Romanticon 2009 - Sunday's Workshop Panels

Romanticon 2009 - Sunday's Worshop Panels

As stated in my earlier post, each day of Ellora Cave's Romanticon was chocked full of events and activities from sun up to sun down and we enjoyed each and every workshop. However, the cherry to our "Sundae" was in the fact that I'd been asked to participate as a panelist on two of the panels for the day.

The first of the day being the Reviewer's Panel. Panelists included: Chrissy Dionne (Romance Junkies) Sheila Gallagher (Two Lips Reviews), Joysann (Publishers Weekly) Moderator EC Editor Helen Woodall and myself.

Each panelist explained how we selected books for review. How we handle negative reviews and what was the best "thank you" we'd ever received from an author/publisher for reviewing a book as well as a wide variety of other questions. The one thing we as reviewers,...well, yours truly...hoped authors came away from this panel workshop with was to not take negative reviews personally. Learn from them what they could and continue to grow as authors.

Our "Thank You" for doing this workshop, a super-cool "Save The Frogs" wristband and stone all the way from Austrailia (check out savethefrogs.com for more information)

Pictured above: EC Editor and Moderator Helen Woodall, Sheila Gallagher (Two Lips) and myself.

Our next event for the day...the one that made me a wee bit nervous and sent me into the same frame of mind that I have when teaching Children's Church and I'm dealing with 2 dozen hyperactive 5-10 year olds,...was the Writing and Researching IR/MC Workshop that I was asked to participate on. *shrugs* Hey, we had 30 minutes and five speakers...I had to talk fast considering we still had to answer attendees questions.

From the start of the panel until the end, the discussion was lively. The panelist included Eve Vaughn, Liz Andrews, Lena Matthews, Koko Brown and myself. Each spoke on a specific topic of interest: Definition and General Information, Do and Don't's, Stereotypes, Conflict and Advice to Aspiring Authors.

Pictured above: Eve Vaughn (not pictured), Lena Matthews, Liz Andrews, Koko Brown and myself.

We ended the panel with random IMRR giveaways of t-shirts, totebags and copies of "Holiday Gifts" on CD. Both panels were amazing to be a part of .

Pictured from left to right:
Authors Tracy Cooper-Posey and Eve Vaughn, EC attendee whose name escapes me at the moment, myself (Mimi Tremont), IMRR Member: Lexi, Aspiring Author George Allwyn and Liz Andrews

My thanks to the staff of Ellora's Cave for inviting us to take part in this year's conference. We look forward to attending next year in whatever capacity we're allowed.

Although...I'd gladly take over as Caveman Wrangler.

EC Caveman and Mr. Romance 2006 - Rodney Chatman

Mimi

Back From Romanticon! - A Quick Overview

Hi Everyone!

I'm back from Romanticon and I'm wonderfully tired.

In fact...we all are. (Please note the happy, but exhausted looks on the four faces to your right Gloria, Patricia, myself and IMRR's newest member, Mikah Woods)




Now, I could tell you about all the sexy models I met and managed to not grope. (Ellora's Cavemen David Greenhouse and Angelo)


*whispers* Right up until I saw these two very sexy cavemen, I'd wished my daughter had attended with me. Then after a tiny bit of thought, I was overjoyed she was home in Syracuse and not in Ohio with me because I'm pretty sure, I wouldn't have seen her much. And yes, they do indeed ooze sex appeal with every breath they take.


But instead, I think I want to tell everyone about the amazing authors I met.


Almost from the first day of the convention, I kept running into this super cute little person that liked my locs and said so. I later suggested that she try getting temporary twist extensions while secretly love-love-loving the purple tint in her hair. The only reason I kept it a secret was because I knew if I'd even begun to mention loving it, I would have left Ohio with purple hair.
She looked like she was a tad too young to read an Ellora's Cave book, never mind attend the convention. Turns out, she was romance crack dealer and author Sherri L. King and I left her table with not one, but two books after years of reading her blurbs and swearing to myself that I would stay away from her brand of romance crack. I'm pretty sure, Sherri's back home, loving her new title of crack dealer.


