Hi guys! Week after next, I’m heading to New Orleans for the RT Booklovers Convention (Wed, May 14 – Sat, May 17), and if you will also be there, I’d really love to see you!
Here’s the schedule of events I’ve committed to:
Thursday, May 15:
1:30-2:30pm: PARANORMAL: Paranormal Pizzazz panel featuring Kristen Callihan, Thea Harrison, Larissa Ione; moderated by Vivian Arend
2nd floor, Studio 2 (Preservation Hall)
From dark and dangerous to light and seductive, paranormal stories entice us into worlds beyond the norm. Join four bestselling authors as they discuss how differences in priorities create unique paranormal playgrounds for their heroines and heroes to run amuck in. Ask questions about series planning and character motivation, and find out what’s coming next.
6:30-8:30pm: RT Pub Crawl, Bourbon Street
What would give our attendees the perfect New Orleans experience? The answer, of course, is a trip up Bourbon Street — but, in true RT style, arriving as one gigantic group! Imagine 2,000 book lovers descending on the notorious street with drinks in hand (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and a plethora of local music spilling out onto the colorful streets of the French Quarter. And what would make this experience even more fun? Having 10 of your favorite publishers and author-groups host at 10 of the best bars on Bourbon!
Berkley/NAL is hosting the stop at a bar called The Beach, and I will be there! All who attend will receive a Penguin branded drink cup and a free drink, so come have a drink with me between 6:30-8:30pm!
Friday, May 16th:
4-6pm: RT Book Reviews Award Ceremony
I’ll be attending this ceremony on the 3rd floor, Carondelet (Grand Ballroom), followed by –
8:45pm – 12am: Mardi Gras Magic and Mayhem, Dinner & Dance Party
Calling all vampires, vixens, queens and kings … royal courts of light . . . and darkness! Join us for dinner theater and dancing in the tradition of Nola’s wildest party — Mardi Gras! Come beautiful, come beautifully wicked . . . or just wicked. All creatures of the day and night are welcome.
I’m still working on my costume, but I’m thinking I may be channeling my inner Carling Severan…
Saturday, May 17th:
11am-2pm: Giant Book Fair
3rd floor, Grand Ballroom and Mardi Gras Ballroom
Meet more than 700 authors who will autograph books, posters and bookmarks. Bring your “keepers” and have them signed!
I’ll also have sixty print copies of Dragos Takes A Holiday to give away, so stop by as soon as you can, because they won’t last long!
2:30-3:30pm: Penguin’s Lemonade Social
2nd floor, Gallery 1
Meet your favorite Penguin authors and enjoy delicious lemonade and treats at this fun party. Chat with New York Times bestselling authors Nalini Singh, Jill Shalvis, Ilona Andrews and many more! There will also be opportunities to receive fun swag and books!
6:30-7pm: FAN-tastic Day Party
2nd floor, Quarter Tower (Preservation Hall)
This party is from 6:15-8pm, but my appearance time slot is from 6:30-7pm.
Meet a revolving door of hundreds of authors as they make appearances every 30 minutes in this high-energy event. Be one of the first 500 attendees and you’ll receive a goody bag filled with free books and promotional items. Among the authors you’ll meet are: Lara Adrian, Ilona Andrews (aka Ilona and Gordon Andrews), Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Jaci Burton, Lee Child, Sylvia Day, Jeaniene Frost, Abbi Glines, E.L. James, Eloisa James, Laura Kaye, Lisa Kleypas, Mary Robinette Kowal, Christina Lauren, Jamie McGuire, Jennifer Probst, Tiffany Reisz, Jill Shalvis, Nalini Singh, and Julie Ann Walker!
What a whirlwind FUN time we are going to have! I hope I get to meet you while I’m in New Orleans. More details on all of these events (as well as many others) are available on the RT Convention website.
By the way, if you will be going, there is a great tool you might want to download. It’s a free app with the convention schedule that you can personalize with your own schedule as well as maps. It’s available in both Apple and Android versions.
And if you aren’t able to make it to New Orleans, don’t worry – My assistant Janine has great ideas for fun things to do while I’m gone. Keep an eye out… I hear she’s going to hold several giveaways!
Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
-Thea