eve, Brenna Zinn, Cerise Deland, Myla Jackson, my Mama Regina, and Elece. Allie and Des had a workshop and didn't really stick around, but I can't blame them, service and food sucked massively.
I went to the workshops then, and then wished I'd gone to the fun stuff when i heard how much fun Allie was having with 31 flavors of Sex LOL but I learned a lot in Raelene's workshops. So now i am thankful, but I"m wondering what the other 12 are from looking at the book we were given! LOL
I got ready for dinner, and got to sit with my new Mama, and Brenna Zinn, Eve, Nicole, Allie, Desiree. I was in Author heaven. I got my dinner and the WONDERFUL MAN Alex complimented me on my outfit and gave me a hug. While we were waiting for our dinner, he was whispering Spanish into both my ear and Nicole's. I think a part of me is still melted in that carpet somewhere.
I got to dance with Kory and Angelo and Alex a little. Alex then got me again when he suddenly grabbed me and stage kissed me LOL Regina and Nicole had missed it (I believe it was you two standing with me) and so he did it again. much to my bright red blush. (don't worry grandma, no he didn't ACTUALLY kiss me...) Got promised a dance from my favorite Georgio, but I couldn't snag him for myself that night. I hung out with the royal court, and got to try Chocolate Wine for the first time... my GOD that screwed with my head! LOL A friend came down and hung out with me a little while I was there near the end of the night and i ended up being awake until 4 AM....
So I had thought that my morning was going to be a late one, and good luck getting up. Not so much. I was up at 7 freaking 45 in the morning. I grumbled and rolled over to go back to sleep for another 45 minutes. Body was saying GET THE #*&( up! I think i was too excited for the day's events. I pulled on a sweat shirt and meandered down for breakfast. Sat with the royal ladies and the Princess was just leaving as I was getting there so she told me to sit in her seat. I had breakfast, and then realized i just felt like absolute crap. I think Brenna worried about me eating enough, because the lunch prior I hardly ate. I think I was simply too excited.
That day however, I was hung over. BADLY. i think actually i was still feeling the alcohol, and was considering having a bit of the tail of the dog that bit me. I didn't but rather settled for chilling out in my room, editing my short Ann requested and I sent it off. I talked to Joe and Dan, and napped a bit as well. By 4 I was showering and getting ready for the futuristic party. I got into the corset, skyped Dan got teased, talked to joe... and then almost completely passed out. I HAD to get out of it. Changed into a tank top, and headed down.
Dinner I was late to and was made to sit, I thought, by myself, but met the incredible lady, Kathy Kulig and her husband who was HILARIOUS. Got up for dinner and Alex recognized me and gave me a great big hug and said "You look sexy!" Blushed bright red, but I loved it! LOL A hot Latino telling me I looked sexy? YES PLEASE! Got back to the table, ate and talked books with Kathy, which I LOVED hearing about and the one she had figured out the ending to in the workshop that day sounded SO interesting, need to pick that up! Is it a series Kathy? Can I get a name?
I made myself a drink in my room, drank half of it, and was feeling pretty damn good by the time the fire dance rolled around. Got to talk to Jaid Black on the way out there, and I felt so freakin' privileged to have her speaking to me. I was star struck, and I swear I probably sounded stupid saying "I listened to a few radio shows, and you had me cracking up laughing. I cannot for the life of me remember the topic that day though!" *rolls eyes* SMoooooth Jordan, real smooth... lol
Then it came time for the fire dance. I screamed and yelled, and whooped. then Angelo was right there beside me with Kristin Daniels holding onto me with her coat because it was freezing, but I wasn't actually COLD lol!! And then, oh shit, he dropped the fire baton... he's coming near me.... oh SHIT the fire is between my feet! I leaped back, and at the same time felt Kristen pulling on me, my heel hit the concrete stair and down I went. BAM right against the edge of the concrete stair. I had like five seconds to register what had happened before I looked up and there was Angelo holding his hands out to me to help me up. Of course I took his help, and started laughing. he hugged me and Kristin and apologized. Of course EVERYONE around me... "Are you OKAY?!" Princess Allie said I smelled flame boiled. I did NOT get burned. Let me reiterate. Angelo did NOT burn me with it, just startled me! LOL
I did not hurt at all, and got inside, took a picture with Kristin, my FAVORITE of the ENTIRE convention.
Angelo was crowned Alpha caveman, and he totally deserved it!! I did vote for Alex, but that's ONLY and i mean ONLY because he stage kissed me LOL If that wouldn't have happened i totally would have voted Angelo. Though i was also torn between him and Georgio. *sigh* those three are my TOP three! I had such a hard time choosing. (Pun so totally not intended) he called Kristin and I up to give us a hug, and Alex started toward him with a towel for him to wipe the sweat off. I said "I don't care about the sweat! Come here and give me a hug!" I'm pretty sure I said it like right into the mic, because I heard a bunch of laughter. He then said "I'm sure you ladies are hurting so I'll give you a massage later to make up for it" i thought Well damn, OKAY!