My first day of the convention, I attended the one class I swore that I was only going to for those members of RICH Writers that wrote M/M and M/F/M. In fact, I was positive that all I'd really learn was information that I could pass on to others.

Problem was, Kaenar Langford was among the panelist and within 30 seconds of opening her mouth, she had the entire class eating out the palm of her hand as she discussed going on a tour of a gay spa.

When we officially met her later in the lobby and she began to tell us more about her researching for her books and being a kindergarden teacher years earlier, we (Trish, Gloria and I) came to the unamious decision that she was easily one of the coolest people we'd ever met. I'm pretty sure, Kaenar's not afraid to research anything.

Other amazing authors I met and had a chance to talk to: Bronwyn Green, Regina Carlysle, J Hali Steele, Joanna Waugh, Nina Pierce...and I know I'm forgetting others outside of the four ladies I plan on mentioning tomorrow: Eve Vaughn, Lena Matthews, Liz Andrews and Koko Brown. Those four ladies, deserve a separate installation of their own.

Meanwhile, I'm going to bed and dreaming of all the books I've got to read...and must get back to writing.

Happy Reading and Writing!

In less than 24 hours, Patricia and I will both be representing IMRR at the first Romanticon Convention!

I leave tonight. While Trish (and Gloria - aka IMRR's Unlisted and Invisible Member and Management Cheerleader) leaves in the morning.

I'm participating on two panels. Reading The Reviews and Research and Writing Special Genres: Interracial/Multicultural Romance (with Eve Vaughn, Liz Andrews, Koko Brown and Lena Matthews).

Some how I've managed to not get nervous. Let's pray it stays that way. However....all the giggling over the past few days could just be....Nahhh, it's just me talking books with some really...really...super cool...authors that I en...joy....*fans self*....Whew!...Is it hot in here? Can someone open a window....

If you live in the area and can't attend the convention, but would love to check out the book fair and giggle with Trish, Gloria and I, it's open to the public on Sunday from 12-3pm at the Quality Inn and Suites, Richfield, Ohio.

For more information on Romanticon 09's events: https://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon/details.html

Mimi
IMRR Manager

Favorite Quote

Refuse to waste your time. Give it value and spend it wisely. ~ Mimi Tremont

Woo-HOO! (Travesty Update)

So, this morning Mom and I are in the car and she's listening...kinda...to a comedy channel on Sirrus FM. But, of course, there's no local news on there so I grab my cellphone and turn on the radio function to locate a local station I can stomach that early in the morning. I plugged in my headset. Turned on the cell and started searching. Two stations in, it landed back on my fave station and what should my wondrous ears hear? NEPHEW TOMMY!!!

MY STATION'S BACK Y'ALL!!!

I have no idea what prompted them to change back, (probably a mindblowing number of phone calls from angry listeners looking for their daily fix of old school r & b music, Steve Harvey and Michael Baisden) but whatever it was...WHOEVER it was, my eternal thanks goes out to them. The world as I know it has returned to normal and I can get my laugh on again.

Your Top Ten Favorite Heroes

You've read his story so many times the edges of the book is permanently curled.

Long after putting the book down, you just couldn't get him out of your mind....We're talking YEARS LATER!

Were you ever lucky enough to come in contact with a man like him, you'd be all the woman he ever needed. Lord knows you wouldn't have given him half the trouble his heroine gave him. He's your favorite hero and although you'd never share him with anyone, you know you want to tell others about him.

Who are your Top Ten
All-Time Favorite Heroes?

Here's mine thus far, in no particular order....

1. Garret MacAllister - "Get Your Sexy On" - Kimberly Kaye Terry (IR)

2. Duncan Tallchief - "The Cowboy and The Cradle" by Cait London- I don't think this book is even in print any more, but if you love Alpha heroes in kilts, Duncan's (and his brothers) your man!

