Last weekend, April 5th and 6th I went to Rockville, Maryland, which is 2,356 miles away from Boise, Idaho where I flew out of, to join other book lover's and author's for a quick weekend of bookish fun.
When my shuttle driver pulled up to the hotel I know my eyes were as big as saucers. The hotel looked like a condo community not a hotel and I kept saying to myself "I'm staying here for the weekend?"
On Thursday night my roommate, Suzie and Becca from the Becca Files along with her hubby walked to Panera for dinner. They all assured me that it was just a block or so from the hotel. Well, according to my Apple watch it was half a mile. But who was counting? LOL
When I woke up Friday morning I felt like a kid standing outside a toy store with her allowance money. Walking through the lobby after eating breakfast we run into none other than Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren. And we of course had to get a picture!
The first book I read of Susan May Warren's was Nothing But Trouble in 2009, the first book in her PJ Sugar series.
The first book I read of Rachel Hauck's was Diva Nashvegas in 2007, which has now been re-titled to Nashville Sweetheart.
I have been a huge fan of these ladies for ten plus years, not just because they write amazing stories that keep me glued to the page, but because they impart spiritual truths in their stories that encourage my heart. Rachel still took a picture with me even though I was wearing a Gator t-shirt. And had Suzie and I not just had breakfast we would've joined Rachel and Susan May at Panera when they asked. Now, I'm kicking myself for not going! We could've had coffee while they ate.
Friday night was the meet and greet. Everywhere I looked there were author's that I've read, some since their first book, and bloggers who I know on social media but hadn't ever met before this weekend.
Jen Turano is as fun and funny as she is in her books. As you can tell from the picture she said something that made me laugh. I've been wanting to meet her since I read her book A Change of Fortune in 2014.
She is a fun and sweet lady and I just loved her pink blouse!
Saturday morning started bright and early. At least for this non-morning person. My alarm didn't go off so I was rushing around like crazy trying to get ready and get downstairs! Thankfully, I was in the hotel where the event took place. WHEW!
Our guest speaker's were Dani Pettrey, Jen Turano, and Rachel Hauck. Each of the ladies talked about the writing process and shared stories that has impacted their writing.
Jen Turano's story about a sister who had contacted her about how the laughter in her books gave her and her sister laughter while she was in the hospital with a terminal illness. For her it was one of the most cherished memories she had of them together. I was a puddle.
We had two panels. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I honestly don't remember much of the morning one, probably because I was still sleepy. The afternoon one was a hoot! The authors were asked questions and had to answer in a character from one of their books. Melissa Tagg had me all confused! I thought she was answering as her heroine but NOPE . . . she was answering as her hero and those answers had me laughing and scratching my head until she said it was her hero.
Take a look at the schedule we had for the day.
After lunch we had a round table type discussion. Each table had a sign stating what that table's discussion would be. I was at the Upside Down Influence table with Stephenia McGee and Megan Whitson Lee. The author's asked us reader's questions about books we choose, what we like in covers, and loads more. It was really fun to hear what they're curious about.
Our swag bag was full literally to the brim! I don't have a picture of all the swag. At the signing I had the author's sign my bag. I thought it would be a great way to promote them as I used it. It also has a zipper!!!
During the signing and breaks I took loads of pictures with author's and bloggers!
Beth Erin from Faithfully Bookish had very tired feet and when I wanted a picture said "you're not going to make me stand again, are you?" So, I did my best to bend down for a picture. :)
As the evening wore on you can see that I'm starting to get tired.
Mikal Dawn is one of my favorite people!! I've just read one of her books but I can't wait for MORE! She is a HOOT and a very caring lady.
Bethany Turner and Eva Marie Everson. Eva Marie and I are both from Casselberry, Florida. So many people have no clue where Casselberry, Florida is so that was loads of fun. And Bethany just makes you laugh!
I was SOOOOO excited to meet Rachel Dixon of Bookworm Mama's blog. Her and her hubby, Zach did our music and not only did they do a wonderful job the songs they chose were just awesome!
Sweet Toni Shiloh who's book is still sitting on my kindle to read. Reader problems 10007! LOL
This picture really sums up the entire weekend! I think Sarah Monzon is right when she says 'that's a lot of personality in this picture.'
I am sure I'd heard of Stephenia McGee before but I didn't remember her so it was fun to meet an author I truly did not know.
4 comments:
It was so fun to meet you too!! Sorry... it really did feel like Panera was closer haha. This is a wonderful post! CFRR was incredible I sincerely hope I can go next year too :)
I love this! And I totally pronounced Mary’s last name the same way until the first CFRR where, fortunately, I heard her introduce herself to someone before I had to introduce her to the group. Lol!
It was a blast meeting and hanging out with you guys, too! I’m glad you liked it. It took me two days to put it together trying to remember everything. Lol
I’m not sure I’ll go next year. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I’m so glad you do, Carrie! Oh, boy, that might have been awkward if you hadn’t heard her pronounce it. I thought it was a fun bit of trivia to include.
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