A Wild Time at Romcon

I am the first to admit, I was terrified about going to Romcon and totally convinced I would hide in a corner. How wrong I was, but in a good way. Turns out there’s a wild woman in me. lol. (or so a wonderful fan named Cyn called me!)

My first night there, I was a shrinking violet, afraid to speak up, but lucky for me I met Parker Kincade and Mandy Harbin. What a wonderful pair of authors. With them so confident, how could I help but follow their lead? Slowly, I began to emerge from my shell. Then I started meeting fans, readers who actually knew my name, and more shocking liked my books. In the face of their enthusiasm, I loosened up. Finally, I was talking to people who didn’t look at me funny when I said I wrote romance. It was so awesome to hear what they had to say and better yet, be myself.

Turns out, myself loves socializing with readers and other authors. I had a marvelous time. I speed dated some fans. I signed books. I chatted up a storm. Along with Shyla Colt and Mandy Harbin we hosted an Amira Press Fun and Games event where I drew the most wicked stick devil and spider (PS if anyone in the crowd got a pic, please send! lol). My most nerve wracking moment was when I sat on an erotic romance panel with Sylvia Day, Cherise Sinclair, Shayla Black and Lauren Dane. I even danced with Heather Graham and Darynda Jones, who has probably labelled me a stalker because I went fan girl on her lol. I sang myself hoarse during the karaoke event and stayed up past my usual bedtime of ten to my husband’s amazement.

Oh, the fun I had at our Amira Press cocktail hour when we had the attending fans tell us a dirty word in exchange for a raffle ticket. I tell you, fans might look shy in some cases on the outside, but they all have a naughty woman inside. And it was great to see them let down their hair, and grin from ear to ear as they said naughty things like cock, and pussy. Hehehe.

I enjoyed a delightful one on one chitchat with a few readers where we discussed some of my books, thought processes and life in general. It was so much fun!

And I gave away tons of swag. Water bottles, knapsacks, can cozies, aprons and books, nobody left Romcon empty handed. I made sure of that lol.

I have to say, if asked to attend again, I won’t hesitate. Not when I know the fun that can be had. Heck, I think I might even submit a proposal or two for events. There was a definite lack of alien love at Romcon that needs rectifying (hint hint to the organizers lol).

If there was one thing I learned from this experience (other than airlines suck at staying on schedule) is that the fear of the unknown is probably the worst part of new experiences. I’m glad I went. Ecstatic I learned that I’m not shy in the right setting and that interacting with romance readers can be a fun, laughter filled experience that left my cheeks sore, my voice hoarse and my memories rich. To even the shyest wallflower, I say, don’t be scared. Go to the next romance conference near you. The friends and adventures and giggles are worth it. And, maybe, like me, you’ll discover there lurks a wild woman inside you too. Maybe we’ll even meet!

I’ve posted a few pics but would love it if those who attended sent me more. I’d love to see Romcon from your point of view and show others the fun they can have at next years.

Until then, happy reading.

Erotic Romance Panel Video!!! Click to watch