See you at the RT Booklovers’ Convention! #RT16

Hey everyone! I’m heading to Las Vegas in less than a week for the annual RT Booklovers’ Convention! This is one of my favorites because there’s always so much going on and so many fun ways to meet readers! Here’s all the places where you can definitely find me throughout the week [see my schedule on the RT site] – I hope you’ll stop by and say hello!

 

Tuesday, April 12
Cinema Craptastique
An RT institution! This year our movie madness gets even more Craptastique! Join several of your favorite authors for snark and mayhem as we live-tweet our critiques of a so-awful-it’s-awesome cinematic disaster. (hashtag: #RTCC) Wear your PJs and bunny slippers, and don’t miss our A-list of surprise guests, behind-the-camera Hollywood gossip, prizes, & snacks!
Host(s):
Damon Suede, Cherry Adair, Tere Michaels, Laura Kaye, Amy Lane, Kate McMurray
8:00pm-10:30pm, Brasilia 6

 

Wednesday, April 13
Romantic Suspense: High-Stakes Suspense: Crossing Genres and Thrilling Readers
Suspenseful stories can stand alone or blend with other genres and plot lines to create thrilling cross-genre adventures. This panel of diverse suspense and thriller writers will discuss what writing across genres means for writers and readers; how to balance suspense with other elements, and how crossing genres can raise the stakes, appeal to broader audiences, and thrill readers of all kinds.
Panelist(s):
Heather Graham, Laura Kaye, Laurelin Paige, Donna Grant, James Rollins
11:00am-12:00pm, Conga

Contemporary Romance: Booze & Books X’s 2
Let’s talk billionaires, bikers, bad boys and alphas at a cocktail party to celebrate contemporary romance! Join bestselling authors for chats, giveaways, games and sexy romance…contemporary style. Bigger and Better
Host(s):
Melody Anne, Catherine Bybee, Laura Kaye, Beth Kery, Jennifer Probst, Kristen Proby, Rachel Van Dyken, Megan Mulry, Julie James
4:00pm-5:00pm, Amazon Q

Vintage Vegas Casino Night
Get ready for the ultimate Vegas experience with our opening event that will rival the fanfare, fun and excitement at any casino on the strip! Individual vintage casino lounges will feature authors from each of our sponsors as well as plenty of books and swag to give away.
Collect all nine personalized casino chips (one from each sponsor), and at the end of the night bring them to the RT table to redeem a special Vintage Vegas Romance Casino souvenir.
8:30pm-11:30pm, Brasilia Ballroom: I’ll be at the Avon Romance table/booth from 10:30-11:30pm

 

Thursday, April 14
Churn it Out: Write Fast and Publish Frequently
The panelists from last year’s standing-room only “Writing Fast” are back with more advice on getting high word counts and dealing with deadlines, time management, expectations, and meltdowns. It is possible to write a book in a month — and the need can arise for authors pursuing a serious career in today’s fast-paced publishing world. Join three multipublished authors in a frank discussion where they’ll share practical tips for writing fast, meeting deadlines, and keeping sane.

Panelist(s):
Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Laura Kaye, Rebecca Zanetti
10:00am-11:00am, Tropical A

Bad Boy Bingo!
The bad boys of romance are tortured, tattooed, and too hot to handle! From bikers to rock stars to mafia men, they fight hard and love harder. Join bestselling authors for this scorching event. Win bad boy books and swag in a high-octane game of BAD BOY BINGO. Like any bad boy party, it will be one hell of a ride…
Host(s):
Laura Kaye, CD Reiss, Shari Slade, Skye Warren, Rachel Van Dyken
11:15am-12:15pm, Amazon E

Act Wild: Motorcycle Club Charades
This rough riding game of charades pits your knowledge of biker lingo against your friend’s. Can you act out “bar hopper”? Play hard with bestselling authors of popular motorcycle club romances for the chance to win bestselling biker books and swag. Everyone wins but only one player can be alpha…find out if you make the cut.
Host(s):
Ann Mayburn, Shari Slade, Laura Kaye, Autumn Jones Lake
2:45pm-3:45pm, Amazon J

Tattoos and ‘Tinis
If you love body art and want to add a temporary tattoo from your favorite series, join New York Times Bestselling authors for a party to remember. We’ll have temporary logo and series tattoos, drinks, prizes, books, and giveaways in this body inking Vegas event!
Host(s):
Jay Crownover, Laura Kaye, Carrie Ann Ryan, Rebecca Zanetti, Donna Grant, Kristen Ashley, Lora Leigh, Helena Hunting
4:00pm-5:00pm, Amazon S

 

Friday, April 15
Romantic Suspense: Alpha Heroes and Kick-Ass Heroines: Romantic Suspense Characters That Make Readers Cheer
Romantic suspense is filled with super-hot alphas and kick-ass heroines, but how to craft those three-dimensional characters so readers will cheer for them until the very last page? These best-selling authors will discuss the building blocks of fan-favorite characters, the role of the heroine in romantic suspense, breaking characters stereotypes, balancing character and plot, crossing genres and more!
Panelist(s):
HelenKay Dimon, Laura Kaye, Piper J. Drake (aka PJ Schnyder), Lynn Raye Harris
10:00am-11:00am, Lambada
1001 Dark Nights Sparkler
1,001 Dark Nights is setting off fireworks! Come join us for a toast, some nibbles and fab swag. Mix and mingle with the brightest lights in the contemporary and paranormal genres while you learn their secrets and win prizes at this starstudded event — hosted by the 1,001 Dark Nights co-creators, M.J. Rose and Liz Berry.
12:20pm-1:20pm, Brasilia 7

From Big Dreams to the New York Times List
New York Times bestsellers share their journeys from aspiring author with big dreams to hitting the New York Times list for the very first time. These authors will discuss what strategies they pursued to build their careers, why they think their book hit the bestseller lists, and tips for being successful in an increasingly competitive market.
Panelist(s):
Laura Kaye, Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Cora Carmack, Jennifer Probst
1:30pm-2:30pm, Tropical E

Bling It On: The Avon Reader Party at RT Booklovers Las Vegas
Ladies, put on your most shimmering bling and prepare to help Avon celebrate its 75th Anniversary with a dazzling author/reader extravaganza in Las Vegas! Join us as we celebrate the Diamonds of Romance — Avon’s beloved authors…past, present and future! The event will also feature luminary authors from Epic Reads, joining to sign and celebrate with us! The books will be bountiful, the multifaceted array of sparkling authors will sign and pose for snaps, and sweet treats will be scattered like gems across the ballroom. Liquid libations will be served, compliments of Little Black Dress wine, so attendees can raise a toast to our authors and Avon’s storied history at this exclusive anniversary celebration!
4:00pm-5:30pm, Amazon A

 

Saturday, April 16
Giant Book Fair – I’ll be signing Hard to Let Go, Hard Ever After, and America’s First Daughter!
10:30am-2:00pm, Pavilion Ballroom

Fan-Tastic Day Party – I’ll be there from 6:45 – 7:30!
6:00pm-7:30pm, Amazon A
Hope to see you there!
Laura