RT Convention hang-over #rt2012

OMGosh is all I can say. What a weekend! Not only did I finally meet my bosom "peas and carrots" friends, author Kristie Cook and Chrissi Jackson, I had way too much fun with way too little sleep. I don't know if anyone could have explained to me what I was to encounter at this convention. There were the best of times (being fangirled in the bathroom) and some eye bleaching times (especially during the Scottish fairy costume judging walk). But with an amazing suite (yeah Brogan!) and wonderful company, I have memories that will last a lifetime.

(Krissy, Kristie, and me) (Me and author, Laura Kreitzer)
Once I arrived in Chicago with my 90 pounds of luggage, I felt totally off my game. Thank God for a delightful new friend, Dorothy, who rescued me from going to the wrong hotel who I wouldn't have noticed except her feverish typing as she finished her first novel in the plane. Then I wasn't quite sure what to expect after arriving to the Gangster night late, but I eventually found my groove with Kristie and Chrissi.
Then we were off to the YA slumber party where I pimped my slippers for the contest! I was a runner up and won a cool book, Sirenz.
The next day was seminars and the EXPO where hundreds of authors signed books and ebooks. I had a pretty decent turn out for my first book signing!
Then we raced off for the Scottish ball. I wore pink sparkly fairy wings, my first time ever.
Friday was the roaring 20's gangster night. I came with my flapper dress, gloves, boa, fishnets and too tall shoes. We even made the cover page of RT! (see top photo) Saturday was the HUGE book expo and then an afternoon of panels for readers. I attended "Spark to Flame" with Melissa Marr, Kelly Armstrong, Nancy Holder, Beth Revis, Veronica Roth, Margret Stohl and Cinda Chima. The panel was hilarious and listening to each person's writing schedule and antics made me feel at home. What an amazing group! The evening followed with the Teen Party where I met lots of authors and fans, including J.A. Souders (Renegade), Dawn Rae Miller (Larkstorm), and soon to be published mermaid writer Zoraida Cordova (The Vicious Deep), Debra Driza (MILA 2.0). And Keira Cass of The Selection is just adorable with her bundle of joy in her tummy! It was fun to match a faces with a names of big YA authors.
Sunday was time to go home, only after a scary night of thunder so loud I thought something blew up the building. I couldn't believe the fun was over. The plane ride home was quick, but sad. But the wonderful voices of my kids and kisses from hubby overcame my grief. I will definitely be returning to Kansas City with #RT2013. So fun!!!

I'll leave you with the most important token of wisdom I received on the trip... "to sell more books, you need to be on the best sellers lists!" *wink wink*