Good Morning, All!

This was the first year I had the courage to attend GRL. I probably should have gone years ago since I have a big back-list of books, and I’ve been writing for five years. I just never made the effort to go to any book conventions in the past. But after much nagging and cajoling by writer soul-mates, I was finally convinced to give GRL a try. I’m happy to say I’m glad I did. Virginia was beautiful, not nearly as humid as I feared, and I had so much fun meeting my online friends in person. I’ve often seen people posting online about how they miss each other after GRL, now I get it. I truly did miss many people the day after GRL ended. It was sad not to be able to just text my buddies and meet down in the bar. lol

Going to GRL was not only personally important, but I feel it was a good thing to do for professional reasons as well. There’s nothing like coming face to face with other authors and bloggers. It’s a wonderful feeling to be among book people. People who truly get the world you’re immersed in day and night. It was worthwhile for sure, and I’ve even decided to attend next year in Albuquerque, NM, if I can nab a Featured Author spot again. I will say the way you have to sign up for featured author slots is terrifying. They sell out within seconds. It definitely has a hunger games feel to it, lol, but I’m not sure how to improve the process. I’m sure the organizers have given it a lot of thought. Way more than me. I’ll trust them and their experience.

I’ll be honest there were awkward moments. Some people who I really like online, fell flat in person. I have little doubt some felt that way meeting me too. Sometimes you just aren’t someones cup of tea. But mostly, everyone I met was wonderful. Most people were very friendly, and once everyone had their name badges on, it was much easier to meet people who you wanted to connect with. The GRL group was a definite mix of personalties. Some people strutted like peacocks, some seemed terrified to speak or smile, and some were just enjoying the experience. But overall everyone was great, and willing to engage and have fun, whether they knew you or not. If it hadn’t been a fantastic experience I wouldn’t even be considering returning in 2019 because it takes a lot of planning and money to go to GRL as an author.

Some of the highlights, not counting bar time with friends, was the panel I did with Felice Stevens and Josh Lanyon. It was wonderful to see all the people attending who were so responsive and warm. I definitely loved the narrator reading we did with Kale Williams. Kale is as charming and talented as they come, and I’m so happy to work with him on my Psychic Mystery series.

If you have been on the fence about attending GRL, you should give it a try. If you’re an author, you can just attend without doing the whole author thing, and see what you think. But if you are feeling brave, jump in and sigh up officially next year!

S.C.

www.scwynne.com