I went to my first GRL last week, and I'm so glad I finally got to go. I've wanted to for years—in 2020, I was finally able to make plans to go, but then the pandemic hit and GRL was obviously canceled. It took two more years, but I finally made and as a Spotlight Author. I had a fantastic time and I loved meeting so many readers! Here's a little recap:
On Thursday morning, I did a Q&A panel on the theme Great Escape with other paranormal/fantasy/urban fantasy authors AR Moler, Drea Roman, and Tempeste O'Riley. We got so many great questions about our books and inspiration, what got us started writing and what's next for us. We were also asked about books in our genre that we love or that inspire us...which is a question that immediately makes me forget every book I've ever read! I came up with a few (and of course, remembered more once the panel was over!), so expect a blog post in the next couple of weeks about fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal romance books that I enjoy to make up for my horrific memory during the panel.
On Friday morning, I had my Author Lounge. I set up my table and hoped that some people would stop by... So many of you stopped by! I loved talking to everyone who came by, whether they had read all my books or were just discovering them. So many readers said lovely things about my books, and I, of course, am always shocked and awkward with compliments, but I'm absolutely thrilled and blown away and honored by all the things you said and that you've enjoyed by stories and characters and worlds.
I attended some other authors' panels, which were interesting and fun and allowed me to listen to some of my favorite authors. It's always an amazing experience to be surrounded by other readers and authors and all the joy and excitement about the books we all love. And, I managed not to get killed by the murder elevator (that thing was really trying to take one of us out).
I finished up with Saturday's morning book signing (unfortunately, I couldn't stay past then because I had to work the day job on Sunday). Thank you so much to everyone who bought books or stopped by my table to chat and pick up a bookmark or card. It was wonderful to meet you all, and I hope you enjoy your books! And huge thanks to my mom, who came to GRL with me and joined me as my book signing assistant and for walks around Portsmouth's historic district and for great pizza and seafood. Spending some mom/daughter time made GRL even better.
Hopefully, I'll be able to attend GRL again next year!
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