RT Recap Day 4 - Military Tribute, Avon Romance, and Margaret Mitchell

How about a cowboy to start off the day?  I attended the Librarians/Booksellers' special program - In Conversation with BJ Daniels, Lorelei James, and Lorraine Heath:

Cowboy books have never been more desirable--Meet some of the genre’s biggest stars - they will share personal anecdotes, the history of the genre, where they think it’s headed and how they started out.

I moseyed on over to the annual SOS Military Tribute:

Our military is the backbone of our country. They pay the price for our freedom through all of their sacrifices. This military tribute is a multi-author-sponsored event to pay a moving tribute to our military and all they have done for our country. This event is open to all. Tables will be decorated by authors representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Hosts included KaLyn Cooper, Cristin Harber, Elle James, Cat Johnson, Kim Lowe, JM Madden, Trish McCallan, Donna Michaels, Megan Mitcham, Caitlyn O'Leary, Ella Quinn, Julie Rowe, Susan Stoker, Natasza Waters, and Sabrina York.

It amazes me each year how much readers appreciate our military. Thanks to the authors who made this an emotional event.

I reported for duty at the Avon Romance Reader Party - Clinch It:

How daring are you? Find out at this fun game-show style event, which will pair readers with Avon authors in a series of fun challenges, with participation judged by a panel of judges. Earn points for participation! Winners take all ... the books, that is! The winning team will win totes generously stuffed with books and swag, compliments of Avon.

Authors included Lenora Bell, Viola Carr, HelenKay Dimon, Megan Frampton, Lorraine Heath, Beverly Jenkins, Cathy Maxwell, Charis Michaels, Alisha Rai, and Lia Riley.

I was honored to be asked by Pamela Spengler-Jaffee, Senior Director of Publicity for Avon Romance, to serve as a judge along with historical author Beverly Jenkins and editorial director Erika Tsang.  I put my math skills to use as the scorekeeper, too.  Let me tell you this was the best reader party, second only to the SOS Military Tribute. Readers were laughing, singing, posing, and conspiring with the author at their table to win the big prize - a tote bag stuffed with romance books and a bottle of wine! Charis Michaels belted out THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA to lead her team to victory!

Clearly Avon was on my mind as I followed the historical authors to the Margaret Mitchell House for a special Q&A with Lenora Bell, Megan Frampton, Lorraine Heath, Beverly Jenkins, Cathy Maxwell, and Julia Quinn.  Charis Michaels moderated this lively discussion of historical romance in one of Atlanta's sacred homes.  Thanks, Avon Romance, for a fabulous day!

Margaret Mitchell House 

For this week of recaps, I am giving away a sampling of books and swag from RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. From the authors I have listed in today's blog, who would you like to meet? 

2. Comments are open through Monday, May 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Margaret Mitchell House

Aloha to Weekly Winners, RT Booklovers Convention, and Authors Galore

We have winners from last week's posts - Kim H. and Maureen win a book choice from my convention stash.  

Speaking of conventions, the RT Booklovers' Convention is one month away in Hot Atlanta!  From its website (link),

The RT Booklovers Convention is the book-industry event where you can mix business with pleasure. Attend more than 200 workshops as well as numerous parties and reader events that will keep you informed and in touch while having fun. It's where friends new and old come together to learn about the industry we love and to have fun with authors and fellow book lovers. Fifty percent of conventioneers are first-time RT Convention attendees, and many travel by themselves. However, almost all leave having made new friendships they'll cherish for years to come.

I am participating in four events:

Great Expectations - Virtual Assistants

Looking to build a successful partnership with a Virtual Assistant?

Virtual Assistants Kim & Kim explore what a virtual assistant can offer an author, including social media, newsletters, and blog tours. Kim & Kim will offer a step by step process to find the right assistant so authors can focus on the creative process.

Speaker(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 11am – 12pm
Location: LL3/Conference/Industry Level
Room: Fairlie

Beach Blanket Bingo

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Appearing(s):

Christi Barth
Christi Caldwell
Julia Day
Eileen Dreyer (AKA: Kathleen Korbel)
Elizabeth Essex
Avery Flynn
Maggie Mae Gallagher (AKA: Anya Summers)
Andrew Grey (AKA: Dirk Greyson)
Heidi Hormel
Jessica James
Harper Kincaid
Geri Krotow
Tamra Lassiter
Rae Latte
Ann Lethbridge
Siera London
Janna MacGregor
Stacy McKitrick
Kate Pearce (AKA: Catherine Lloyd)
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Jessica Ruddick (AKA: Jessica Linden)
Dawn Ryder (AKA: Mary Wine)
Joanna Shupe
Tracy Solheim
Teri Anne Stanley
Beth Williamson (AKA: Emma Lang)

