The Faces Behind the Writing

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to go to a Writers' Conference? Well, let me tell you.
It's a blast! Especially if you're like me and love to be around people. I LOVE to be around people. Especially people who I love.
And a room full of authors is definitely full of people I love.
But a lot of these people were extra special to me because we've worked together either as collaborators in a collection or as editor/author. And quite a few of them I had never met in real life.
So, let me tell you. Hugs abounded. Even my friend Heather Greer, who claims to not like hugs, gave me at least six while we were together over three days. Bliss!
That's right. I'm a people person and a hugger too. 
Of course, I had my favorite people around me too. Heather Greer, Erin Howard, Regina Merrick, Sarah Anne Crouch, Rachel Herod, Jennifer Burrows, and Linda Fulkerson. I'd met all of those in real life and they're some of my best friends.
This trip, I got to see Tonya Ashley (her books are so sweet, y'all!) for the first time in years. I also met in real life for the first time too many to count, but of the ones I have edited, Jenny Carlisle, Linda Dindzans, Terri Wangard, Donna Wichelman, Christina Rost, and Lori DeJong. Y'all! My heart is so full.
I'd seen them on screen at zoom meetings. We'd talked quite a bit through editing and emails. But to be in the same room was just a sneak of what heaven will be. We're too spread out right now!
So, if you've ever wondered what it's like when a bunch of authors get together. Let's just say, those like me are going around hugging and chatting. Others are chatting a bit with those nearest them because they're more introverted. And we all make fun comments about books and reading and take selfies together.
These are some of the faces behind the books. And I couldn't be more delighted to call them friends.
Have you ever hung out with a bunch of authors before? Did any of this surprise you?