Post Romantic Times Convention Report

Sorry it took me so long to get this post up - I've been recovering from the RT Conference in Houston, TX. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that I don't recover as well as I did when I was younger, this is why I gave up drinking. :)

Carolan Ivey and I left Columbus very early on Monday morning, April 23rd. We drove to New Orleans where we met up with Crissy Brashear and her daughter, Amanda. We stayed at the Maison Dupuy - a fabulous hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Bourbon Street was two blocks away so that's where we spent the evening. Did some shopping, hit the voodoo shop and had dinner at a little restaurant. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the restaurant and that has nothing to do with the hurricane I drank. :)

The next morning Carol and I hit the Cafe DuMonde for breakfast then took a carriage ride with a friend. Very touristy but I enjoy the rides anyway. The weather was picture perfect and when I manage to unpack my camera, I'll post some photos.

We then headed for Houston and arrived at the hotel around 10:30 at night. By then we were both SO incredibly tired that we headed up to bed. I know, shocking coming from me, but that's what we did. Usually I'm in the bar until all hours of the night - not on this trip.

The best part of RT is just sitting around with friends and chatting. This RT had a very different vibe from ones in the past. It was very laid back (from my perspective at least) and I met tons of new authors and readers. I did end up spending most of my time in the bar but it was usually during the day. And the entire week I was there, I had only one drink.

Maybe that was the problem.

The industry gossip was the same as it is every year - write the book of your heart and it will sell. Unfortunately that isn't always true. Editors constantly tell writers they want something new and different but they can't really explain what they mean. Paranormal, urban fantasy and erotic romance are still going strong. My personal prediction is that the erotic romance market will begin to get much tighter this year but we'll see what happens.

As usual I had a fabulous time. It was great getting to kick back and catch up with old friends and make tons of new ones. Of course the entire time I was there I didn't take ONE photo. What is up with that???