Last week I attended the RT Readers’ Convention in downtown Dallas at the Reunion Hyatt Regency as an author one of over 500 authors attending. It was a gathering for several thousand readers who were there to meet their favorite authors.
Janice Olson at RT Booklovers’ Giant Book Sale
This was the first time, as an author of romantic suspense and romance with a twist of humor, I had ever attended something of this magnitude just for readers. However, it was spectacular, very well ran, and lots of fun.
I was fortunate to be able to meet up for breakfast with my author friends, Kellie Coates Gilbert and Lynne Gentry. Good fun, good food, and great friends. Kellie was the one who clued me in on the RT Booklovers’ Convention. Thanks, Kellie!
The Giant Book Fair that took place on Saturday was something else. Throw in all the large adjectives you know and then you just might get the picture.
There were thousands of readers milling around the huge room and standing in line to meet their favorite authors along with finding new favorites.
I, with 500+ other authors, greeted readers and signed books form 10:00 to 2:00 pm. And though I can’t speak for the other authors, I had a blast. It was truly amazing to see so many avid readers in on huge room holding stacks of books and/or dragging roller bags full of books for authors to sign. Such a treat to meet so many readers.
I was there featuring the new release of my first romance with a twist of humor ~ Mr. What’s-His-Name. I’m happy to announce the book received a great reception.
I sat on Inspirational Row next to Francine Rivers. What an honor to meet Francine. She’s one special lady! I had fun hawking the readers over to our table. It wasn’t much of a chore with so many readers eager to meet her.
In all, there were 27 inspirational authors who were signing that day. A pity there weren’t more.
I also was handing out cards for a free download of Serenity’s Deception. (It has been newly edited and with a new cover. What do you think?)
You can get a free download too, click here.
Across from Inspirational Way was the YA (Young Adult) authors, which encouraged me that there were so many young avid reader fans.
Reading is still alive and well! Thank goodness.
I gave away a trunk stuffed full of goodies, including four of my books at the convention. Sara W. of Dallas won the drawing. She stopped by my table and introduced herself (she’s the pretty brunette in the pic) and I was delighted to get a picture of yet another avid reader. She said how please she was with the trunk and that her 80+ year-old neighbor had already taken the books and was eager to read them. YEAH, FOR SARA!
When the convention was over it took me well over a week to recuperate, but well worth the investment of time.I enjoyed meeting all the people and making new friends and hopefully gaining new readers.
And will I do it again? You betcha!
If you were one of the many I spoke with, then I say HOWDY! And please be sure you drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, may all your dreams be filled with good books to read.
Blessings,
Janice Olson