C.H. Admirand Making Connections at #BLC19 in New Orleans

I never realized when Amanda McIntyre introduced me to Angi Morgan at #BLC19 in New Orleans that I'd made a connection that would open up a new opportunity. I was happy to meet Angi and sit and chat. Who knew it would lead to an invitation to join her Get Lost In A Story Blog Crew!

Life is all about making connections and choices...do I turn left at the fork in the road? Turn right? Stand frozen to the spot unable to make a decision? Give up--unable to make a decision--and go back.

There have been times in my life that I've turned left at the fork and others when I've turned right. At the lowest points in my life, I've stood frozen in fear unable to decide. But then I'd get my gumption back--or as my 91-year-old Father-in-Law said after my Dad's wake in 1999..."you've got grit" encouraging me to move forward one step-at-a-time. I'm a firm believer in fate, destiny and love-at-first-sight. Without faith and hope, I'd have been lost years ago. 

As I'm writing this Joe Diffie starts singing in my head--Ship's That Don't Come In. (songs are always playing in my head) I get chills every time I hear the refrain and am crying by the end of the song. We heard him sing it live in concert years ago, and his voice was just as clear and moving as this video. In case you haven't heard it in awhile, or ever...here's the youtube link Ship's That Don't Come In .

While sitting at my kitchen table writing this blog, I got distracted by the beauty of the day--the bright blue sky, warmth of the sun, and gentle breeze. I just have to go outside and soak up the beauty of the day.

As our clothesline moved with the breeze, I was propelled back in time handing Mom clothes pins as she hung out the clothes in our backyard. Time for a break to gather my thoughts while washing the clothes...the sheets are going to smell fabulous when I make the bed tonight. 

Hanging up the sheets and the rest of the laundry, I think of Mom and Dad and wonder if they celebrated their 64th Anniversary up in Heaven--they got married on June 18th in 1955. It's kindof a shock to realize that they were only married 4 years longer than Dave and I. We're celebrating our 40th Anniversary today...August 4th. Time flies!

Although my darling hubby created it a couple of weeks ago...this is my anniversary present this year...created from my favorite washtub...and rocks from the yard. Love the new 'water feature'...aka 'fountain in a washtub.' ;)

As I'm typing this up, I'm hearing Joe Mulcahy and Mary Murphy arguing in my head. So happy to have finished their story and have it "in the chute" waiting on edits to upload the final copy along with the cover for my first Christmas Novella: Christmas Comes to Apple Grove. They deserve their happily ever after! Love doesn't care how old you are ;)

Next up and waiting for the link to preview the PDF of my January 2020 reissue of the first book in my Small Town USA series: A Wedding in Apple Grove. So delighted to have a cover that I LOVE!! It actually ties in to Meg and Dan's story...not always the case when you have publishers involved with a different vision. This cover speaks to me, makes me cry, and has me singing another Joe Diffie song in my head: In John Deere Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0387lIpG7Q 

After my computer crashed--mid-edit--on Monday afternoon, it was chaos here! But by Wednesday I had a new laptop which didn't have all of my programs on it...or quick links, websites, etc. YIKES...so it's been a chaotic but in the end productive week around here. I finished my proofing my edits for A Wedding in Apple Grove and uploaded them yesterday, need to check to see if they've been approved yet.

Today I spent writing a book proposal that I can't talk about yet...but if things work out as planned, will be seriously exciting. Now to write the first chapter and send it off tonight, fingers crossed ;)

Cherish your loved ones and hold them close to your heart. Family First! With my heart centered, I can stand at that fork in the road and make a decision knowing my family has my back. Now midnight at the Crossroads is a whole other story for another time...

I'm giving away a free e-book copy of my first book...The Marshal's Destiny. The first book in my Irish Western Series...to enter leave a comment answering the question: What centers you and keeps you sane in this sometimes crazy life?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special Edition-Between the Pages: Laissez les bons temps rouler

Are you looking for the ultimate reader experience? 

Here's one that will knock your socks off!

https://www.bookloverscon.com

MAY 15-19, 2019 

Hyatt Regency Hotel  New Orleans, La.

Director Jo Carol Jones and Peggy McMillan

I recently caught up with #BLC19 conference director, Jo Carol Jones (NOT an easy task, btw!)  and asked her to share a bit about this brand-new conference that is debuting in NOLA! 

Jo Carol Jones is no novice at reader/author conferences. For the last several years she was the convention director for the Romantic Times Conventions and has over 18+ years in conference and special occasion events. When, this past year, RT decided to close its doors, it ended one era and ushered in a new direction in reader/author conferences! I have to say on a personal level that working with Jo on events in her conferences is always an exciting journey! 

I asked Jo Carol to share a bit about the Booklover's Con--

Amanda: Why have your first conference in New Orleans?

Jo Carol: Mainly because readers asked for it! We've been working with the beautiful Hyatt Regency New Orleans and feel we have a beautiful venue, in a beautiful city, with some of the most wonderful authors slated to attend this conference.