Host(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: LL2/Exhibit/Reader Level
Room: Grand Hall West, 3

SOS-Military Tribute

Our military is the backbone of our country. They pay the price for our freedom through all of their sacrifices. This military tribute is a multi-author-sponsored event to pay a moving tribute to our military and all they have done for our country. This event is open to all. Tables will be decorated by authors representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Host(s):

KaLyn Cooper
Cristin Harber
Elle James (AKA: Myla Jackson)
Cat Johnson
Kim Lowe
JM Madden
Trish McCallan
Donna Michaels
Megan Mitcham
Caitlyn O'Leary
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Susan Stoker
Natasza Waters
Sabrina York

Event Date:
Thursday, May 4, 2017 12:20pm – 1:20pm
Location: LL1/Ballroom Level
Room: Centennial III

Finding the Balance

Kim Lowe (SOS Aloha Book Reviews) and Kim Rocha (Book Obsessed Chicks Blog) guide authors on finding the right balance between public interaction and private life. We offer tips to effectively launch a book, organically engage readers, and still find time to enjoy the fruits of your success. The results: relaxed authors, increased sales, and satisfied readers.

Speaker(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Thursday, May 4, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: LL3/Conference/Industry Level
Room: Lennox

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors I will meet at RT.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your plans for April - anything fun in the works?

2.  Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.  

4.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners ... and More Opportunities to support Military Families

We have winners at SOS Aloha -  Jane and Sharlene win a book choice from my convention stash.

Plus Library Pat wins a copy of IT HAPPENED IN SCOTLAND from Patience Griffin.

Last week, I mentioned the RT Booklovers Convention (link). The agenda includes the SOS Military Tribute (link):

Our military is the backbone of our country. They pay the price for our freedom through all of their sacrifices. This military tribute is a multi-author-sponsored event to pay a moving tribute to our military and all they have done for our country. This event is open to all. Tables will be decorated by authors representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Host(s):

KaLyn Cooper
Sharon Hamilton
Cristin Harber
Elle James (AKA: Myla Jackson)
Cat Johnson
Kennedy Layne
Kim Lowe
JM Madden
Trish McCallan
Donna Michaels
Megan Mitcham
Caitlyn O'Leary
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Susan Stoker
Natasza Waters
Sabrina York

Thursday, May 4, 2017 12:20pm – 1:20pm
LL1/Ballroom Level, Room: Centennial 3

Thanks to my fellow Romvet Elle James for organizing this event!  

I will set up a table in RT Bazaar (link) for readers to:

- sign cards for deployed personnel
- donate Box Tops for the public schools who serve military children in the Atlanta area
- donate unwanted books from the convention for military spouses in the Atlanta area.

How can you help from afar?

Donate greeting cards and Box Tops.  Contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com for my mailing address.

boxtops4education.com

Meanwhile, I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about greeting cards - what kind do you give to your friends and family?  Sentimental?  Humorous? Sweet?   

I am partial to cards with cats and Maxine. 

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 15, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

explore.hallmark.com/maxine

Coin Challenge at the RT Booklovers Convention

defense.gov

Here ye, Here ye!   I am implementing a coin challenge for RT/NOLA. This is tradition for military personnel to carry around his/her unit's coin. When challenged, those in the area pull out their coins ... and those without their coins buy a round of drinks.

We'll modify this for RT/NOLA.   If you have military connections, bring any coin that is available to you.  No military connections? Make your own coin!  Use a favorite state quarter, souvenir poker chip, foreign coin - anything that you can "pull out" of your badge holder.

When you see me at the convention in an Aloha Shirt, pull out your coin for a special treat.   You can also coin check me at the SOS America promo table in Club RT (link).  Stop by to see how you can support deployed personnel.  We accept donations of unwanted books from the convention to distribute to military families. 

We'll have a coin check at the SOS America Military Tribute on Sunday morning (link)

Kathryn Falk, founder of SOS America Inc., invites all booklovers to join her for this annual salute to military families. Our celebration includes an Honor Guard, barbershop quartet, and special guest speaker Chief Michael Jaco, retired U.S. Navy SEAL. We will recognize military veterans from the United States and its allies, plus the extended family who serve back home. Goody bags will be presented to the military families.

Please share with any friends attending the convention ... and be prepared for the coin check!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Celebrate Little Victories ... Part Time Job, Romance Conventions, and Hawaii Five O

Aloha!  I am now back to work, part time, where I was employed before we moved to Hawaii.   I am thankful that my boss welcomed me back and remains flexible with my schedule. My job will fund my adventures at this year's romance conventions.  So far, I am signed up for:

Big Book Getaway at the Mohegan Sun Resort in CT, February 21 - 22.  From its website (link),

Friday, Feburary 21, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
> Steamy Stories ~ An Intimate Conversation with Bestselling Romance and Erotica Authors: panel presentation in the Convention Center featuring Avon authors Eloisa James, Laura Kaye and Cathy Maxwell; joined by Lisa Gabriele, author of the S.E.C.R.E.T erotica series.

