Indie Bookfest 2014

I must confess...

I didn't take many pictures.

For once, I chose to live in the moment. This is odd for me. I'm usually the one behind the camera, or phone, whichever is handiest.

My amazing husband picked up the slack for me. He, at random moments, snapped pictures, mostly at the most inopportune times, like when I'm making one of those 'oh my God erase that' faces. I think he does it on purpose, but he'll never admit it. Between him and the bestest, Candace, I have pictures to go along with my post!

Indie Bookfest was my second signing alongside a room full of authors, so to say that the 'signing' world is new to me would be a moot point. I'm still finding my comfort zone around new people, although meeting me, you'd probably never know that. I try really hard to just let it all go with the forceful reminder that they're people too - and just like me, they too, might have the same sort of anxieties. I force myself out of my comfort zone, (mentally) hook my arm through Candace's, and together, we brave the nerves, and wander by tables to chat with the other authors. And ya know what? We meet really cool people that way!

This go 'round, Candace got to meet Chanda Hahn, who is one of her favorite authors! Chanda Hahn is cool peeps, if you get the chance to meet her...do it!

And now I'm getting ahead of myself...'cause that was day two, and I haven't even told you about day one yet! *face-palm*

Okay, so before the event Peggy Martinez came up with the idea to do a segment during the first day called Author Speed Dating. To say I had a moment of panic would be putting it mildly. I literally felt sick about it up until the morning of the first day of the event. When Peggy explained that we'd split up into groups at a table, I almost melted on the floor in relief. Still anxious of the outcome, I put my imaginary armor on and stiffened my spine. It was only going to be an hour long - I could do that...right?

I'm not sure who drug their feet harder about it, me or Candace...we both don't do well in those types of situations. Again, I (mentally) hooked my arm through Candace's and we grabbed a table. Next thing I know, we were joined by Kristina Circelli, Juli Valenti and Ben Hale.

All was right in the world again.

At each five minute mark a new set of faces, readers, bloggers and aspiring authors, joined us at our table and the hour flew by. I am, however, a little hearing impaired in my right ear now as Ben Hale's voice is equivalent to a Bull Horn. SWITCH! Yep, Ben was the announcer of time until Peggy got her hands on a microphone. Thank you to whomever provided that to her! He he he...Just kidding, Ben - but seriously, for such a 'quiet' guy you can pretty loud. *snickers* Ben's great, and an awesome table mate to keep the conversation flowing. He's genuinely interested in learning about people, authors and readers alike. Ben has 7 books out and the best part is, ANYONE can pick them up and read them. From 7 to 700 (okay, that's a little exaggerated, and a lot of 7's, but you get what I mean). Ben plans on spanning out his time line of his books to cover 50,000 years. What?!?! Check out Ben here!

Kristina Circelli, was the perfectly poised, wide eyed girl with a quick smile and boy is she carving a path for herself! A book in each genre is her goal, and she's kicking some serious arse in doing it! I loved when she said "I have several books out - all different genres. My goal is to write a novel in each." Not only does Kristina write, but she edits too! That's a lot of talent packed into one awesome person. Check out Kristina here!

Juli Valenti, with her hands going as she talked, provided the energy of our table. Between Juli and me, Ben got no slack - our table got jokes. But seriously, Juli for all her humor and quick com-backs writes some rip-your heart out books. She brings the 'feels' to her novels and smiles when she tells you 'I write books that will make you cry' - okay, so I'm adding my words to what she really said. Check out Juli here!

Candace, my partner in crime, well not really crime we can't go to jail! We have books to write! Anyway....there aren't enough adjectives for me to describe my bestest. So I'll just use one...awesometastic! *BOOM* Mind blown right? I know! Candace has swept into the Paranormal genre, and she's flourishing there. Building worlds is her calling - like seriously. I don't know how she delves so deep into the worlds she's created, but her imagination is boundless. I'm awed when I get to be the one who see's it all first. Check out Candace here!

And what kind of signing isn't complete without an after party?

Yep, 50's themed, with Swing Dance lessons and everything. I left that to the people who don't have two left feet. And like most 50's parties, there always has to be that one rebel that smuggles alcohol in...yep we were 'that' group. With spiked drinks, we sat around the table cracking jokes with Heather Allen Casse NaRome, Rochelle Paige and Jacqueline Pynaert. This is what I know how to do. A small group of people, being a smart-ass and connecting to people who can zing 'em out on the fly.

The point to all of this is...I met some really awesome people and had a good time in the process.