It was Saturday morning, and I was up much too early considering how late I had gotten to bed, but my excitementΒ for the book fair was enough to keep me wide awake and ready to go.
I arrived right on time,Β and couldn’t wait toΒ seek out my favorite authors. As I walked into the large ballroom, setup with rowsΒ upon rows of tables,Β fully loadedΒ with books, and an author behind each pile,Β I felt like a kid in a candy store.
Suddenly, that overwhelming feeling took hold of me again, as I turned in circles trying to decide where to head to first. All authors were seated in alphabetical order, and the public was even provided an author seating plan to help us find our favorites faster, but my mindΒ literally went blank! Who was I looking for again? My absolute favorites that I knew by heart (including all ofΒ their titles) escaped me, as I realizedΒ I couldn’t even put two words together (this happens to me everytime I walk into a bookstore, too!)
I walked around aimlesssly, and there was that silly grin on my face again. I passed by tables, smiling at all these authors, just hoping to have a spark of memory flicker me back into conciousness. All of a sudden, a ray of light amidst my fog, a hand wavingΒ atΒ me, sparking my mind into high gear again. There was KATHY LOVE. The minute I saw her, all names came back to me! It is safe to assume she was my firstΒ lucid encounter of the day, and I quickly picked up everything new on her table. She graciously signed my books, and I giggled with glee as I continued on my way.
Ahhhh now that my mind was finally working again, I decided to make a plan. First, visit all of my favorite authors to sign the books I already had, and then proceed to purchase all of the new releases that I still didn’t have. Despite the aisles being packed with tons of fans, I managed to meet and speak with all the authors I approached. I also enjoyed meeting some new authors that other fans at the event, had recommended to me. I met up with my favorite authors such as Kerrelyn Sparks, Jeaniene Frost, Adrian Phoenix, and Kathy Love, and found my way to books from authors I had just recently been introduced to such as Terri Garey, Vivi Anna, Jeri Smith-Ready, Stacey Jay, Michele Bardsley and Larissa Ione.
The Romantic Times Convention TOTALLY exceeded my expectations. I will absolutely be attending again!
As you can see,Β IΒ have a TON of new reading to do, and material for my reviews will be plentiful. I will never be bored again!