Saturday, February 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am

> Racy Romance ~ Bestselling Authors Presented by Avon featuring Eloisa James, Laura Kaye, Cathy Maxwell and Lisa Gabriele

Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon in Milwaukee, April 26.  From its website (link),

Join us as we welcome 50+ authors to Wisconsin ... including NYT best seller Debbie Macomber.

I am sitting with the fabulous Eileen Dreyer!

RT Booklovers' Convention in New Orleans, May 13-18.  From its website (link),

SOS America Military Salute: Kathryn Falk, founder of SOS America Inc., invites all booklovers to join her for this annual salute to military families. Our celebration includes an Honor Guard, barbershop quartet, and special guest speaker, Chief Michael Jaco, retired US Navy SEAL. We will recognize military veterans from the US and its allies plus the extended family who serve back home. Goodie bags will be presented to the military families.

Color Guard at Military Tribute
RT/Chicago 2012

I'm eyeing a few others:  WRW Retreat (link), Book Expo America (link), and RWA Annual Conference (link).  All this travel translates into more books to giveaway!

Speaking of RWA, I receive its monthly magazine and enjoyed this month's issue with Shana Galen's article, IS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT RIGHT FOR YOU?    I read the magazine at the gym and I almost fell off the exercise bike laughing when I read a quote from Eileen Dreyer,

"My husband once tried to be helpful and filed the paperwork in my office.  I still haven't found it".

This is why I am sitting with Eileen at Barbara Vey's luncheon!

Eileen Dreyer, Patricia Rice, and Cathy Maxwell
RT/Los Angeles, 2011

Hats off to the producers of Hawaii Five O for last night episode, HO'ONANI MAKAU KANE - HONOR THY FATHER.   This episode, airing one week after the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, focuses on an unsolved murder from WWII.   The episode offered a historical perspective of the surprise attack, the internment of Japanese Americans, and the 442nd Infantry Regiment - comprised of Japanese Americans who served in the European Theater.  The 442nd is the nicknamed the Purple Heart Battalion because it is the most decorated unit in Army history.   For an excellent review of the episode, check out this link.

Byodo In Temple on Oahu
Built on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Japanese Immigrant

The emotional content was gripping ... and I enjoyed the scenes shot on Pearl Harbor ... places I've lived, visited, and posted on my travel blog, ALOHA ON MY MIND (link).  

Well done, H5O, well done!

How was your week?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The cast of H50 visited my son's school, Hickam Elementary.
Pearl Harbor is behind the school.

RT Recap - Giant Book Fair and SOS Military Tribute

By Saturday, most readers and writers are exhausted ... yet the biggest events are just around the corner!

The Giant Book Fair offered every genre.  
Cait Miller is a Scottish author and sweet lassie!

Mahalo, Saranna DeWylde and Jenna McCormick, 
for supporting military families!

Cathy Maxwell always has a smile!  I'm reviewing
her new book, LYON'S BRIDE, next week.

Delilah Marvelle offered chocolate in a bottle!

Kathryn Falk joked with cover model CJ!

 

This author was so cute!

Cherry Adair always lights up the room!

RT Reviewer Kathe Robin and 
Fan Favorite Sabrina Jeffries

Tim Tams!

Pirates!

Speaking of pirates, Shana Galen spotlighted
her pirates and spies!

Lydia Dare is the writing team of
Tammy Falkner and  Ava Stone. 

The American Flag means its time for the
SOS Military Tribute.  This table claimed their
"military ducks", including Larissa Ione, 
Michelle Willingham,  Sally MacKenzie, 
and Sahara Kelly. 

Navy veteran Cathy Maxwell and
Navy sister Kieran Kramer share a smile.

AFROTC students from the 
Illinois Institute of Technology 
served as the Color Guard.

Seasoned Sound, a barbershop quartet,
sang the National Anthem, Armed Forces
Medley, and God Bless the USA.
Seasoned Sound are veterans.

Today is open comments in honor of the US military and its allies.   Their continued efforts preserve our free speech.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through  Saturday, April 28, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 29.


Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii

I finally met Dani from the RT Boards! 

April's month long promotion is CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH. I will select one US reader, one Canadian reader, and one International reader from all my blogs posts in April at SOS ALOHA, THE READING REVIEWER, and ALOHA ON MY MIND. The US winner can select up to 10 books (to fill up a small flat rate box) from my current convention stash to make room for new books coming from RT 2012. The Canadian and International readers can select one book, too!

CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH is open through Monday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 1.