Welcome to the 42nd installment of “You’ll Never Believe…”
For those that don’t know what these new featurettes will be about, here is the scoop! “You’ll Never Believe…” will feature the weirdest questions or encounters that authors have been asked/had. Might be about their books or random things, like meetings in a bathroom where someone asked what brand of toilet paper they normally use. Fun stuff and inside scoops that an author would not normally share.
Today’s “You’ll Never Believe…” celebrates the release of Tara Sue Me’s latest book “The Collar: The Submissive Series”. In this one, the author tells us about that time that she was in New Orleans as hurricane Katrina was coming right for them...<— *gasp*
Weirdest thing that happened to me…
In August of 2005, my husband and I had a trip planned to New Orleans. Days before we were to leave, the weather forecasts began mentioning Katrina. At the time, the projected tracks varied in their intensity and probability of landfall. With so much uncertainty surrounding the storm, we decided to continue with our trip.
We live in the South. We’re not ignorant when it comes to hurricanes. Shortly after we were married, our city was hit by Fran and we were without power for a week. But we know these storms are unpredictable, so we felt safe in our decision.
We landed on Thursday and by Friday night, we knew we had to get out. (Though there was that one weatherman who still insisted Katrina was going to turn and hit Texas). Keep in mind, the hurricane wasn’t due to make landfall until Sunday night/Monday morning, we should have had plenty of time to leave. But the airlines cancelled flights leaving New Orleans on Saturday.
Saturday was spent trying to find a way out of New Orleans. Around us, people were boarding up homes and packing cars. Saturday night, the city was nearly deserted. We stayed up until the early hours of the morning thinking surely there had to be a way out. But the airports had been closed for hours, as well as the rental car agencies. There were no public buses to be found. I joked about finding a bicycle.
We woke up Sunday with one thought: GET OUT. The local TV stations were very unhelpful. Where we live, anytime there’s a major storm predicted, the local networks set up phone banks where you can call and get advice on where to go and open shelters are listed. There was nothing of the sort in New Orleans.
By this time, the enormity of the storm was becoming a reality and I’ll admit, I was a bit scared. What if we were stuck in the hotel room for days? Could we even stay in the hotel room? How would we eat? Finally, one station mentioned the Super Dome was opening for residents with disabilities.
“We’re going to the Super Dome,” my husband said. “If nothing else, law enforcement will be there and can help us.”
We took our bags and stopped by the Front Desk to check out. There were six people total in the hotel at that time, there would be four after we left. Determined in our quest to walk to the Super Dome, we stepped in out the front door and immediately stopped. There was a charter bus across the street.
“We’re getting on that bus,” I said. “I don’t care if I have to stand the entire time or sit on the floor. I don’t even care where it’s going, if it’s leaving New Orleans, I’m on it.”
I spoke to the first man I saw and found out the bus had been chartered by an African American church out of Orlando, Florida. They’d made the trip to New Orleans to sing at a sister church. The gentleman I spoke with waved the pastor over to us.
We told him our predicament and he smiled. “I have two empty seats, would you like a ride to Orlando?”
Now for the signed books giveaway!!
We have an exclusive giveaway for 2 signed copies of any of Tara Sue Me’s back list titles (The Submissive, The Dominant, The Training, Seduced by Fire, and The Enticement)
How to enter for a chance to win? Just leave a comment below and by 10pm EST, Sunday July 12th 2015, I will randomly select one winner for the prize above.
The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. These books will be sent to the winner directly by the author/publisher.
Giveaway open to US only however all are welcome to comment!
Thanks for the chance
I have read the first 2 books but not the 3rd yet. Thanks for the chance and all the great information that you provide!
Thanks for a chance to win!!
Wow that’s an amazing story.
I have read the first 4 in the series. Would love to read the next one!!
I would love to read those books!
interesting
This looks like an interesting series. I have not read anything by this author before so I will have to check this out. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
What a story; you were so lucky to get out. I ADORE everything by Tara Sue Me.
Great giveaway!
Thank you for the giveaway. I’ve read a couple of her books but it’s been awhile so this would be great to win:)
Thanks for the giveaway
Thanks so much for the chance!!!
Love your blog!!!!
Hope it is ME !
Great story! Read the first two books and loved them!
Thank you so very much for the chance!!! ♥
Such an awesome series! Thanks for the chance 🙂
Thank you! Looks great!