The rest of the night went pretty smoothly, hugged Georgio after the party and let him lead me out of the ball room. I told him I loved his muscles and his accent, and I'm pretty friggin' sure I told him he could bite my neck any day LOL OMG... fricken alcohol. Georgio, I am SO SORRY if I said that to you. lol!!
I went up to Angelo then and wrapped my arm around his waist and said "So when am i getting that massage?" he laughed and told me when they got back from the bars. I asked when that'd be and he said 2:30 3. I knew I'd be up, so i told him "Cool! I'll be waiting for ya, here's my room number just in case." waited up until 3:45... he did not come find me.
Butthead! :P I was so wanting that damn massage too!
Sunday morning I needed to head home, but I got to see a few more people before I left I hugged them said my goodbyes, and left with great memories and amazing friends. Friends I hope to be able to connect with and meet up with often before the next Romanticon :)
I got my room key then, and completely forgot to listen for the room number. Went up, and accidentally got off the elevator at the Plaza floor. Boy am I glad I did, because as i turned the corner my WONDERFUL new Mama Regina was RIGHT THERE. She instantly knew me, just as she said she would, and I was gifted to probably one of he warmest hugs I'd ever gotten. I was then introduced to Nicole Austin and Eve Savage, who are a couple of the WILDEST and WACKIEST women I've ever met, but I now love them to death! I asked her something... my God I can't even remember what it was I asked her! But she said she'd see me later, and I went up to my room.
AJ greeted me just as warmly as Regina had and I got settled by dropping my bags onto my assigned bag and squealed a little with her over the happenings of the night before. Teased her a little bit and then we headed upstairs for me to check in and get my stuff. There I got to meet the wonderful Princess Allie Standifer, and saw Eve again. Poor Des, picked up the wrong bag and they had to travel to Cleveland airport to get the right bag for her. Regina's workshop had already started, so AJ and I browsed the freebies and got our "I got Boned at Romanticon 2011" T-shirts.
By then the workshop ended and then I followed my Mama Regina around like a puppy allowing her to work her magic to calm me before my pitch. I met Elece, and Cassandra in that time as well, as well as Sherry. Then it was time for my pitch.
Nerves dissipated THANK YOU REGINA FOR THE 50 MILLIONTH time!! I paced, called Joe, he and Lilly both wished me luck, which just about made me cry.... and then it was time. I took a deep breath and went in and introduced myself. Thank GOD i remembered how to give a proper professional handshake. My index card spiral in hand, I began my shpeil. Introduced myself a little told her the genre, how many words it was, and how many I had left to go (Once again, thank you Mama Regina!) I stammered a little because it was kinda out of order in my head, and I laughed and said "Okay... the summary of my book...." she giggled right along with me and after every sentence said some variance of "WOW!" I knew I had her hooked. and then to put the icing on the cake... "What makes my book so different from other Vampire/Werewolf/Witch triangles is there will be a happily ever after for them. The rivals are not going to ask her to choose. Also this is told in four different points of view, from the first person." I thought I had lost her. So I quickly back pedaled a little. "Now, I know that some publishers don't like that but i think how I've written it can be followed very easily as each character has their own way of narrating. They each have their own voice and i let them speak through me into their narrative. I believe that it flows very well, and I hope to have the chance to allow you to see it as well." Instantly... "I would LOVE to see it!"
I wanted to leap across the table and tackle her. Somehow i composed myself and began rambling about the two shorts i had done, and am in the process of doing to submit for the EC for men line. She was instantly drawn to that as well and requested the finished short. I wanted to SCREAM IT from the rooftops.
I rambled some more about The Gifted being a possibility for the Blush line. She loved the premise of that. and said some day it was a possibility and work on Torn for now but she was definitely interested!! I explained to her that my imagination is so great that I would be extremely prolific. She said she couldn't wait to see my short and when i had it finished my book as well. I thanked her and somehow composed myself still until I got to the doors of the room. I kicked my shoes off and RAN at Regina whom I almost lost. I thanked her over and over and squealed and jumped around, and ran down to the room and called Joe and texted Dan, and another friend of mine. Congrats were given all around, and i got ready for the workshops.
But first there was lunch with Eve, Brenna Zinn, Cerise Deland, Myla Jackson, my Mama Regina, and Elece. Allie and Des had a workshop and didn't really stick around, but I can't blame them, service and food sucked massively.
I went to the workshops then, and then wished I'd gone to the fun stuff when i heard how much fun Allie was having with 31 flavors of Sex LOL but I learned a lot in Raelene's workshops. So now i am thankful, but I"m wondering what the other 12 are from looking at the book we were given! LOL
I got ready for dinner, and got to sit with my new Mama, and Brenna Zinn, Eve, Nicole, Allie, Desiree. I was in Author heaven. I got my dinner and the WONDERFUL MAN Alex complimented me on my outfit and gave me a hug. While we were waiting for our dinner, he was whispering Spanish into both my ear and Nicole's. I think a part of me is still melted in that carpet somewhere.