3. Bobby Ray Smith aka "Smitty" - "The Beast In Him" by Shelley Laurenston (IR)

4. Jared Stone - "The Critic" by Dyanne Davis (AA)

5. Jake Kosevo - "Mr. Right Now" by Monica Jackson (IR)

6. Adam Omega - "In the Beginning" and "In Blood We Trust" by F. D. Davis - You REALLY need to read these books.

7. Carlos Manoso aka "Ranger" - The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich

8. Acheron Parthenopaus - "Acheron" and The Dark Hunters Series - Sherilyn Kenyon

9. Mikhail Dubrinsky - "Dark Prince" by Christine Feehan

10. Sheikh Jamal Ari Yasir - "Delaney's Desert Sheikh" by Brenda Jackson (IR)

Honorable Mention:

Each and EVERY hero of "The Westmorelands" by Brenda Jackson.

Brian Spencer - "Rockstar" by Roslyn Hardy-Holcomb

Sullivan - "In Blood We Trust" by FD Davis

Anatoly - The Sophie Katz Mysteries by Kyra Davis

Books Featuring - Native American and Asian Heroes

Locating a book featuring a bw/wm couple is much easier than it used to be. But, what if you're looking for an IR book featuring an Asian or Native American hero?

Not so easy to just blindly reach for a book at your favorite bookstore and locate such a book with ease. Below is a list...a growing list I'm sure. Of currently available IR books featuring sexy sistahs and handsome Asian and Native heroes.

Native American Heroes

"Unbreak My Heart" by Dar Thomlinson - bw/nam
"From The Ashes" by Kathleen Suzanne and Jeanne Sumerix - bw/nam
"Red Sky" by Renee Alexis - bw/nam

Asian Heroes

"J-Pop Lovesong" by Shiree McCarver - bw/am
"Drummer's Beat To Mend" by Kei Swanson - bw/am
"The Words of a Pitcher" Kei Swanson - ww/am
"Ebony Eyes" by Kei Swanson - bw/am
"No Ordinary Love" by Angela Weaver - bw/am

(All of the books listed are available via Genesis Press, except J-Pop)

Authors who focus on Asian Heroes - Shiree McCarver and Kei Swanson
Authors who focus on Native American Heroes - Renee Alexis

Check out Shiree and Kei's individual sites for additional books featuring Asian heroes. They both have several books not listed above.

Kei Swanson: http://www.keiswanson.com/
Shiree McCarver: http://www.shireemccarver.com/

Renee Alexis is working a series of books featuring Native American's heroes, check out her blog here: http://reneealexis.blogspot.com/

Mimi's Favorite Reads - August

"Finger Lickin' Fifteen" by Janet Evanovich

"Get Your Sexy On" by Kimberly Kaye Terry

"Dream Warrior" by Sherrilyn Kenyon

"Finger Lickin' Fifteen" by Janet Evanovich - (ww/wm and hm - it's a love triangle of sorts for those of you unfamiliar with the series) I faithfully purchase Evanovich's books. FAITHFULLY. This year I was in Borders on the day it came out with a special gleam in my eye as a I fingered the pages. As predicted, she didn't disappoint and I laughed enough while reading it during my lunch breaks that my coworkers knew without asking who I was reading. Lula witnesses a murder, enters a barbecue contest (mind you, she can't boil water), moves in with Stephanie and the mayhem and laughter begins.

If you've never read Evanovich before, give her a try and as with all series, start at the beginning. It will make more sense when they refer to events that occured two books back.

And for those of you familiar with the series...Morelli and Ranger are sexier than ever...and I will be a Babe till the day I die!

"Get Your Sexy On" by Kimberly Kaye Terry - (bw/wm) I purchased this book within days of it's release. However, I held off on reading it until a couple of weeks ago. Hey, I've got a ton of books in my TBR pile...

Okay, here's the skinny....I opened the book one evening after work telling myself that I was just going to read the opening chapter, then get on with writing, critiquing and a whole host of other things that I needed to do. I sat on the edge of the bed. Opened the book and didn't get up until I was more than ninety pages in and the only reason I got up then, was because my daughter was on her way home from work and I thought it might be nice if we had dinner that night.

The next day when I got my "You better be writing" reminder email from author Naomi James, I admitted why I'd been lax the night before and sent her a link to KKT's GYSO page. Thirty minutes later, I got another email back from her screaming that she hated me because she'd just ordered the book from Borders herself and was picking it up on her way home. She, like yours truly, went home, opened the book and couldn't put it down.

Refusing to read the next page in this book is like trying to not eat the next potato chip in the bag. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT FINISH IT OFF IN ONE SITTING!

