Congratulations to Ali’s winner, Ivy (comment #7)! To claim your prize, please email your name and address to ak AT alisonkent.com (replace AT with @ sign).
During the weekend of RomCon, reader Ali Flores, known as SimplyAli on Twitter, tweeted several times from the convention floor, and I sent her a DM to ask if she’d like to do a blog post when she got back . . . and here it is! With a giveaway!
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A week after RomCon and I think I’ve finally got my energy back. It always takes me a bit to get things back to normal after a convention. And, what a convention this was! I was so excited to attend RomCon’s first convention in Denver, Colorado. This convention is specifically for romance readers and celebrates the romance genre with chats, games, fun and all presented by romance readers, published authors, publishers, and other experts on the genre. One of the best parts of this trip? I got to go with my cousin, who’s never attended a romance convention of this size. Another great part to attending this convention? More books… so much so, that I’ll be doing a giveaway at the end of this post.
So Many Books, So Little Room in the Suitcase!
I was up early Friday morning to help volunteer at the RomCon registration table. It was an interesting experience for me and my cousin as we got to help and meet many authors as they registered for the event. Afterwards, I got to attend some fun and interesting events all throughout the day. Among the many events they had available for readers to choose from, I went to: Anti-Heroes You Hate to Love, Author Fairy Godmothers to the Rescue!, Contemporary Spotlight Authors Host A Tea, and Meet Samhain Publishing.
At Anti-Heroes You Hate to Love, there were many different authors and they took turns meeting groups of readers as authors went from table to table, two at a time. Readers at my table got to speak with authors such as Meagan Hatfield, Cindy Gerard, Carolyn Crane, Nalini Singh and many more on topics from bittersweet endings to heroes who do bad things for good reasons (heroes doing bad things, now that sounds hot, lol).
Meal tickets were available for purchase, aside from the basic registration fee. Friday’s dinner included a speech by author Lori Foster, a comedic skit by Charming and Dashing, and the Readers’ Crown Awards. And what’s a reader’s convention without some party and dance? Later on, there was a Costume Ball and dance with live music. I got to see some beautiful and lavishly done costumes that quite outshone my red dress and angel wings.
Cover Models DO Have More Fun!
Don’t fret though, if dancing isn’t your thing (as it’s quite not mine with two left feet), RomCon made sure to keep you busy with some of the other events being held at the same time: Q&A Author Chat/Mix & Mingle – Erotic Romance Authors, Mini-Mystic Fair, and Melissa Mayhue & Friends Blogger/Reviewer Party. I got to attend the Blogger Party and had fun seeing other bloggers and readers I had known from either their blogs or on Twitter. I also got my cards read at the Mini-Mystic Fair… good things will be coming my way, if only I remember to focus. Hm, now that’s a tough one, lol.
Saturday morning, my friends and I went down for breakfast. We got a chance to speak with authors Lavinia Kent, Michele Chambers and Lila DiPasqua. It was nice to meet these authors in a very casual setting. From breakfast I missed the next set of events and instead decided to walk around to the vendor center, where among all the different booths of purses (wanted to buy), jewelry (had to buy), fudge (who in their right might could not buy?) and other interesting things was Waldenbooks! Yes, I’m addicted to books and proud to admit it.
Events I got to attend Saturday were: Monsters & More Semi-Charades, Intimate Chat with Anna Campbell, Historical Spotlight Authors Tea, Cocktail Hour & HCI Line Launch for Vows! and Midnight Sexcapades. I had an absolute ball at Monsters & More Semi-Charade as I sat in a round table with about four other readers and taking turns giving clues as to what the secret word was. The authors hosting this event went from table to table about every five minutes trying to help readers win. While my table didn’t get first place (and it probably didn’t help that I’m so bad at this game, lol) everyone who attended did get a chance to go away with a book from hosted authors.
The only Intimate Chat I got to attend during this convention was that of author Anna Campbell. It really was an intimate chat, as only about ten readers were present in a small conference room with the author. It gave us a chance to speak with the author about herself and her books. The only downside to this was that talk of Ms. Campbell’s books made me want to go out and buy any I didn’t already have in my collection. Ms. Campbell was an absolute hoot as she joked with us and answered any and all questions we had.
Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak, Carly Phillips
In between these events, RomCon hosted their Book Fair, which was open to the public. Of course, I just had to buy more books because one can never have enough, hehe. The only downside to this signing was that books were not placed by author, and instead were kept at Borders’ tables outside of the signing. Borders had available a mix of books by authors attending and those not attending. I don’t know if I was just late to the game, but for some authors at the signing I couldn’t find their titles.
