RT Con Report
Wednesday – Got our RWAC and CMP raffle baskets to the Club RT room then went to several workshops:
Craft: Creating Irresistible Heroes (Christina Courtenay, Eveerley Eickli, Liz Harris, Sue Moncraft, & Evonne Wareham.) Awesome!
Young Adult: The Buzz from Those in the Know (Gennifer Albin, Lenore Appelhans, Leigh Bardugo, Kiera Cass, Tamara Ireland Stone, Mari Mancusi.)
Marketing: Your Book, Your Brand (Dana Kaye)
I did walk out of a few panels because they were either too basic regarding marketing or the panels weren’t really talking about the topic posted and were more hocking their books. I won’t mention which ones, but I don’t have time to give to panels that don’t catch me right away.
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Thursday
I spent some time in Club RT. I got my pic taken with Sara Hubbard, Constance Phillips and cover model Scott Nova.
I went to some workshops:
Eye on the Prize – Breaking the Amazon Code (Mari Carr & Jayne Rylon.)
I also pitched to a few publishers. The one I’d scheduled my meeting with never showed up, but I think it was for the best. I pitched my Wicked Step-Mother series to Samhain who wants to see it as soon as it’s completed!
Then it was the eBook fair. I set up a table, signed postcards and chatted with readers and authors. I was lucky enough to be seated next to Cecy Robson and Renae Rose!
My sister came to Tara MacDonald’s room (Tara let me use her room as a drop off/storage point and let me shack up there Thursday night after the ball) and helped me get ready for the RT 30th Anniversary Formal Ball, where I was chosen as one of 25 of the best costumes at the event and had to walk across the stage and be escorted by cover models. It was tough. I felt like Cinderella for the evening, though the dinner was a bit long on speeches and short on costume awards and dancing. It was too dark to socialize or see what people were wearing, or do much of anything but listen to speeches, which went on for close to three hours. I looked good, though few could see. :p
Friday
- I went to the workshop Young Adult: Stop Wasting My Time (Kelley Armstrong, Sarah Rees Brennan, Heather Brewer, Rachel Caine and Sophie Jordan.) I got all of them to sing my I <3 YA tote bag which I’m giving away on my site! It was good info on marketing.
I hit part two of that session with panelists Melissa Marr, Kami Garcia, David Gill, Nancy Holder, Maureen Johnson and Veronica Roth. I got all of them to sign my tote bag except Veronica Roth who had other pressing matters to attend to.
That afternoon I took Tara and Hildie McQuen out for some KC BBQ at Arthur Bryant’s, then we hit the KC, MO library and took some pics, and went to the Church of the Guardian Angels on Westport, which is featured in book 2 of my Speak of the Devil series.
I hit Legoland for souvenirs for Beren and wandered around Crown Center for a bit.
I made it back for some more Club RT and more pitching of my Wicked Step-Mother series. Again, the person I’d set up an appointment with was running long, so I jumped in with Entangled and agent Eric Rueben. Entangled wants to read it when it’s finished and Eric is interested in looking at a proposal.
That night I hit the Whispering Cove party hosted by Cathryn Fox, Nikki Duncan and MacKenzie McKade. I won the poster in the middle, and arrived only moments after Fifty Shades of Gray author, EL James had left!!
Saturday
morning my writers group had a charity breakfast with cover model Scott Nova before setting up for the Giant Book Fair. I got my Beautiful Creatures book signed by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and got a book signed by them for my niece who’s been so supportive of my book. I also bought a copy of Leigh Barduga’s book Shadow and Bone because she was so funny in her panel, and a copy of Aaron Ritchey’s book The Never Prayer.
I was lucky enough to be seated next to Aaron at the Giant Book Fair and Carrie Ryan. Her books looked so cool, but by the time I decided to buy them, she was sold out. I’ve ordered both of hers online and can’t wait to get them. I had them sign my I <3 YA bag too, along with Beth Revis who was sitting next to Aaron.
This was a lot of fun. Again I met lots of readers and writers. My former student Molly came by to see me which was awesome! My step-mom, two aunts, two cousins and whatever you’d call a cousin’s daughter… second cousin? Came by to see me, as well as some of my Facebook peeps. I also had some people come by to purchase the book who had heard about it on Goodreads, which was cool, some who loved the cover, and some who had interacted with me at Club RT, so it was all good.
It was crazy busy and crazy fun, and afterward I was supposed to go to the Teen Day events and the FANtastic Day parties, but I was wiped. I went back to my Dad’s and slept for 3 hours straight.
Sunday
was the KC, KS library signing. It was pretty slow, but again a cousin and his family came by as well as my aunt and uncle. My sister went with me to keep me company, and a Facebook fan came along with a few others to check out the book.