I promise you this is one of the sexiest books I've read in years. The plot is on point. I've never been a stripper turned teacher, but I understood Sienna Featherstone's motivations behind doing what she did. And the hero Garret McAllister...Listen, if you don't like Alphas....don't read this book. He takes alpha to a level that's far beyond anything I've encountered in a while. But...*fans self*...I want to go with him wherever he goes.

Before I ramble anymore, since this is always supposed to be a short "Here's The Books I Liked" type thing, I'll make it short. The book is hot. The hero's hot. The heroine is about her business and the plot kept me turning pages.

Note to Ms. Terry regarding Jake Runninghorse...DIBS!

"Dream Warrior" by Sherrilyn Kenyon - (paranormal - mythology) Yet another thing anyone that knows me knows, is that I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. She's such an autobuy that if her publisher decides to change the cover and not the content, and if I'm not paying attention, I will buy her books and not realize until I get home and go to put it on my shelf, that I've got a copy of it already.

Ms. Kenyon introduces readers to a new pantheon of warriors battling to save humanity from an evil that they don't know exist.

Now listen...the hero, Jericho/Cratus - YUMMY. If you love Zarek of Moesha, you'll love Jericho.

Delphine, the heroine...If only I had her skills. She minds her business and does her best to stay on the downlow when it comes to Zeus and his minions, but, she will kick butt, take names and have them posted for all to see just in case someone's crazy enough to think they're big and bad enough to take her on.

While Ms. Kenyon's said previously that from the point of "Acheron" on, the next book would set up a new series, the "Dream Hunters" and (Technically, the first book in the series is "Dream Hunter" released in 2007), "Dream Warrior" is the third book in the series, BUT...if I tell you what happens at the end of the book...well, lets just say it would be wrong, wrong, wrong of me.

*sigh*

Okay, okay, okay....I'll tell a tiny bit.

If you've never read any of the books in the series, this is the perfect book to pick up since from this point forward, we have a whole slew of new (and sexy) characters and I can not wait for the next book in the series

Like the Finger Lickin' and Sexy, I couldn't put it down and have found myself going back to reread portions of the book because it was just SOOOO good!

These are my three favorite books for the month. Why not spread the word about your favs?

And The Winner Is....

....Tatiana2329!

Congratulations to Tatiana2329, the winner of my birthday contest!

Thank you to everyone that participated in this year's contest.

Last Day!

Today's the last day in my annual birthday give away. If you haven't entered, here's your chance!

I'm giving away two of my fave books of 2009 ("The Beast In Him" by Shelly Laurenston and "Get Your Sexy On" by Kimberly Kaye Terry) and a $25 gift certificate to Borders (or Barnes and Nobles).

How do you enter?

Simply stop by my Multiply site and comment on a post. It's just that easy.

Best of luck!

Mimi
http://mimitremont.multiply.com/

IMRR at RomantiCon 2009

Hey gang, we've got some AWESOME news!

In fact, it's so awesome that if you hadn't thought about attending RomantiCon 2009, you just might change your mind!

The official schedule will hit the net in a few weeks, but after a phone call here and there and lots of giggling, screeching and our usual behind the scenes madcap antics, we've confirmed with the powers to be (aka the Fabulous ladies at Ellora's Cave) that Patricia and I will be sitting on two panels during the convention!

Yep, you read that right!

I'm take part in the "Researching and Writing Interracial/Multicultural/African-American Romances" panel.

While Patricia will sit on the Reader's Focus Session Panel (I don't have the exact title of the panel), which from what I understand is supposed to be super cool because it's a group of romance lovers giving authors, both published and aspiring, information on what readers are looking for when they open a book.

As soon as the official schedule hits the net, or one of our inboxes, we'll pass it on to everyone. But, if you're on the fence about attending RomantiCon, consider joining us. However, if you know you're attending, be sure to find us! We've always got an IMRR promo item or two to giveaway if you do.

Amazing Birthday Continues

Because my daughter forgot to take yesterday, my actual birthday off, she decided to make up for being such a rotten daughter, by taking me out to dinner tonight. I hadn't a clue where she was taking me until we reached the SU (Syracuse University) Campus.