Later on, my friends and I went to Historical Spotlight Authors Tea. Tickets to this event and other Authors Tea events were made available if you won the raffle drawing. The room was packed with readers and historical authors. Fun was had by all with games, prizes, and chats. I ended up leaving this event early as I got pleasantly interrupted by my best-friend who lives in Colorado.
After catching up a bit we decided to step outside of the hotel for dinner… but, not before attending the Cocktail Hour & HCI Line Launch for Vows! I thought it was simply perfect that True Vows had a wedding theme, with beautiful and yummy cupcakes, wedding trinkets and gift baskets. Readers were given the opportunity to take home ARCs of the first three novels to launch the True Vows line: The Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent, Meet Me In Manhattan by Judith Arnold, and Hard to Hold by Julie Leto.
I do wish that the ladies of True Vows were able to talk more about their upcoming line. While I knew of True Vows from Alison Kent’s newsletter, I know some others hadn’t heard of them yet. I think the idea of turning real life romances into stories is fresh and exciting and I know I can’t wait to get started on my copies of these novels.
After dinner with my friend, I made sure to go back to my room and get ready for RomCon’s Black & White Masquerade and Dance. Where else but at a convention can you bring out a mask your mother bought you from New Orleans? I made sure to pack mine for this very event… only problem was I didn’t bring my contacts and since I couldn’t wear my glasses and mask at the same time, things were very blurry, lol.
Oh, Look! It's Alison's Book!
Again, no dancing for you? No worries, this night the Mini-Mystic Fair was back or you could attend the Midnight Sexcapades, which is where I went. I don’t think I had blushed so hard that whole weekend… well, accept for that moment where I dropped a glass of water as this hot guy was standing next to me, eek. Just as I got there, they were asking for volunteers to reenact a scene from an excerpt out of author Delilah Marvelle’s novel.
Well, things certainly got interesting as they weren’t reenacting just any scene. Nope, it was a sex scene. I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped, lol. Now, don’t let your imagination get away with you, both parties did keep their clothes on ;). We moved on to the bar afterwards and then I headed up to my room for an early night. Well, technically 1am is early when you’re at a convention, lol.
The next and last morning *sigh* I got up early to meet with author Erin Nichols. I had a wonderful time chatting with her and was ecstatic that I got to spend some time with her. We also had authors Carolyn Crane (I tried my best to stalk her throughout the convention, lol) and Meg Benjamin join us for a bit.
Things were much more mellow on Sunday as only a few more events were left, including a delicious brunch where author Carly Phillips gave a speech before the winner of the $2,500 Trivia Challenge Finale was announced. Sadly, it wasn’t me… I think I’ll ask for a recount, hehe.
As I said good bye to old friends and new, I was already anticipating returning for next years RomCon Convention. As with most new conventions, though, there’s always a few kinks to work out.
My Mask and RomCon Program Book
Cons of this convention included: having a host hotel with no free wi-fi in convention area, very slow connection in hotel rooms, bar that closes at midnight (um, that might just be a con for me, lol), from some readers I heard that there was too much talk about publishing (and this may be because some readers are also aspiring writers), some of the panels where we got to meet different publishers didn’t seem prepared and the Borders book section didn’t carry all the books by attending authors. There were also events that weren’t well advertised. I had no idea about the Author Avenue, where you could sit and chat with some of your favorite authors who rotated every hour. Another thing that disappointed me were the ladies hired to work the convention who were not romance readers. I passed by the registration table only to hear them reading excerpts from books and making fun as they laughed. Quite rude, in my opinion.
Pros of this convention, though, definitely outweighed the cons. This was definitely a convention for readers, with events tailored just for romance readers. I loved the idea of the Intimate Chats and how it gave readers a great opportunity to get up close and personal to some of their favorite authors. There was more than one events during each block hour to choose from, and time in-between to make sure you made it to your next event on time. There were many books and goodies given away, not just during registration, but other events as well. I just loved the casual setting of this convention and how authors really joined in on the fun with readers. And last but not least, it’s another great convention giving romance readers a chance to meet other romance readers. After all, sometimes we’re the only ones who understand our addiction to this genre. ;)
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Now, onto the giveaway.. I came back from Denver with a whole bunch of books. So many in fact that I had to buy an extra suitcase, lol. I’m going to be giving one lucky reader a bundle of books that includes a title from varying genres: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Category, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense. Along with these books you’ll get some of the promo items my friend Limecello picked up for me… and most importantly, I received an extra ARC copy of Meet Me In Manhattan by Judith Arnold. Again, this title will be among the first to launch the True Vows line from HCI.
