Aloha to the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) - Part 1

Did I say that I was taking a break?  Nothing like a readers' luncheon to change my mind.  I recently attended the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) "Hearts to You" luncheon for readers, bloggers, and librarians.

Upon arrival at Maggiano's in Tyson Corner, I received a "bingo" card with clues for the attending authors.  This encouraged readers to meet the authors, "fill out" the bingo card, and receive a raffle ticket for each author found.  I would like to share the authors I met (in alphabetical order):

Alison Aimes, alisonaimes.com,

When I need to take a break from writing, I stand on my head or do a handstand.

Adriana Anders, adrianaanders.com,

I was named after a cow!

Michele Arris, michelearris.com,

My favorite place to write is by the light of my computer screen in an old chair in my office.  

Lori Ann Bailey, loriannbailey.com,

Will be sending the second signed copy of her latest book to Luke Bryan.

(I asked her why - she listened to Luke's playlist as she wrote HIGHLAND REDEMPTION, coming November 27, 2017). 

Mary Behre, marybehre.com,

I'm always up for a game of Princess Bride-oply and Yahtzee.

Anna Bennett, annabennettauthor.com,

I wore a hoop skirt and elbow length gloves to my junior prom (in the 80s).

Anna, any pictures?!?!

Karna Bodman, karnabodman.com,

One of my book covers was deemed illegal by The White House.  

(read her website to learn why ...)

Terri Brisbin, terribrisbin.com,

If I don't cry when writing my stories, I worry that readers won't either.  

Andie J. Christopher, andiejchristopher.com,

The only vegetables I won't eat are beets.

No trips to Russia for you, Andie!

Kate Clayborn, kateclayborn.com,

The first romance I read was Jennifer Crusie's BET ME, which inspired me to write romance.

More authors to come!  I am giving away RWA swag to four randomly selected commenters during the month of October.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment with a fun fact about you!  

I grew up visiting my English Granny in Devon in the southwest corner of the UK.  I have found memories of picnics on Dartmoor, the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. 

2.  Comments are open through Tuesday, October 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll announce the winner on Wednesday, November 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The granite outcrops of Dartmoor

Image from southdownswalking.com

Weekly Winners and Reader Luncheon

Aloha!  We have winners from last week's blogs - Glenda, Carol, and Debby win a book choice from my convention stash.

I am also a winner for attending the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) Washington Loves Readers' Luncheon.  I sat with Anna Bennett and Sally MacKenzie ....

Each author treated the readers at our table to special goody bags, including copies of their books, chocolate, and other must haves for historical fans!  We also enjoyed the company of Lori Ann Bailey, who just celebrated the release of her debut, HIGHLAND DECEPTION.  We all drooled over the cover.

I chatted with five other readers, including four who drove down from New Jersey with Terri Brisbin. They didn't reveal any secrets about Terri ... but they shared the secret of their book club, which has met for over 20 years.  The secret?  Trying new genres. 

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway, Leave a comment about book clubs - have you participated in any?  The manager from BOOKS WITH A PAST (link) asked me if I would consider leading a book club ... which I am still considering.  Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open to US residents only. Comments are open through Sunday, October 16, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City