Part 3 of my trip to the Orlando Romantic Times Convention

Ok, two events under my belt, and you’d think my nerves would be starting to settle. No way! I was eagerly looking forward to the Vampire Ball (which was coming up at 8pm), still completely disoriented due to my anxiety (you know, when you are excited and overwhelmed at the same time).  It was all good, though, I managed to keep my wits about me, while I walked in a stupor with a silly grin on my face.

I made some friends with others that seemed to be in the same position as me (single at a HUGE party, where it seems everyone knows each other…) Who do you talk to, when you walk smack-dab into the middle of it?

I collected my thoughts and enjoyed the slow progression of Vampires and the like making their way through the corridors to the main event. I found my way to yet another line, and exchanged views with some published authors (including Julie Miller, who had just accepted the Career Achievement award for “Romantic Suspense Series”). We spoke of their own personal blogs, and about what other authors we enjoyed reading.

I buddied up with another book reviewer, and we were seated at a ghoulishly decorated dinner table, near the stage (where the skit “COMIC-ula”) would be presented.

The skit was a riot, with a mix of Vampires and Comic Superheros, some singing and a guitar (played by the Hulk)!

After being joined by my husband, we found ourselves lounging in the lobby (enjoying some cocktails) outside the party hall. We mingled with the authors, aspiring authors and even some sexy cover models (my words, not his – haha)! This was absolutely thrilling to me! My nerves finally settling down (thanks to a Tequila Sunrise or two), I chatted with so many people, and enjoyed some avid photo taking.

I chatted with Medallion Press editor/cover model “Ali DeGray” about her different career choices, and she proudly spoke of her talented mother, author and founder of Medallion Press, Helen Rosburg.

I also met a dedicated new author (Leanna Renee Hieber) who, despite being all dressed up for the Vampire Ball in her slinky gothic outfit, sat in the lobby, and arduously worked on completing her deadlines. Regardless of her pursuit to finish her work, she was extremely welcoming and cheerfully answered our questions, (and seemed happy to pose with me). Her new book called ” The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker” is set to be released August 2009. After meeting a slew of aspiring and published authors, vampires and ghouls, the Vampire Ball began to wind down. A number of us headed to the resort’s “Pool Bar”, and continued the events until 2am! I noticed that Kathryn Falk and her husband were seated at the table next to ours. My husband thanked her for seating me at the Awards ceremony, and to our surprise, she pulled up a chair and sat with us. She bestowed upon us, some of her life lessons learned. We discussed how Kathryn started the magazine, her beginning struggles and great achievements. Positive thinking, and ingenuity, go hand in hand with Kathryn’s personality. What a remarkable woman!

This party and my new acquaintances will never be forgotten. It was 2:30am before I finally got to bed, and I needed to rest up, as the Book Fair, that I had anticipated all week, was coming up next (and I was going to take full advantage of getting my hands on all sorts of books).

Stay tuned! More to follow…