Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Romantic Times in Orlando

I'm on the move again! Today I'm blogging over at MyHumbleOpinion sharing a scene that almost didn't make it into VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Be sure to leave a comment or question there for a chance at TJ's monthly goodie basket!



Today, as promised, I'm sharing my RT Convention experience. As you can see from the pic above, the Orlando Wyndham was a lovely place--peaceful, serene, the only riot was in the profuse plantings of azaleas, magnolias and begonias. But if you go inside the Convention Center, it was a whole different animal.

You might just see a pirate kissing a mermaid in the hall outside of Club RT. And inside the club, you could chat with your favorite authors, shop for jewelry and "convention" clothes (lovely shawls and such), have your sketch drawn by an artist who was totally entertaining when he talked and fascinating when he drew, or visit with the companies who offered author promo services.


My roommate, NY Times Bestseller Bobbi Smith sponsored a photo op for S.O.S. (Save Our Soldiers) You could get your picture taken with the hunks who were competing in the Mr. Romance Contest, sponsored by Dorchester Publishing. These guys were not only fine to look upon, they were genuinely nice. (More about them tomorrow!)

After the sun went down, you could dance the night away. At the Vampire Ball, a seriously pregnant gal got up and led the crew in a hysterical rendition of Michael Jackson's THRILLER! (Pay no attention to the date stamp on this photo. That's only one of the many things I don't understand about the camera I was using!)

And you didn't have to be a 20-something to rock the house. The cute vampire on the right is 83 years young! You should have seen them in their fairy costumes! (I was unfortunately having a fight the camera the night of the Fairy Ball. Anyone who has picks from then, please send me some! emily (at) emilybryan.com No spaces. Thanks!)

But one of the biggest thrills of my week was meeting a couple of my "blog touristas." Here are Jane L and Maureen (aka 2nd Chance). What a treat! Jane wore my VEXING THE VISCOUNT button all week and I swear, she spoke to everybody at the convention about my books. Who needs a PR firm when you've got friends like that! Love ya, girls! (Oh! And they both pitched their WIPs and got requests from editors and agents! Woohoo!)


More tomorrow. Please remember to visit me at MyHumbleOpinion today!

10 comments:

Nynke said...

Ah, thanks for grstifying my curiosity about the convention! I love the pictures - wonder if the kissing pirate and mermaid dressed that way because theyr were a couple or hooked up that day becuase their costumes matched? ;)
And 80-year-old vampires, so cool :). And opictures of Jane L and Maureen, nice - at yay for their offers!
I'm looking forward to the rest!

Nynke

EmilyBryan said...

I think the pirate was one of the Ellora's Cavemen. The mermaid was one of the female models who interacted with the Mr. Romance Contestants on stage. She's also a coloratura soprano. (Gorgeous, sings, if she had legs and could dance, we'd have to shoot her!LOL!)

I'll be posting more pics later in the week!

Maureen said...

Ah shucks! Ya gots me in me pajamas! Me favorite pajamas... I gots ta let Kathi know ya gots one a' 'er with the guys on yer site...

Was a pleasure meetin' ya and chattin' so much. And aye, always good ta have the PR firm of Jane, Jane and Jane on yer side!

Rachel E. Moniz said...

Hi Emily!

I'm so glad to see that you had a great time!
I am sad that i missed this year's but am planning to go to Ohio next year for it.
Can't wait to read tomorrow's blog!

Rachel

LuAnn said...

I visited your interview at In My Humble Opinion. It was the first time I'd been to that site and really enjoyed it. She has some great entries! Thanks.

Tricia Leigh Wood said...

Emily, I was there and I have to agree it was alot of fun in addition to insightful and enlightening.

For any newbie writer out there looking to learn a few things about the craft and industry of publishing, I highly reccommend Judi McCoys, aspiring writing class next year.

It was great meeting you Emily.

Judith Leger said...

Wow, looks like you're having a blast. Love the Orlando area, it's so beautiful. Wish I could have gone this year. Maybe next, though, if anything just to check out the hotties, LOL! Have fun, sweetie!

Cheeky Girl said...

It was so nice to meet you at the conference! I took your workshop and loved it - then had to buy your book. :)

I'm already halfway through and it's fantastic! Jane wearing yoru button all week helped remind me exactly what book I wanted to buy at the book fair! She and Maureen are great - gotta love them.

Sabrina

Jane L said...

OK! No more credit to me!! Its all Emily!! She wrote such great books, it is so easy to want to support her!! She also is a wonderful mentor to aspiring writers! I am so proud to call her my friend! She is an amazing lady and SHE deserves the credit!! I have pictures for you Emily as soon as I figure out how to send them LOL!!!

EmilyBryan said...

Maureen--Have you got a pic of you and Jane L in your Fairy Ball costumes? They were adorable and my camera was on the fritz that night.

Rachel--Glad you're going to make it to Columbus.

LuAnn--Thanks for popping over to IMHO!

Tricia--I'm glad you enjoyed Judy's class. I wish I'd been able to speak to that group too. I was part of the Rejection panel, but that's it. Guess I should talk to Judy before next year.

Judith--Lots of folks are starting to save now for next year. RT is a blast!

Sabrina--I'm so glad you are enjoying VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Honestly, that little button I gave Jane was the best PR I did all week! She was terrific.