The HEA Cafe

It’s the silly season again, which means conventions and conferences are in full bloom. But there is none more silly, nor more worthwhile, than the Romantic Times BOOKlover’s Convention. And no, it’s not the cover models. It’s the readers. The booksellers. The chance to connect in person with authors you’ve only emailed over the years. It’s the readers.

Okay, the cover models help.

I directly credit RT for my career. I directly credit them with putting this then-small/e-press author in touch with NY authors, who in their delightful generosity, inquired as to my career and how they could help.

Okay, it was Robin Owens. Mega-smoochies to an author who is not only a superb storyteller but one class act. Without Robin’s intervention (it was over drinks in the bar–why does that NOT surprise anyone?) I’d not be a happy Bantam author today.

But it’s also Cathy Clamp and Susan Grant. J.C. Wilder (Gawd, I love that woman!) and Janet Miller. Colby Hodge. Isabo Kelly. Susan Kearney. Catherine Asaro. Bonnie Vanak. CT Adams, Rowena Cherry and Stacey Klemstein. Liddy Midnight, Denise Agnew, Lynne Connolly, Cindy Dees and Rae Monet. Christina Skye, Jade Lee… the list is endless. Do you notice the mix of NY and small pressies? Ain’t that great?

RT is an author- and reader-fest. Egos are left outside and butterscotch martinis make dozens of friends. To me, it’s simply the best party on the planet.

This year marks author Lisa Shearin’s first RT. (What? You haven’t read her? Get thee to a bookstore!) Ann Aguirre will also be on my Science Fiction and Fantasy Romance panel. Her Grimspace will knock your readerly socks off.

Wednesday at 3:30pm is the (second) opening of my Intergalactic Bar & Grille. Bigger and better than last year. Ever wanted to be in the cantina scene in Star Wars? Don’t miss this party.

My flight heads out Sunday morning as, along with Stacey Klemstein, I’m teaching several workshops at the pre-con writer track. If you’re there, come say hey. If you’re not, mark your calendar for next year’s RT in Orlando.

It only gets better.

~Linnea

Linnea Sinclair
www.linneasinclair.com 
RITA(c) Award Winning SF Romance from Bantam Spectra
2007-08: GAMES OF COMMAND,  THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES, SHADES OF DARK 

Coming 2009: HOPE’S FOLLY