A hurricane, a seance, and some new friends Back to Blog
First, I want to thank everyone who has emailed to check on me–please, don’t worry! I am very safe. Right now, it’s looking like Mobile won’t get the brunt of Gustav. We are under a hurricane warning, but the forecasters are saying we will mostly just get some strong winds and rain. I’ve got plenty of supplies so I’ll be fine. 🙂 But, really, thank you all for checking on me!
I got back from my trip to New Orleans yesterday. I was having a wonderful time at the Heather Graham Writers for New Orleans event, but, unfortunately, the hotel closed around noon (due to an order from the mayor) and we all had to clear out of Dodge. The staff members at the Hotel Monteleone were wonderful, and I found myself on the road and heading home within about twenty minutes. And, by the way, the hotel is reputed to be haunted, but, unfortunately, I didn’t see the ghosts. Maybe next time.
Friday night, we went to Muriel’s for a Victorian soiree. I’ve been to New Orleans plenty of times in my life–so how is it that I’ve missed Muriel’s? That place was awesome! And I will definitely be heading back for another visit soon (um, once Gustav is gone!). Muriel’s not only has a resident ghost–the place also has a seance room. Too cool. Heather Graham’s husband said that they hold seances once a month there. How can I get in on that fun?
But, in addition to all the ghosts, I also made some living friends, too. 🙂 One of the first ladies I talked with was the wonderful Barbara Vey from the Publisher’s Weekly Beyond Her Book blog. Barbara had some of the best stories to tell! She had me laughing throughout the night. Here’s a pic of Barbara and I at checkout–and, yes, I will shamelessly admit that I stole this pic from her blog because I didn’t have my own photo of the two of us:
I was also met two fabulous ladies (Rhonda McKey and Josephine Templeton) from the Baton Rouge RWA Chapter. Rhonda McKey recently finaled in both the Brava Contest and the Red Sage Contest. The lady’s writing is smoking! 🙂 I expect to hear great things from Rhonda. (Hey, you can read her Brava entry here–well, I tried to get the right link, but if it doesn’t pop up, you may have to scroll a bit because the entry is posted on the Brava forum.) Josephine has a vampire novel out now from Whiskey Creek Press–it’s called FOREVER YOURS. Ah, I do love vampire novels.
Here’s a photo of Barbara, Josephine, and Rhonda (taken at Muriel’s–hmmm…do you see any ghosts? Cuz…what is that white, blobby light between Barbara and Josephine? A glitch from my digital camera or something more?):
While there wasn’t much time for me to chat with them (on account of Gustaz..Ah, Gustav!), I also visited with the phenomenal Kate Duffy of Kensington—and I had the chance to meet Kristin Mills-Noble, cover designer extraordinaire! Kristin has designed all of my covers for Kensington. (Thank you, Kristin!) And, for your viewing pleasure, here’s Kate and Kristin:
I really met so many great folks–James Goodman, Aleka Nakis, Cathy Maxwell–and a good dozen or two more. Everyone was friendly and fun and I felt very welcome at the event. (And, yes, I would definitely attend again!)
Stay safe out there–especially if you are in Gustav’s path!
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Hi Cynthia!!!! I’m so very happy that you’re safe! I was thinking of you and getting very worried. As a side note, I finished reading Spellbound yesterday and I absolutely loved it!!! My heart and thoughts go out to everyone in the path of Gustav. Take care everyone!!
Cindy, so glad you’re safe! Barbara lives in my area — actually near Liz Kreger. She’s been to a couple chapter meetings and was at the Green Bay conference. I echo what you said about her being so funny.
It sounds like you had a lot of fun before Gustav so rudely interrupted. I hope he doesn’t cause too much damage and that no one gets hurt.
Cynthia, thanks for letting me hang with you and for graciously offering to mail all my books to me. It would have been a nightmare lugging them around at the airport.
I’m glad you got home safe and sound because on our drive to the airport, the roads were at a near stand still.
All the aside, the conference rocked!! And I hope to be invited back next year. We really need to find a ghost!!
Barbara
Hi Cynthia, Glad you made it home safely. It was a pleasure to meet and you and I wish we would’ve had more time to visit, perhaps at another con…
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you made it home safe. We’re moving things that could potentially fly and I’m shuting down the computers. Rain and wind are starting. Be safe 🙂
I’m glad to read that you’re safe and home. Sorry your good time was cut short. Keeping y’all in my thoughts.
Hi, Barb! Thank you for checking on me–and I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Spellbound! 🙂
Hey, Edie! Edie, my next goal is to meet you in person–b/c I would love to hang out with you at a conference.
Hi, Barbara! I’m so glad you’re safe! And I will send your box of goodies out first thing on Tuesday. I think our area is going to avoid most of the storm, so the post office should be up and running. It was really a pleasure to meet you-and I will look forward to seeing you again!
James–hello! I’m so glad you visited the blog! It was wonderful to meet you–and good luck with your books. Perhaps we will meet up again at RT.
Rhonda–my words were true! You are a great writer and I’m sure I’ll be reading one of your books very soon. Stay safe!
Thank you, Brandy! Things are nice and quiet here now. I thought I’d better jump on the computer, though, just in case we lose power soon.
Cynthia,
First, I’m glad you made it home okay. Mr. G. did a number on the area, but fortunately his bark was bigger than his bite. I hope all goes well and people ride it out as a nasty storm–without destruction.
It was such a pleasure meeting you. Our time together was short and sweet, but I’m happy to hear you’ll come back to the conference. I’ll be there next year (I’ve been there for the last three and have loved each one- including mini this year).
Maybe we’ll meet in sunny FLA in January? lol
Well, take care and write, write, write!
Hugs,
Aleka
BTW:
Always nice to meet other Greeks–regardless of how that is the case. 🙂
Hi, Aleka!! LOL–woman, you can make me grin. I will definitely look for you next year in New Orleans, and, hey–perhaps I will be in sunny Florida, too!!
Cindy, I’d love to meet you in person too. I’ll look for the most gorgeous woman in the room. You can look for the shortest. 😉