I got to dance with Kory and Angelo and Alex a little. Alex then got me again when he suddenly grabbed me and stage kissed me LOL Regina and Nicole had missed it (I believe it was you two standing with me) and so he did it again. much to my bright red blush. (don't worry grandma, no he didn't ACTUALLY kiss me...) Got promised a dance from my favorite Georgio, but I couldn't snag him for myself that night. I hung out with the royal court, and got to try Chocolate Wine for the first time... my GOD that screwed with my head! LOL A friend came down and hung out with me a little while I was there near the end of the night and i ended up being awake until 4 AM....
So I had thought that my morning was going to be a late one, and good luck getting up. Not so much. I was up at 7 freaking 45 in the morning. I grumbled and rolled over to go back to sleep for another 45 minutes. Body was saying GET THE #*&( up! I think i was too excited for the day's events. I pulled on a sweat shirt and meandered down for breakfast. Sat with the royal ladies and the Princess was just leaving as I was getting there so she told me to sit in her seat. I had breakfast, and then realized i just felt like absolute crap. I think Brenna worried about me eating enough, because the lunch prior I hardly ate. I think I was simply too excited.
That day however, I was hung over. BADLY. i think actually i was still feeling the alcohol, and was considering having a bit of the tail of the dog that bit me. I didn't but rather settled for chilling out in my room, editing my short Ann requested and I sent it off. I talked to Joe and Dan, and napped a bit as well. By 4 I was showering and getting ready for the futuristic party. I got into the corset, skyped Dan got teased, talked to joe... and then almost completely passed out. I HAD to get out of it. Changed into a tank top, and headed down.
Dinner I was late to and was made to sit, I thought, by myself, but met the incredible lady, Kathy Kulig and her husband who was HILARIOUS. Got up for dinner and Alex recognized me and gave me a great big hug and said "You look sexy!" Blushed bright red, but I loved it! LOL A hot Latino telling me I looked sexy? YES PLEASE! Got back to the table, ate and talked books with Kathy, which I LOVED hearing about and the one she had figured out the ending to in the workshop that day sounded SO interesting, need to pick that up! Is it a series Kathy? Can I get a name?
I made myself a drink in my room, drank half of it, and was feeling pretty damn good by the time the fire dance rolled around. Got to talk to Jaid Black on the way out there, and I felt so freakin' privileged to have her speaking to me. I was star struck, and I swear I probably sounded stupid saying "I listened to a few radio shows, and you had me cracking up laughing. I cannot for the life of me remember the topic that day though!" *rolls eyes* SMoooooth Jordan, real smooth... lol
Then it came time for the fire dance. I screamed and yelled, and whooped. then Angelo was right there beside me with Kristin Daniels holding onto me with her coat because it was freezing, but I wasn't actually COLD lol!! And then, oh shit, he dropped the fire baton... he's coming near me.... oh SHIT the fire is between my feet! I leaped back, and at the same time felt Kristen pulling on me, my heel hit the concrete stair and down I went. BAM right against the edge of the concrete stair. I had like five seconds to register what had happened before I looked up and there was Angelo holding his hands out to me to help me up. Of course I took his help, and started laughing. he hugged me and Kristin and apologized. Of course EVERYONE around me... "Are you OKAY?!" Princess Allie said I smelled flame boiled. I did NOT get burned. Let me reiterate. Angelo did NOT burn me with it, just startled me! LOL
I did not hurt at all, and got inside, took a picture with Kristin, my FAVORITE of the ENTIRE convention.
Angelo was crowned Alpha caveman, and he totally deserved it!! I did vote for Alex, but that's ONLY and i mean ONLY because he stage kissed me LOL If that wouldn't have happened i totally would have voted Angelo. Though i was also torn between him and Georgio. *sigh* those three are my TOP three! I had such a hard time choosing. (Pun so totally not intended) he called Kristin and I up to give us a hug, and Alex started toward him with a towel for him to wipe the sweat off. I said "I don't care about the sweat! Come here and give me a hug!" I'm pretty sure I said it like right into the mic, because I heard a bunch of laughter. He then said "I'm sure you ladies are hurting so I'll give you a massage later to make up for it" i thought Well damn, OKAY!
The rest of the night went pretty smoothly, hugged Georgio after the party and let him lead me out of the ball room. I told him I loved his muscles and his accent, and I'm pretty friggin' sure I told him he could bite my neck any day LOL OMG... fricken alcohol. Georgio, I am SO SORRY if I said that to you. lol!!
I went up to Angelo then and wrapped my arm around his waist and said "So when am i getting that massage?" he laughed and told me when they got back from the bars. I asked when that'd be and he said 2:30 3. I knew I'd be up, so i told him "Cool! I'll be waiting for ya, here's my room number just in case." waited up until 3:45... he did not come find me.
Butthead! :P I was so wanting that damn massage too!
Sunday morning I needed to head home, but I got to see a few more people before I left I hugged them said my goodbyes, and left with great memories and amazing friends. Friends I hope to be able to connect with and meet up with often before the next Romanticon :)
