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!