How do you enter? Just leave a comment in this post letting me know if you’ve ever attended a Romance Convention before? If so, which ones and how did you enjoy it? If not, any that you want to attend? RomCon, perhaps? Maybe we can even talk Alison Kent to join us next year. ;) Winner will be drawn Friday, July 23, 2010, 9:00 a.m. CDT.
I want to thank Alison for letting me share a bit… or a lot… of my recent RomCon experience J If you ever want to hear me chatter some more you can usually find me on twitter @SimplyAli or on my blog at Simply Ali.
Happy Reading, Everyone J
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I haven’t had a chance to attend a romance convention yet, but hope to make one next year. Any suggestions for the best one to attend?
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Lisa, this year I’ve only been to the Romantic Times convention and RomCon, so far. I’d definitely pick RomCon over RT next year. It definitely was more reader focused.
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I have been to several conventions. :) I have been to 7 RWAs, a couple Celebrate Romances, 6 Readers/Writers get togethers hosted by Lori Foster and Dianne Castell and went to my first RT this year.
My fav event by far is the Reader/Writer get together, it is very low key, has a used book trade, raffle and you can hang and chat with your favorite authors during the weekend. The cost is very low and it is for the food and the hotel is 100 and it has free wifi.
RWA is fun, but doesn’t offer anything for the reader with the exception of the Literacy signing and the publisher signings. You DO get a lot of books there. Pretty much you get your reg fee back in books. With the exception of a couple lunches, you are on your own as regards to food.
RT was a blast, lots of things for readers and you get a bunch of swag. But you don’t get as many books as I was lead to believe, unless you are a bookseller or librarian. The reg fee is about the same for RT as it is for RWA, but there are some dinners included, light breakfasts, and a cool mashed potato martini lunch.
I have been debating on whether to attend
RomCon. The price is half (if it stays the same) even if you get the food option. And the ton of books thing is a good incentive.
This is a great topic.
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It sounds like you had a wonderful time! I’ve been a couple times. First to RWA in Reno, where I attended Suzanne Brockmann’s dinner (I wish she still did that!) and the literacy signing. It was wonderful!
I also attended when it was in San Francisco. I registered for the whole convention and had a really great time.
Oh, and I attended Celebrate Romance years ago, and I think that may have been my favorite. It was truly authors and readers hanging out together. Lots of chatting time, and my recollection is that the events/talks I attended were all small and warm.
I’m excited because both RT and RWA are coming to the West coast in the next 2 years. I’ll be there for much of the fun :)
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I’ve never been to one, but I’d sure like to attend RomCon next year. We had planned on going to RWA’s literacy signing this year when it was going to be in Nashville, but we couldn’t go to Florida so that was a bust. I have a niece that lives close to Nashville so that was going to be easier for me. I don’t know how easy it would be to go to one of these anyway as I use a walker and wheelchair if I have to walk a lot. So this might be a hindrance to my ever going to one of these conferences.
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i’ve been to a writers conference but it was quite small compare to the ones you guys have in america. romcom sounde like a lot of fun – though i can’t believe the helpers were laughing over the books.
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I have never gone to one, but everytime I read a blog post about them, everyone shares how much fun they are! Maybe one day I will try to go to one just to share in the fun!
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I’ve never been to one but would absolutely love to. I have hopes that I might possibly attend RAW this year but it’s not looking good. Maybe next year, hope springs eternal..*G*
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I’ve never attended a romance convention. I would like to attend one, but haven’t due to time and money. RomCon sounds like fun and so does Lori Foster’s Reader and Author Get Together.
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lol I’d like to note that the bar closed at 11:30 – they said midnight but were long gone before then. Also they ran out of a lot of things, and even glasses. Not a good thing when the bartender is yelling at you because you didn’t bring a glass the first time you walk up to the bar.
But that’s a hotel thing not a conference thing.
Aside from a few minor kinks I thought it was extremely well run. As you said I wish I had known about author alley – and the silent auctions that were going on.
Also, if only the ticketed events’ times were listed because it seemed everything I got into was at the same time. Alas.
And it was so fun seeing you again and meeting Eli!
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I’ve never attended a romance convention, but did get to attend the RT Book Fair last year when the RT convention was in Orlando. I got to meet a lot of wonderful writers, get lots of pictures, signed books, and author swag. It was fantastic. I’m hoping to attend the RWA Literacy Book Signing next week, since it’s in Orlando as well.
