Aloha to the New Jersey Romance Writers - Part 1

I recently attended the New Jersey Romance Writers (NJRW) "Hearts and Sparks" Reader Blogger Appreciation Luncheon.  Before the buffet brunch, we played "Author Fact Bingo" - a fun way to meet the authors and learn tidbits from their lives. Over the next few days, I'll introduce you to the authors in alphabetical order ...

Maria K. Alexander, mariaelxander.com,

"I sold Avon Cosmetics part-time for 18 years."

Antonia Aquilante, antoniaaquilante.com,

"I was once yelled at by the Secret Service."

Laurie Benson, lauriebenson.net,

(From her bio), " She began her writing career as an advertising copywriter, where she learned more than you could ever want to know about hot dogs and credit score reports."

Terri Brisbin, terribrisbin.com,

"I was once thrown out of the White House".

Anabelle Bryant, anabellebryant.com,

"I love word games and have  auditioned for Wheel of Fortune twice."

Christi Caldwell, christicaldwell.com,

"I sang in the East Room of the White House for a Holiday Concert in 1995."

Hmmm ... we have a theme of White House among the authors!  I am giving away RWA swag to four randomly selected commenters during the month of October. To enter the giveaway, 

1. Leave a comment about famous buildings - have you visited any? White House? Empire State? Sears Tower? Buckingham Palace? Forbidden City?

My family visited the Forbidden City in Beijing during our tour of China. It was amazing - check out our pictures at this link.

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

Forbidden City

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

Weekly Winners

We have winners at SOS Aloha!

Laura Lippman's WILDE LAKE
- Mary P. wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Terri Brisbin

-  Natasha wins a book choice from my convention stash. 

Wednesday's Warrior: Aloha to Chanel Cleeton and FLY WITH ME (Wild Aces Book 1)

- Melody May wins a book choice from my convention stash. 

Aloha to Elizabaeth Hoyt and DUKE OF SIN (Maiden Lane Book 10) - Book Review

- Lexi wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Winners, please send your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Terri Brisbin

Reminder: I have a special giveaway for Military Appreciation Month at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting its annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. It wouldn't be a party without Terri Brisbin.  From her website (link),

In her previous lives, Terri Brisbin has lived in ancient Egypt and medieval Scotland, but in this one she’s stuck in the wilds of southern New Jersey with a hubby (wonderful one!) and kids (three adorable and finally grown sons!). When not living the life of a glamorous romance author or suffering through deadline-binges-o-writing-mania, she spends some of her time as a dental hygienist.

Terri’s had more than 34 historical and paranormal romance novels, novellas and short stories published since 1998 by Berkley, Harlequin, Kensington and soon NAL – in 25 languages in 20 countries! And there are a bunch more swirling around inside her brain, just waiting to be written. 

I am looking forward to reading her latest Harlequin Historical ... 

A pact…a bride…a secret never to be told!

When Eva MacKay learns her father has bartered her off to a warrior from a neighboring clan, she has no choice but to run away, taking her dark secrets with her. Freedom is now within her grasp!

Dutiful highlander Rob Mackintosh tracks down his runaway bride, only to be stunned by the fireworks that erupt between them. For behind Eva's timid smile lies a headstrong beauty, and Rob knows, no matter what, this marriage is going to be full of surprises!

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Scotland - what would want to see, eat, or drink upon landing in Alba?

2. Comments are open through Saturday, May 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City