As PA to author Kristin Clark, she graciously invited me to attend the BHL Author Signing. It was a book nerd’s paradise. At check in I was given a name tag since I was there in my PA capacity. Imagine my surprise when the lovely hostess, Derinda Love, asked for my name and then said the most fantastic, awesome words I would here that weekend…"you’re Lynn Shaw." "I know you." "I see your promos everywhere." Derinda doesn’t know this but I went back to the table with Kristin and was as giddy as a school girl. OMG, people know me. It was confirmation that all my pimping was not for nothing. (For those not familiar I PA for several authors and promote like a mad woman!)
I was in awe sitting in this conference center surrounded by award winning authors. Picture me hyperventilating once I realized R.K. Ryals was setting up directly behind us. So close in fact our chairs touched. Yeah, I know. Awesome! It didn’t stop there. Across from R.K. Ryals sat the stunning Cameo Renae. And next to her Cambria Hebert, one of Kristin's favs. Located at the entrance was the fabulous Stacey Rourke and... wait for it…Tara Freakin Brown! The A Listers did not stop there. Rue Volley, the author of Hellhound, was in attendance. Did you know her book has been made into a movie? Check it out @ https://www.facebook.com/hellhoundthemovie. Kristin had a huge fan girl moment when meeting her!
There was also J. R. Roper, Mary Ting, Genna Rulon, Karina Espinosa, Christie Cote, Danielle Bannister, Elizabeth Sharpe and KF Breene. I know. Take a minute to let it all sink in. Most of these fine authors I have "met" in passing on Facebook, but this marked my first face to face. Where do I begin... Mary Ting has so many great books I don't know where to start. Karina and Christie are just too adorable for words. Genna Rulon and J.R. Roper....HOT. The multi talented Elizabeth Sharpe; when does this woman sleep. Danielle Bannister has these fantastic blogger gift bags full of goodies for me to share with all of you. And KF Breene introduced me to my next TBR series.
I had to sit back and take it all in. Wow. Here sat a small town girl surrounded by her rock stars. Since I previously had the pleasure of meeting Stacey Rouke, I started with her. Can I just say what a little fashionista she is! Stacey is the “cool chick” in the room. Everyone gravitates to her and if they didn’t she photo bombed them later that weekend anyway.
Next on my checklist, Tara Freakin Brown. Yep. That’s what I call her. Sweetest chick I ever met. Nothing like what I expected. Based on the volume of books Tara puts out each year, I expected her to be glued to her laptop and have no time for a fangirl like me. Boy was I wrong! Tara Brown is insanely funny, friendly, and such a sweetie. Talking to her was so easy. She graciously signed all of the books I brought with me from her #1 Fan, Cheree Castellanos. Then she signed a copy of her new release Blood & Bone as a gift for Cheree. Did I mention how generous she is?
My fun did not stop there. By now I had enough confidence in myself to not act like a complete idiot so I made my way over to R.K. Ryals. How cute is she? She reminds me of pixie. I am still not convinced that she didn’t have some fairy dust in her pockets. Regina (yeah we are on a first named bases now) oozes southern charm. I bet if I lived near her she would invite me over to eat boiled peanuts and drink sweet tea on her back porch. That is just how nice she is.
The gorogeous Inger Iverson was in attendance. I love her Few Are Angels series. Book 1 is free is you are interested in checking her out. http://www.amazon.com/Few-Are-Angels-Volume-1-ebook/dp/B0086Z2KT0
(See, I cannot stop pimping)
I bought my first book based on the hotness of the author. Shallow I know but if I am being honest, it’s true. I first noticed J.R. Roper as the hot guy in the corner. The final selling point was his book sounded really interesting (think kids version of National Treasure with a mini Nic Cage) and I do love to read YA. He is happily married and I did restrain myself in case his wife is wondering! His book The Hunter Awakens is on sale October 1-5 and is definitely worth checking out. http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Awakens-Morus-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00LLPLP5W. I am currently reading it and will post a review on my blog soon.
I loved talking to HD Smith and her table mate Ceci Giltenan about their beautiful covers. Next to their table was the lovely Tarah Scott. All of the wonderful ladies generously donated to the blog. Some items will be included in the rafflecopter with this post and others will be included in a Christmas or New Year's Rafflecopter.
Everyone at this event was very approachable, nice and interactive with the fans and other authors. No divas here! I loved the comradery and true friendships I could see between the authors. This is the first event I have attended that I was a part of and not just a spectator. Everyone was welcoming and supportive of my new blog. I cannot say thank you enough to the authors that took the time to talk to me and donate to the blog.
Before I close, I want to say a humongous THANK YOU to Kristin Clark for taking a chance on trusting her stalker to be her PA, for having faith in a complete stranger and then inviting that stranger to share a hotel room with her. I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me and just know I will always be your #1 Stalker.
Love and hugs to everyone from BHL and I cannot wait to see you all next year. Thank you for the support and accepting this small town girl into your rock star world.
***Rafflecopter located below slideshows.