I would love to attend a readers convention, that would be so great. Unfortunately, I’m a long way from Denver. Hopefully there will be one a bit closer one of these days.
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Hi Ali & Alison,
Everything that I’ve heard from anyone who went all said that they loved RomCon I so wanted to go this year, but due to finances it just wasn’t in the budget :(
In fact I’ve never been to a convention before….mostly because I’m a reader not a writer and most of the larger ones up until now haven’t really been geared toward me and I couldn’t justify the cost. Even though the book signings are usually free or reasonably priced they are too far away for me to go for just one day.
I’ve been tempted to try Lori Foster’s event, or Lora Leigh’s RAW weekend…and I’d still like too, but now I am definitely going to add RomCon to my romance convention wish list. Thanks so much for your thoughts!
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Thank for sharing, Ali.
I’ve not been to any romance cons. Would love to attend one, but traveling is an issue.
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Yes, I have attended a Romance Conference. I was visiting my sister and she said “Let’s go to the Romance Conference”…it was in town sponsered by the Arizona Romance Writers…awhile back so don’t remember the year. It was fun…we sat in on several workshops and for the large banquet they had a writer sit at each table and we were lucky to have Elaine Coffman sit with us…she is a delight. The evening speaker was Heather Graham. Very enjoyable event.
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I’ve never been but it sounds like a blast! Thanks for sharing :-)
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i’ve never been to any of them. But really like to attend one of them when i get enough money to travel :)
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I’m so sorry to say I haven’t been to any of them, since I’m from Croatia I just can’t afford the trip. But I would LOVE to visit any and all of them :)
Thanks for the giveaway!
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Sadly,I haven’t been to any romance conferences. No money!! Hopefully in the future when my 3 sons are finished with college. Another drawback, I’d have to go alone. Is it easy to meet other readers? Or would I feel really uncomfortable by myself? Is there one you would recommend for a single traveler?
I like the way you described the RomCom event. I like the interaction with the authors. Lot’s of books!! YES!! Do you know where next year’s event will be held?
You are so lucky to have the first 3 books of the True Vows series!! I’m envious!! These true life love stories sound so refreshing!
Thanks for sharing your experiences!! Thanks too for the chance to win a book!!
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Hi Ali. Thank you for sharing your conference experiences with us. I have never been to a romance conference. I would love to go to one.
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I have never been to one because where I’m from no one comes here!
If they did I would definately be there!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
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Ah, RomCon, how I long to attend one. I went to the NJRWA conference last year and it was wonderful. My imagination tells me RomCon is even more exciting!
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I’ve never been to a convention but this sounded like a good one for readers.
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These romance conventions sound fantastic and this romcon sounded fantastic. Is it always in Denver? I should have gone, our son lives in Col. Springs.
I have never been to a conference but hope to go one day to one or several – it would be great to meet authors and maybe meet some of my cyber buddies.
Your photos really tantalize me.
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I’ve never been to a Romance Convention. I’d love to go to RWA or RT. I never knew RomCom was so large. I’ll have to add that to the list of things I want to do and can’t afford yet.
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Looks like you had a great time. I would have loved to have gone in my younger days. Am an elderly lady, so won’t be going in the future either. Alas….
But I do love to read, so I would be thrilled if I won this bundle of books.
Glad everyone had such a good time.
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I’ve never been to a romance conference but it would be a thrill to meet authors whose books I have read in person and up close!!! Please count me in the contest for the bundle of books! Mickey Mac
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I have never attend a Romance Convention before. I had never even heard of RomCon before stumbling across your blog. How neat!
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I have never attended one but I want to in the worst way. I think it would be so much fun.
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I never have been; but it looks like so much fun. I would love to attend one some day.
Maybe some day….
A bundle of books, so nice of you. Thanks for offering them.
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I would love to go to one of the conferences. Although I’ve been a reader since I was a wee one, I’ve just started sharing my love of books with others on my blog. Your posts make the conventions sound like the ultimate place for book lovers!
Thanks for the generous giveaway.
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Thanks for sharing, especially the photos and your goodies.
I have never been, I too am an older lady, so it is not in the cards for me, but I would have loved to have met all the authors I have enjoyed reading over the many years. I still love to read, so this would a wonderful thing to win and wondering what the package holds.
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I really enjoyed your report from RomCon! I’ve never attended a convention like that, it sounds heavenly! Thanks for your great idea of such a generous giveaway!
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Entries are now closed. I’ll be back in a bit to post the winner!