Being diplomatic, she gave me the choice of two restaurants.

Now, she knew better than to do this because when I'm the one making decisions for someone other than just me, I've been known to bounce between two or three decisions because I want as many people as possible to be happy with the decision. While if it's just little ole me, making a decision is super easy.

She'd picked out two restaurants, "Appethazing" a thai restaurant...I'm a big fan of thai....and "Aladdin's Eatery" known for its natural ingredients and meditterranean food, most of which is vegetarian. The "most of which" is what made me choose "Aladdin's."

Thirty seconds into the restaurant and...

SWEET MERCIFUL SAVIOR!!!!

It was the first time in ages that I'd gone somewhere for dinner and had more than two or three choices. The menu wasn't huge, but with four or five choices from each area of the menu we both just sat there stumped for the first ten minutes until the waitress had mercy on us...well, me really. As usual, the brat knew what she wanted immediately, she had mousaka.

Indecisive me, I had a veggie combo plate chocked full with four appetizer sized selections from their menu. My faves, the spanikopita (spinach pie) and the tourlou (a stew-oup of sorts with eggplant, chickpeas, roasted red peppers and tomatoes). I ate until I was...not necessarily full, but so satisfied I couldn't contemplate dessert. Fact is, about the only thing I can think about right now, is a fabulous cup of red zinger tea.

It was an amazing meal and a great way to celebrate my birthday, thanks to the brat. Yep...all I can think about is the tea...too bad the leftover cake and ice cream's calling my name.

An Amazing Birthday

I am having an amazing birthday weekend. AB-SO-LUTELY amazing!

What makes it so amazing you ask? Well gee, I'll tell you.

Now, I started to tell you a bunch of stuff that wasn't really your business and quite honestly, you're not really interested in outside of it being soap opera-ish, so I'll just trim it down to the basics.

Earlier today I was on the phone with IMRR Management's voice of reason (aka Patricia) when my call waiting flashed and I saw a strange cell phone number on the television screen (the wonders of digital tv and phone ties mine together). So, feeling generous with my time, I decided to put Trish on hold for a few and see who it was. I have a bazillion cousins and most of them know my b-day's tomorrow. So, I hit flash and the first thing I hear is: "Who's this?"

Well..*g*...if you know me, you already know my reply. "Who's THIS?"

"Uhhh....this is Lamar."

OMIGOSH!!!!!!!

I scrambled to get off the phone with Trish because it was my nephew in Orlando! I hadn't heard from him in at least three years! I had an amazing time talking to him. But in the middle of all the chatter I asked him how his Mom (my sister, Diane) was doing. His reply, "Well, why don't you ask her yourself?"

OMIGOSH!!!!

Now, my sister isn't anyone famous or anything like that outside of just being MY sister. (Please take the next few minutes to ignore the fact that I'm not famous either) But I hadn't talked to my sister in at least ten years. (Insert soap-operaish stuff that I alluded to earlier here). We talked for thirty of the most amazing minutes I've experience in a long time and I'm AMAZINGLY HAPPY!

So amazing in fact that I've decided to extend my birthday celebration giveaway until the end of the month and extend the prizes by adding a few more things to the $25 gift certificate and copy of "The Beast In Him" by Shelly Laurenston. The contest now ends on July 31st so if you haven't entered, be sure to do so soon!

Multiply Hasn't Lost It's Mind...

...but I did finally figure out how to crosspost my blog posts between Multiply and Blogger. So, the 50-11 posts from me yesterday, was me finally figuring it out and THEN getting a wicked headache and going home to bed before saying as much to everyone.

Multiply

Well ladies and gentlemen, I've finally gotten the "hang" of Multiply and we're days away from migrating IMRR. We've created a site for the members of IMRR Management to post info and such. In addition each member of management have created their own sites. Check everyone out and see what all they're up to.

IMRR Management Site: http://imrr.multiply.com/

Mimi Tremont: http://mimitremont.multiply.com/
Patrica Perry: http://patriciaimrr.multiply.com/
Stephanie Spalino: http://kittydiva.multiply.com/
LaVerne Thompson: http://isisindc.multiply.com/