Amanda: I noticed the authors were limited. Why is that and how many authors are attending?

Jo Carol: We wanted to make it a more intimate experience, for the authors as well as the readers. Keeping it on a smaller scale and having an agenda that is very open and interactive between readers and authors is a win-win for everyone! Author registration is now closed with approximately 240-250 authors registered to attend.

Amanda: What can readers expect at #BLC19?

Jo Carol: They can expect to have the chance to meet authors one-on-one and attend events the authors themselves have designed specifically for the readers enjoyment.

Amanda: Can you give us a sneak peek of who is attending? (Besides me, of course;) I heard Charlaine Harris, JR Ward, Sabrina Jeffries, Heather Graham just to name a scant few are attending!

Jo Carol: That's true and besides you, readers can check out the many great authors set to attend the conference #BLC19 AUTHOR PAGE We feel we have a group of incredibly talented authors this year and we're very excited to welcome them to BLC19!

Amanda: So you've been the special events/convention director biz for 18+ years, what is it you like most about what you do?

Jo Carol: I honestly love watching the readers faces when they see their favorite author for the first time, seeing their expressions when they walk into an event and their mouth drops open and they are drawn into the magic of the moment!

Amanda: That "wow" factor.  Sort of a visual transformation into the world of imagination and fantasy. (Good segue-way into the next question) What are some of the events on tap for BLC19?

Jo Carol: We have worked with authors, the hotel and special groups in NOLA to create a magical journey that celebrates our common love of books! From a traditional Jazz fest to open up with on Wednesday to two sit down dinners Thursday and Friday hosted by several authors-- Thursday is the Faery & Fantasy Gathering and Friday is the Voodoo Vampire Club. The bookfair of course on Saturday, with a wonderful Saturday night celebration of dance and food New Orleans style and a farewell brunch on Sunday. In-between the big events are a number of intimate author hosted events featuring games, prizes, fun, and more! Lots of swag and goodies bags can be expected! There is a full page of all the events on our AGENDA PAGE.

If you 'd like to learn more about the BOOKLOVERSCON19 coming to NOLA in May 2019, check out the official website.

Hope to see you there!!

https://www.bookloverscon.com  

Between the pages with Amanda McIntyre

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend here in the states. It was a memorable weekend for me as I was traveling--part work and part fun. I enjoyed being with friends, experiencing southern hospitality, and being in one of my favorite cites, New Orleans. (Can you just smell the beignets & cafe au lait  at Cafe Du Monde?) Serious yum!
But even more important, I was thrilled to get a backstage glimpse of what is shaping up to be a BRAND NEW leading reader/author conference!

The city: New Orleans 

The place: Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown

The event: (#BLC19) BOOK LOVERS CON 2019

New Orleans holds a special fascination for many. The warmth and hospitality of its people, its undeniable history and diversity. In fact, it was the great writer, Tennessee Williams who said, "America has three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland."
While you may agree or disagree, there is no doubt that New Orleans to this day remains a mecca to the creative mind with stories, food, and history that has served for many a playwright, musician, artist ,and chef.

It was the obvious choice for the first annual Book Lovers Con and its owner/director Jo Carol Jones has created something very special for readers and authors at this brand new event! Welcoming authors and readers of all genres, she has garnered some of the best in the publishing industry to launch this first of many conventions across the country--Harlequin, Dreamspinner Press, MacMillan, Penguin and Sourcebooks to name but a few as well as an array of great published authors on all levels.

WHATS ON TAP FOR #BLC19

(*A QUICK GLIMPSE!)

Wednesday night join the fun in true New Orleans fashion with music , dancing, food and more! Hosted by #BLC authors and industry giants!

Thursday Night -The Faery & Fantasy Gathering-Welcome to Avalon and its host authors invite you to a night of magical wonder! A sumptuous dinner and music will be followed by the return of the faery costume competition! Special prizes awarded. Spectacular surprises await!! Join us!

Friday Night-What would a book Lovers con be without a night hosted by the queen of New Orleans, Heather Graham and friends? Dinner, costumes, dancing and more as we celebrate the grand supernatural history that is decidedly New Orleans! Afraid of zombies? Don't be, the Vampires will scare them off!


There is SO MUCH MORE happening at this event!BOOT CAMP -PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPEMENT
CHERRY ADAIR'S MASTER CLASS
GENRE EVENTS for readers
READER EVENTS
INDIE SOIREE
BOOKS & BEIGNETS
SATURDAY BOOK BASH
BOOK BASH DANCE PARTY
BRUNCH & BUBBLY
and so much more!!

Find out more and how YOU can make plans to join us next May 15-19, 2019 in New Orleans!Book LoversCon 2019
https://www.bookloverscon.com

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!

#BLC19 is offering guests a chance to win one night free during the conference! But registration is required BEFORE SEPTEMBER 14TH!  (*note if you have already registered, you are automatically entered in the contest! How cool is that!)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Hope to see you in New Orleans! May 2019 will be here before you know it!

Laissez le bon temps rouler !

(Let the good times roll!)