I'm baaaaa-aaaaack

I have to say, I had an absolute blast at RomantiCon. There's something rejuvenating about hanging out with authors and readers...even though we kept ridiculous hours. Rooming with Kelly Kirch and Suzanne Graham was wild to say the least, but also a ton of fun.

I also finally got to meet Regina Carlysle, Tessie Bradford, Barbara Huffert, Koko Brown and Cheryl Dragon - five of the most awesome women on the planet. And I hung out with the amazing Desiree Holt, Anny Cook, Cindy Spencer Pape, M.A. Ellis, Tilly Greene, Isabelle Drake and of course, Kaenar Langford.

I also had my very first book signing. It was a little hairy for a while. My books didn't make it over from the warehouse with everyone else's, but the staff sent someone back there so I had them about an hour before the signing ended which was wonderful. I was so bummed when it looked like the signing wasn't going to happen, but EC came through! And...they all sold out in that last hour. It was so cool! However, I forgot to keep out a copy for myself...because I'm just that clever. But I should be getting my author copies soon.

I've been so crazy-busy, I don't think I've even posted the cover for the print book. Magic's Embrace has all three Torrid Tarot stories in it - I Put a Spell on You, Ronan's Grail and Mystic Circle. When my author copies arrive, I'll be running a contest to give away a copy, so check back for details.

Okay, back to work. I'm so far behind, it's not even funny.

Pittsburgh...day four

It’s a whole ‘nother world here in Pittsburgh, but I’m having a great time. What I’ve seen of the city is really cool. We’ve been shopping in Station Square, out to eat in several nifty little restaurants and I’ve met scads of authors, publishers, readers and cover models. (Margaret, I’ve got the scoop on the guy you think is hot. We must talk!)

I’ve met so many wonderful people - Claire from Total-e-bound is absolutely delightful with a wicked, wicked sense of humor. Kelly Kirch is just as hilarious and sweet as I knew she would be. Anny Cook is an absolute doll and her House Hunk is pretty fantastic, too. Judith Rochelle is an amazing bundle of energy and wisdom and Kaener Langford is an adorable wild woman. I also met Barbara Vey of Publishers Weekly. She’s so much fun and seriously, this woman has the best toys. No…not those kind! Honestly, people…

Anyway, I had my first book signing last night – well, cover flat signing, really, but it was still exciting. I was nervous as hell, But fellow EC author Tilly Greene kept me company…and kept me from freaking out. She is so sweet and insightful and I really appreciate her kindness and advice. In addition to the signing, last night was also the Ellora’s Cave party. Because of my dress, I was forced to break my nineteen year pantyhose free streak. I was bitter. I became more bitter still when I realized I’d be forced to also wear heels. Stupid dress.

I had to do the stage walk with one of the Caveman cover models. Silly me, I was so nervous about a big public introduction, I can’t even remember which model escorted me. He was really nice though and didn’t even flinch when I mentioned that I might throw up on him – lol.

Tonight is the Under the Sea Fairy Ball – I’ll try to have a report tomorrow and hopefully pictures too!

Tuesday in Pittsburgh

Yep...the little girlie in the polyester 70s nightmare on Sandra Cox's blog was me. The blonde behind me is my Aunt Malita, who is by far the coolest aunt ever. She taught me all kinds of nifty things as a kid...how to read tarot cards, how to make a purse out of an old pair of blue jeans and she also let me help her make jewelry. She used to be a silversmith. I still have all of the pieces she made me.

I'm writing this from Pittsburgh. I'm in a hotel room with Brynn Paulin, Lacey Thorn and Cindy Spencer Pape. We drove down from from Michigan yesterday and even stopped at the Ellora's Cave offices in Ohio on the way through. They showed us the printing process and the giant snake (seriously - biggest damn snake I've ever seen.)

Today, Cindy will be headed to a different room and Carol Lynne will be joining us. And today I finally get to meet Kelly Kirch and Anny Cook - I'm soooooooooooo excited!!! Now Brynn and I are off to find Pittsburgh Pirates T-shirts for our kids.

Things that make February less hideous

Vitamin D and sun lamps. I feel normal again and nearly peppy again. I'm not saying I'm ready to start an exercise regime or anything, but it's lovely to crawl out of my morose little oubliette.

The nice girl down the street. She's been shoveling my sidewalk because she thought I could use a hand and she has started an exercise regime.

Saying "no." I have a terrible habit of overextending myself because I can't say no. Well, it's taken a while, but I've started saying no about some things. There's still some residual guilt, but I'm getting over it.

Reading. I don't get as much time to read as I'd like. Something about multiple jobs and poor time management skills, but I've read two books lately that I'd like to take a minute to flog.

Time for Love by Kelly Kirch. I'll admit, I've never been a fan of regency romances, however, Kelly has changed all that - at least where her books are concerned. I loved watching Blake and Sarah fight for their HEA. The last part pf the book had me on the edge of my seat wondering how Kelly was going to get her characters out of the nightmare she'd thrown them into and one scene in particular had me in tears...but I'm not going to spoil it by saying which one. I will say that if you want a great read with a completely sastifying ending, do yourself a favor and read Time for Love!

Incubus by Brynn Paulin. This was another winner. Sizzlingly hot from beginning to end and emotionally wrenching - what could be better? The depth of despair both Val and Noah experienced as well as their intense love and the life or death crisis they find themselves in make this a whirlwind read not to be missed. I loved tis book! Seriously...read it- you won't be sorry!

Catching Up

Feels like forever since I blogged - oh wait, it has been.

Let's see...Friday we had another snow day so there were lots of preadolescents and adolescents in my house all day. Well, actually there were only five, but it sure seemed like more at the time.

Saturyday was my oldest's soccer game (indoor in a freezing cold ice rink) and they played a team of cyborgs - either that or David Beckham is running a training camp in rural Michigan. Yeah, I thought the cyborgs seemed more likely, too.

Sunday, my sister and her partner brought me daffodils because they know how much I hate February. They're so pretty - all yellow and sunny. They cheered me up even after I lost my battle with gravity and tumbled down the basement stairs while trying to lug up laundry.

Note to self: Next house must have a dishwasher and main floor laundry facilities. Sigh...I'm such a klutz.

I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to Dakota Rebel who's first book Sweet Dreams released today.

I also wanted to say THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU to the fabulous Kelly Kirch for her awesome book review of Mystic Circle.

And last but not least...the Eternally Yours Contest starts tomorrow!

Eternally Yours Contest

What could you spend an eternity doing? What is your passion? Your hunger? Your deepest desire? Each day beginning February 5 and running through February 14 one of the ten authors will complete the line, "My darling I could spend eternity…" on either their blog or website. Collect all ten answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with Eternally Yours in the subject line to win some hot, romantic books. There will be three lucky Valentine winners.

The prizes –1st prize--5 books

2nd prize--3 books

3rd prize--2 books

Entries must be in by February 16 at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Sandra Cox Silverhills
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute For the Goddess
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone
Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Anny Cook Honeysuckle