Monday
was running around getting ready to head out. I took a copy of my book to my old high school, meeting with my former math teacher, Mr. Kincheloe, who is now the Principal. He was excited to stock the book in the library since it’s based on that school and gave my sister and I a tour. Things have changed but stayed the same. It was a freaky experience setting foot back there. I also donated my book to five area libraries, four who were at the RT con, and one from my old ‘hood. Here’s hoping the book gets some new readers who recommend it to others.
The rest of the trip was spent sleeping or visiting friends and family.
It was definitely fun and worth it, and I’ll totally do it again if I can swing it. Next year is New Orleans. I wouldn’t mind going back there again. ☺
New Release, Relics by Maer Wilson
Former actor and Southern Nevada resident Maer Wilson joins the ranks of published authors on May 1, 2013. Wilson’s first book, Relics, was recently published by Crescent Moon Press. Relics is a Contemporary Fantasy that takes place in San Francisco and follows the exploits of husband and wife detectives, Thulu and La Fi. The couple’s clients are usually dead, which is fine with them since they work only with the supernatural. But their simple job to find lost relics for an ancient daemon turns into a grand adventure when the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, confirming that humans are definitely not alone. You can find more information about Wilson and Relics at http://maerwilson.com/ and http://crescentmoonpress.com/books/Relics.html.
Book Blurb
Most of Thulu and La Fi’s clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.
The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.
Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.
When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi’s search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that’s what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.
When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they’re nothing like your mother’s fairy tales.
Maer’s Bio
After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle. Relics is her first novel and will be released by Crescent Moon Press on May 1, 2013. You can visit her website at maerwilson.com.
Praise for Relics
“‘Relics’ is a powerful read which will challenge long-held perceptions of good vs. evil and Light vs. Dark well after the book is finished.” Diane M. Haynes, author of Rift Healer, YA finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
“In Relics, author Maer Wilson takes everything you think you know about the creatures of the fantasy world and twists it around to create a unique and engaging story.” Constance Philips, author of Resurrecting Harry and Fairyproof.
“The perfect paranormal detective, Wilson’s unique and suspenseful tale pulls you in and doesn’t let go.” Jean Murray, author of Soul Awakened and Soul Reborn.
Maer’s Links
Maer’s Website: http://maerwilson.com/
Maer’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maer-Wilson-Author/149085628472833
Maer’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaerWilson
Relics at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17767013-relics
Relics at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Relics-Maer-Wilson/dp/1939173310/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_E8ZZ
Relics at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relics-maer-wilson/1115158495?ean=9781939173317
Relics – Excerpt
I must have lost track of time because I heard a voice say, “You’re going to turn into a prune.”
“Mhmm,” I answered.
The door opened. A cool draft of air wafted my way, swirling the steam in the shower. I peeked out to see Thulu shutting the door behind him. It was a great view.
“So, have I ever mentioned that I’m a soul reader?”
I moved forward to clear the small waterfall and gave him a suspicious look. One never knew with Thulu.
“No, I don’t think you’ve shared that bit of information.”
“I’m quite good at it, actually.” He sat on one of the side seats and motioned to the one across from him. I moved to the other seat.
Nodding, he continued, “I’m quite surprised you didn’t know this. In some circles, I’m known as the Great and Wonderful Reader of Souls.”
“Oh, really? I’m shocked that this could have escaped my attention all these years.”
“Well, this is the perfect time for me to read yours. Being that you’re all pruney.”
I looked at my hands. They were pretty pruney. I shrugged and held out my hand palm up.
“Oh, honestly, love. Not your hand. Give me your foot.”
I giggled. “Okay you meant ‘sole’ reader.”
He nodded. “Absolutely. The lines in the sole of the foot can tell a lot about a person’s future,” he added wisely.
“Uh-huh, I’ll bite.” I lifted my foot and rested it on his knee. Thulu peered intently at it for a moment.
“Aha! I see that tomorrow your adoring husband will let you sleep in and then cook a wonderful breakfast.”
“Thulu!” I protested. “You can’t predict things that you can make happen. It doesn’t count.”
He looked at me in mock disbelief. “Do you question the Great and Wonderful Reader of Soles?”
“I’m just saying it doesn’t count to say something is going to happen when you know very well you are the one who can make it happen.”
“Does that mean you don’t want breakfast?”
“I didn’t say that.” I backtracked a bit. “Just that you are making a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
He ignored me and peered at the bottom of my foot once again. “I also see in your future –” He looked in my eyes, then back at my foot. “There’s some fog here. No, wait a moment. I don’t think it’s fog. I think – yes, I’m sure of it. I see shower steam.” He looked up again, dimpling at me. “I foresee, in your very near future, fabulous shower sex.”
I watched him closely. He raised an eyebrow.
