Congratulations, Nancy M! You won the copy of Elizabeth Hoyt’s To Taste Temptation!
Thanks everyone for dropping by my blog yesterday.
~Jo~

I’m home from RT and the dust finally has settled. Traveling wasn’t nearly as nerve-jangling as I thought it would be. Although the airport limo ride home detoured unexpectedly into a scenic jaunt through the countryside, I arrived at my front door a little worse for wear but otherwise unscathed.

This was my second RT. Unfortunately, attendance was down from Pittsburgh due to the economy. For those who managed to participate, however, it was great fun!

M.A. Ellis, Joanna Waugh & Cheryl Dragon

My crit partner and fellow Jasmine-Jade (EC) author, Cheryl Dragon, was a member of the Fairy Court this year. The theme for the ball was Seelie/Unseelie Check out these You Tube videos of the court.

Seelies
Unseelies

Another EC author and good friend Mary Ann Ellis was interview by Romantic Times. Click here to read it. (Twilight fans — Mary Ann’s publicist, Becky Scoggins of Scoggins Management, is putting together the first Twicon in Dallas July 30-Aug 2nd.)

At the Vampire Ball, I had the good fortune to share a table with American Title V winner, Marie-Claude Bourque. What a lovely young lady! Marie still wore a stunned expression from the RT awards ceremony earlier when Leah Hultenschmidt unveiled the cover for her book, Ancient Whispers, which will be published in 2010.

At the Saturday book signing, I was fortunate to sit next to Debra Webb who won RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Harlequin Intrigue. On the other side of me was erotica author KyAnn Waters who also writes traditional romance as Lisa Dawn MacDonald. Mr. Romance contestants Franco D’Angelo and Eric Truglia hung out at KyAnn’s table. Meanwhile, behind me, cover model Jimmy Thomas sported a hot cowboy outfit for Ciana Stone. With that kind of action on all sides, how could I go wrong? I sold every copy of BLIND FORTUNE.

Joanna Waugh -- 2009 RT book signing

Leave a comment to win a copy of Elizabeth Hoyt’s To Taste Temptation, RT’s pick for Best Historical Romance of the Year. I will post the name of the winner tomorrow!

Check out my website
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and click here for excerpts and buy links about BLIND FORTUNE

I hate packing for a trip, almost as much as I detest traveling. If I just could beam to my destination a la Star Trek, or orb there like a white lighter in Charmed, I’d be a happy camper. But I shouldn’t complain. Not when I’m headed for so much fun at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in sunny Orlando.

Last year I attended as a new author for Cerridwen Press. (When I say new, I mean ink-still-wet-on-my-contract new.) I felt a lot like a Regency chit at her first London ball–bewildered and unsure of myself. But the folks of Jasmine Jade Enterprises were welcoming and gracious, particularly my editor’s group of authors. As the newest froggie (that’s what Helen calls us) on the pond, I was made to feel right at home.

In the vernacular of the Regencies I love to read and write, this will be my second “season” at RT. I know the ropes now and look forward to even more fun. Last year, I met a super lady who writes for Ellora’s Cave. Half a dozen authors would get together for drinks in her suite every evening. We discussed our day and talked about writing, the publishing industry and our careers. I learned a lot from that wonderful group of ladies. More important, I made some lasting friendships. I’m flying down a couple days early to spend some time with one new friend before we drive up to Orlando.

Which brings me back to my suitcase. What to pack? Comfortable shoes are a must. A couple of dressy outfits for the parties. (I will not be donning wings for the Faerie Ball!) Bookmarks and business cards for sure, signing pens, and a bunch of those gold oval “autographed copy” stickers.

It’s amazing how far my career has come in just one year, with more wonderful experiences still ahead. RT will be my first major book signing. My debut Regency historical, BLIND FORTUNE, released in trade paperback from Cerridwen Press in February.  (Click here to read a blurb and excerpts)

If you’re in Orlando, stop by my signing table on Saturday, April 25th and introduce yourself. Like Classic Romance Revival, RT is about networking with people who share a passion for romance fiction. I’ll be giving away some custom-made jewelry.  Click here to learn more.

For those unable to attend RT, take a look at my website. On the front page you’ll find a link to my yahoo group. I’d love for you to join!
Be sure to check out my blog and don’t forget to “friend” me on Myspace and Facebook.