SUNDAYS WITH SHARON: Romantic Times Convention and what I learned.
I’ve filled my calendar with travel this year, and have loved meeting new readers and getting to meet face to face with readers I’ve seen only online. I think writers in general are a giving people, always helping each other. This convention’s good will and positive energy starts from the top. Kathryn Falk and Ken Rubin, who run this with their stable of wonderful volunteers, share the same caring and positive attitude. Makes such a difference to me as a writer, to be in the company of people who like being with each other.
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| My Hunky Heroes quilt raffle. |
I learned I could travel with wine in my boots – literally. What a great way to store these bottles. We had 2, and I sent the other 2 home to my pirate and his lovely wife to enjoy.My quilt was a hit, and the lovely Kathryn Falk won the raffle. We raised $323, which will be sent to the UDT/Navy SEAL Museum in Ft. Pierce, Florida when I get back Monday. Thank you everyone who donated.
I wrote myself into a box a bit with my timing, and so didn’t get in on the parties much this year. I think that was a mistake I made, and next time, I think I’ll stay more involved. Even J.D. said I should have tried riding the mechanical bull. I know some line dancing, and I think I could have brought a costume. So, next time, that’s what I’ll do. I still didn’t get all the writing I wanted to do, and I missed some great get-togethers. But I also got some much-needed words down, and had a nice balance between meeting fans and getting re-connected with my writer peeps. This was a measured trip, not throw all caution to the winds. But that’s the way I wanted it. Focused. Maybe next year I’ll let my hair down a bit more…who knows….
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| Sylvia Day and Karin Tabke at RT |
My storyteller, J.D. Hart, came to help me, and what a Godsend he was. Not only physically helped me with the books and SWAG for the book signing, but was there to meet readers and help me sell my brand. Came all the way from Nashville with his pirate outfit, which was awesome. We got a lot of attention with his unique brand of eye candy at my side, and helped make this convention a success for me.
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| View from The Tower at Dallas Hyatt Regency – it revolves! |
Now, as I sit here and look out my early morning window, thunder and lightning brightening the sky (and yes, drowning out the couple next door again…lol…did a whole FB post on this last night), I’m just very grateful I get to spend so much time doing what I love to do: being a full time writer.
Being successful does mean you have to write good stories. But without getting out there to promote them, and be a face behind the stories, even a good writer will falter. It’s a joy to be able to support our family with something I love so much. My goal is to retire my husband within 3 years, after his many many long years of hard work. And to leave a legacy of great stories hopefully generations to come will enjoy.
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| The pirate and me at the book signing |
Thanks for being on the journey with me.
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| Military Tribute with fans and Susan Stoker |
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| Boots package wine quite well! |
Loved seeing all the pics. So glad you had a good time. It was so nice to see JD there. Keep up the happy collaboration
Thanks so much, Julie! We aim to!
You looked liked you had fun. Loved JD's custome. He really needs to come help you at RAGT & bring that awesome costume. You made me laugh last night over the neighbors so glad you shared
Have a safe trip home,
Thanks, Karen. Yes, the couple was at it again this morning, but I thought maybe that was TMI. They obviously came to this hotel with one thing in mind. Come to think of it, I used to do that too!!
Are you bringing wine in your boots to RAGT lol ?? I love that picture
Thank you Sharon for sharing your pictures with us, looked like a lot of fun. I wish I could have been there. I love the positive energy of places filled with people who love books as much as I do.
Eniko, you would have loved it. The smaller cons are great for intimate get togethers with authors, but the big ones just go over the top. Nice thing is they form book clubs and reader groups here, and you get to see literally hundreds of authors. Not that you can talk to all of them. I don't do the signing to sell books, really. I go there to get noticed, to be the person behind my stories. Next time! Something to save for!
Loving all the great pic and seeing you having a wonderful time, Sharon.
Safe journey home. xxoo
Thanks so much, Gayle. I'd love to come to Canada too and see you! Will have to look out for those opportunities in 2016. A lot of your fave authors were here too. Exhausted, though, but well worth the trip. And it felt good to auction off the quilt and send money to the Navy SEAL Museum. I must edit my post to add that. Forgot!
Ahoy Sharon! Thank you for the most wonderful experience at the RT Convention. It was a peak experience for me. I loved watching your fans adore you. You were so kind and generous to everyone whom you met. Thank you for allowing me to play a part in your amazing life and career. Thank you for sharing your gift and talent with the world. You just bring out the pirate in me. Safe travels home my dearest friend. xoxox
Ahhh, my pleasure, my pirate prince. You are what brings the true romance of my stories to all my deserving listeners. It was indeed wonderful to get to share a little piece of my slice of life with you, and to honor your amazing talent and our incredible friendship. You are part of my success, and always will have a big piece of my heart! Thanks again for selflessly coming to support and care for me. You are the most awesome friend a person could ever have…
JD I'm hoping to see you at RAGT with Sharon and in that awesome costume. You two looked like you were having a ball
Oh I wish he was going to RAGT! It would be so much fun. The invitation is open, my pirate prince. This will be my first time there. I'm going to go scope it out, and then perhaps next year I can twist his arm…he was awesome at Dallas. Well, anywhere…
Thanks for sharing the fun, and congratulations on the donation! Godspeed.
THANK you so much, Judy. It was great fun and wonderful connecting with so many readers.
Great pictures! So glad you had a wonderful time with your fans and colleagues. Congratulations on the auction of your quilt which I have no doubt will be dearly treasured! Another wonderful picture of you and JD. You both look wonderful. So jealous I can never go to these amazing events. Wishing you a safe journey home 🙂 xoxoxoxo
Wish you could come too, Conchita. Praying for some healing to allow that. Or, perhaps I'll have to visit you in Spain. You take care yourself.