A Different Kind of Storm
A raucous thunderstorm rolled through drought-ridden San Antonio, Texas last night. The wicked beast sat right on top of me while it dumped bucketsful of much needed rain. Lightning lit the room in sizzling flashes, and thunder boomed, not only rattling the windows, but literally shaking my bed and knocking out the internet (I am currently at a Starbucks trying to post this).
It’s been awhile since I’ve experienced a good ‘ole Texas-size storm. A fitting welcome to my return to town since, strange as it may sound, I’ve always found this sort of weather rather comforting. For me, it’s the best time to curl up with a good book and some delicious chocolates.
Speaking of books, there’s another wild storm about to roll into San Antonio next week, bringing with it a hail of authors, a downpour of books and some serious fun for the nearly three thousand attendees. Romance Writers of America’s thirty-fourth annual book conference will take place at the Marriott Hotel along the beautiful downtown Riverwalk July 22 – 27. I volunteered to hold court…ahem…work (this is called work?) the registration desk on Tuesday from 3-7. I get to meet and greet the attendees while handing out registration packets. I can hardly wait!
My start of the conference will begin a bit earlier in the day, however—during the ten o’clock hour to be exact, when I’ll be a guest on The Living Show which airs on WOAI TV Channel 4, an NBC affiliate.
I had been a guest on the show for several years running where we talked about things pertaining to the wellbeing center I had founded right here in River City.
During this visit, we’ll be discussing books and more books. When Shelly Miles, the show’s host, and I discussed the format, something felt missing. Suddenly, I knew what it was: San Antonio is a military town. There’s a military language school here, pilots are trained at Randolph Air Force Base, boot camp is conducted in another area of town, and Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a level one trauma center is a renowned burn center where wounded soldiers are brought in from all over the world for treatment. Their families gathering around them seek shelter in places like Fisher House.
Since my Firebird sister, Heather Ashby, writes wonderful military romance, and donates part of her royalties to the Fisher House, it seemed only fitting that she be included as a guest author on the show as well. Our host, Shelley, a huge supporter of the military presence here in San Antonio, was delighted to have Heather as a guest.
So Miss Ashby, grab your books, your super-fun attitude, and get ready for a great time! If any of you happen to be around, we’d love for you to tune in to The Living Show on Tuesday morning at ten on WOAI TV, Channel Four. Cheer us on as we kick off the week. We promise you, things won’t be boring!
