For those who haven’t heard of it, GayRomLit is a retreat for writers and readers of gay romance to get together, talk about books, have fun and treat fictional characters like they are friends…This year’s event will occur October 18-21, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Last year’s retreat took place in New Orleans, and a wonderful time was apparently had by all. As a new writer at the time, I didn’t go. But hearing the stories coming back from people who did attend, I thought “Maybe someday.” I didn’t think someday would be yet. I’m horribly shy in groups, although I can fake it. And then there’s the cost of the trip, even though the registration isn’t that much, but there’s the flight and… I had all kinds of excuses.
But the death of William Neale before I had a chance to meet him was a nudge of one kind, and I met writer K-lee Klein and we talked for three hours without me saying anything too stupid (I hope.) And I got a royalty check that would cover the trip. So I went ahead and signed up.
I’m going as a reader, since author sign-ups are full. That means I’m not doing any of the Author Q&A or excerpt-readings, and I probably won’t have an official spot at the book signing (unless they decide to squeeze me in.) But that’s okay; I just want to hang out and maybe meet a few people, and listen to some of my favorite authors who will be there. You can find the current list of authors participating in some of the events on author and organizer Ethan Day’s website. I’ll be around with my nametag on if anyone does want a book signed or something. So I’m looking forward to it, wishing only slightly that I was an extrovert and did drink. But I expect I’ll find some fun regardless. Last I looked there were a handful of late-registration spots still open, if anyone else is inspired to make the trip. I look forward to seeing some of you in New Mexico. Check out the darker corners – you’ll probably find me there.
See you there! 🙂
Glad you’re going, Kaje! Looking forward to meeting you!
Oh fun, I am starting to look forward to this.
It’ll be my first year too, so you’ll probably find me off to one side just standing there and staring all starry eyed at everyone.:D
I just had an image of all us introverts competing for the dark corners *snort*.
LoL. At least we’ll be easy to find.
Last year I paced myself and only went to about half the things going on because, hello, overwhelmed introvert. 🙂
Well this year you have us! I’m going as an author but I’m only signed up for a couple author events, mainly offering swag, the opening reception, and the book signing– though I don’t have any books to get signed as I only have eBooks, so I have to be creative. Plus I’m lucky if maybe a handful of people will know who I am. LoL. But I figure I get to sit next to some awesome authors and get to chat so it’s all good! I do plan to stock up on sugar.
Like sugar for energy? And you can always sign your swag if you have bookmarks or something. I’ve never done swag… I might get to do the book signing thing, if they squeeze me in. Might be easier if I don’t because then I don’t have to decide if/how many books to bring. I’ll have 5 in print by then. Plus then I can go around and get other authors to sign their books 🙂
Yep. Caffeine and sugar fuels my extrovert side. Lol. I’ll have postcards and little things like that to sign. I’m sure if you changed your mind hey could fit you in no problem. I think I heard from some folks they did it last year. But you’re right, you’ll get to go around to get stuff signed. I’ll have to see about sneaking away at some point to do that. My god, I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. 😀
Yay! Can’t wait to meet you there. I think there may be a LOT of introverts that can fake it there… I’m certainly one, so maybe we should let ’em know to create additional dark corners so everyone’ll fit 🙂
Yeah, I had kind of the image of the perfect room for this group, with a space in the middle and then all these pillars to lurk behind and extra corners. I imagine we’ll manage though.
I have a funny feeling those dark corners might turn out to be the most populated places at the whole shindig! 😉
I know, right? Half of us seem to be introverts. Should be interesting.
I’m soooooo jealous! I would be the stalker wanting you and Charlie to sign my books (PDF’s), posters…. 🙂
I’m still trying to decide what if anything to take along. Other authors talk about “swag” and I have bookmarks of Amy Lane’s that are nice, but I don’t want to create waste paper. I thought maybe something with the cover for “Into Deep Waters” because I love it and I’d like Enny to get more exposure for her lovely work, and I know I have the right to the image. Bookmarks? Adhesive bookplates? I don’t know, do people really want signed stuff?
I’m having the same problem. Though mainly I don’t really have hundreds of dollars I can spend on swag, so I thought I’d get a little crafty and put a few things together. Mainly these little wallet/purse card/photo holders that come in different patterns. It’s like this one here in Prize #2 except without the flamingo. Lol. http://charliecochet.blogspot.com/p/party-prizes.html
They’re really easy to make and I have someone helping me fold them. Aside that, I’m thinking of getting some postcards printed of book covers for people to sign if they like or just collect. It’s hard to know what to bring on the first year. The cover for “Into Deep Waters” is absolutely lovely! I would certainly want a signed copy. 😉
Aw, that’s real sweet. I would be happy to be stalked by you. lol
Wow, you are very crafty – in the creative sense. Those are really nice. I used to do that kind of thing, but these days I don’t seem to have the patience. Well, there’s still a bit of time to figure this one out – I posted a query on my publisher’s author loop for folks who went last year. We’ll see if I get suggestions..
Thanks! I seem to have been bitten by the craft bug lately, so I’m taking advantage while it lasts. Lol. Sounds like a good idea. I’m sure you’ll get some great suggestions! 😀