“Aren’t you going to make a smart-ass comment about more self-fulfilling prophecies?” he asked innocently.
“No, I think I’ll just let you fulfill that prophecy.”
New Release! Son of a Mermaid by Katie O’Sullivan Interview
Today I have Katie O’Sullivan on my blog and am interviewing her about her new release, Son of a Mermaid which is out today!
1. Are you a reader? How many books a year do you read?
I’m a voracious reader, and try to read a book a week. Sometimes it’s more… I read six books during our week in Mexico, 3 in paperback and 3 ebook novels. This week I’ll be lucky to finish one. Okay, I already finished one. And a novella. But I’ll be lucky to start another.
2. Favorite genre to read? To write?
I’m pretty much omnivorous, but I’ve enjoyed a lot of great YA lately, and found that I really enjoy writing it as well. Son of a Mermaid is my first YA book, and it’s definitely my most favorite book I’ve written.
3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Hmmm… my iPad loaded up with tons of both nook and Kindle books (I love that it does both!), an endless supply of coffee beans, and a water purifier/coffee maker so I could make and drink said coffee. (Have they invented one of those yet? They should!)
5. Paper or Plastic? (book or eReader)
Both. I love my nook and my iPad Kindle app, but I also like the feel of a new book cracking open for the first time. I’m so excited that my book will be released in both formats!
6. Plotter or Pantster?
Pantser, for the most part. I usually have a basic idea of a story arc, but am never quite sure how the characters are going to get from A to B until it happens on the page.
7. What advice would you give someone who wanted to be a writer?
Write. As much as you can, as often as you can. Keep writing. And don’t worry about what’s “hot” in the market. Write what you love, what you are passionate about.
8. What are you reading now?
On my iPad right now I’m reading The Grave Winner, by Lindsey Loucks. It’s a truly unique idea for a YA story.
9. Do you re-read books? If so, what book have you read the most?
Oh, I used to do this a lot! I reread the Lord of the Rings trilogy at least a half-dozen times if not more. There are some Jennifer Crusie books I used to reread at the start of every summer, like a ritual to get in the mood for beach books.
Now there’s not as much reading time, so I try to stick to books from my TBR list… but some books beg to be reread, don’t they? I’ve read all of the books in the “I am Number Four” series at least two or three times. And all of Harry Potter at least three times. And Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series a few times. And the Hunger Games series. And a few of the True Blood books by Charlaine Harris.
Okay… I guess I’m still a serial re-reader 
10. What is the closest book to you right now?
My daughter is currently obsessed with John Green and plunked his The Fault in Our Stars on my desk so I’d read it next. It’s now next on my list by default!
Thanks Katie! Now here’s a bit about Katie’s book that’s out today!
SON OF A MERMAID, by Katie O’Sullivan
Published May 2013 by Crescent Moon Press
YA fantasy romance
Book Blurb:
Shea MacNamara’s life just got complicated.
After a freak tornado devastates his Oklahoma farm, the fifteen-year-old orphan moves to Cape Cod to live with a grandmother he’s never met. Struggling to make sense of his new surroundings, he meets a girl along the shore who changes his life forever.
Kae belongs to an undersea world hidden from drylanders. The daughter of royal servants, she knows the planned marriage of her Princess to the foreign King should put an end to the war between the clans. Two things stand in the way of lasting peace: an ambitious Regent and rumors of a half-human child who will save the oceans.
Sparks fly when she meets Shea, but could the cute drylander really be the Son of a Mermaid?
About the Author:
Katie O’Sullivan lives with her family and big dogs next to the ocean on Cape Cod, drinking way too much coffee and inventing new excuses not to dust. She writes YA and romantic suspense novels, and works as an editor making other people’s words sparkle. For the last four years, she’s been the Editor of CapeWomenOnline.com magazine and writes a column entitled “The Write Way.”
She hopes her debut YA novel, SON OF A MERMAID, will make a big splash this summer, engaging young readers with a Cape Cod tale of a boy who discovers both his roots and his destiny far below the waters of Nantucket Sound.
Find Katie online:
Follow her Blog – http://katieosullivan.blogspot.com
Like her on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatieOSullivan
Find her on Twitter – https://twitter.com/OkatieO
Check out her website at http://www.katie-osullivan.com
Add Son of a Mermaid on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17184560-son-of-a-mermaid
CMP Summer Lovin’ Blog Hop
CMP Summer Lovin’ Blog Hop
June 14 – 17, Crescent Moon Press authors are ready for summer! We’ll be blogging about our summer loves, our romances, and how much we love summer! Have
you ever had a summer fling? Do you have a book about summer? What’s on your summer reading list? We’ll tackle it all!
Visit our blogs below and enter to win some great prizes between June 14 -17. See you there!
Summer Lovin’ Blog Hop Participants!
