I have to make a confession. It’s my turn to blog and I have absolutely no idea what to write about.
I think I’ve used up all my creativity on my current work-in-progress. It’s due way too soon and I’m working feverishly for more hours than is healthy. This is what I get for slacking off early in the process. Nevertheless, I think the well must be dry.
So, this week’s blog is Romance industry name-dropping random thoughts. I’ll try not to bore you…but no promises. <g>
At my very first RWA conference publisher booksigning I sat beside Nora Roberts. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I also met our own Patricia Potter that year and she was so gracious and kind to a newbie who’d taken her first ever cab ride to get to the Bantam party in Chicago. (Yes, I was country come to town.)
I’ve been serving on the RWA Board of Directors with Linda Howard. I’ve tried soooo hard to be a professional and not to be a Fan Girl, but upon occasion I’ve slipped. I think SON OF THE MORNING is the best book ever written. One night when Paranoid Author grabbed hold of me and I Googled my name and current release title, I ran across a review of NEVER SAY NEVER at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art53282.asp that says “This one reminds me a lot of Linda Howard’s style, the humor, the steam, the suspense, and makes me happy to have something so good to look forward to in the long months between Howard romances.” I decided I have reached the pinnacle and can retire from writing.
After having dinner with George and Laura Bush at the Texas Book Festival, Christina Dodd and I somehow ended up having our pictures taken in an Austin culvert. By our husbands. My guy has used the photo for blackmail purposes a number of times since.
Lisa Kleypas is extremely beautiful, fabulously successful, and just the sort of person a girl can hate on general principle. Unfortunately, she’s just about the nicest, most generous person ever so you just have to love her instead. I HATE that.
Jayne Ann Krentz’s home has one of the most beautiful views in America.
Carla Neggars and I rode in a Duck-Mobile together one time.
I used to live in the same neighborhood where Sandra Brown grew up. Locals who learned what I do for a living used to say “There’s another girl from here who writes. Have you ever heard of Sandra Brown?” Uh duh. You won’t believe the things they said after she gave her house to Walker, Texas Ranger to blow up.
Sherrilyn Kenyon told me she loved my THE BAD LUCK WEDDING DRESS.
Okay, I’m going to stop now. I’m starting to think of people and events that have no business being posted on the internet.
Man, I’ve been in this business a long time…
You’re wondering about the pictures, perhaps? I am a baseball fan, too, you know–I took these at a game last year. I posted them to add some interest to my blog and because my friend, author Nicole Burnham, just emailed me on her IPhone from Game 7 of the American League playoffs…Go Boston…That’s for you, Nic.
Randomly,
Hi Geralyn, I have Bad Luck Wedding Dress & Night but still seeking Cake, then plan reread all 3.
NO retiring unless you have someone to fill your shoes (like Cheryl does for LyVerle Spencer!)
I recognize all 9 authors mentioned; you, Patricia and Christina are favorites, but enjoy & KEEP books by ALL, including la Nora who needs no last name. THANKS for tidbits/glimpses including which Linda Howard I need to check out! My mind wanders so random is easy for me to follow! LOL
ROFL
My Mom is smiling from Heaven at your photos-she was a FANatic: started listening to Cardinals on radio w/ gma 1938, supported Clinton, Iowa A club for 40 yrs, 3 hr bus trips w/grandkids to see Cubs or vacation to see MN Twins; scheduled 3-5 major league games on East/W coast after family, army reunions with Dad (liked Dodgers also;) went to spring training twice; had 40,000 baseball cards.
Pics call Kevin Costner to mind: I’m from Iowa, then played softball 8 yrs in Omaha, but I’d rather play than watch!
opps- i meant to have before ROFL
I’ve never been a huge baseball fan, Geralyn, but you’re winning me over
Fabulous post! Being a total first-year-published newbie, all that name-dropping made this heart pitter-pat and had me grinning from ear to ear. Sounds like a bunch of wonderful memories. I attended my first RWA conference in 2002 as a GH finalist and have since been to four–every year has been a building block of wonderful memories and the forging of priceless friendships I’m ever thankful to have.
Thanks for sharing, and staying in the biz to bless us with your books
Curious minds want to know- what is a duck-mobile? a Donald Duck version of the Oscar Mayer weinermobile?
Notice I commented on authors and ignored Bushes til I realized Laura was there for Literacy-read 2 items recently about her involvement.
let me me try again…(country come to town) ROFL
Too funny, Geralyn!!!! And I loved the baseball pictures — Go Boston!!
Hi Geralyn - I must admit I’m a huge baseball fan myself. My team, the Angels got knocked out by Boston, so I’m having withdrawals now.
Great post on your previous associations.
I think I was in awe when I met Nora Roberts the first time. And loved meeting Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Catherine Coulter. I had lunch recently with David Morell (Rambo) and that was great fun, but your list is sooo impressive. I think I’m more in awe of authors when I meet them than any movie stars I might ever meet.
Good idea for a post, Geralyn. What is the point of having a brush with all those famous people and not having anyone to tell, huh?
I agree about Son of the Morning…I think it rises to the level of an Achievement in Literature. What a huge, sweeping story.
And I think I remember houses being blown up on one Walker Texas Ranger. Of course maybe they blew up houses all the time. I liked that show.
Geralyn, don’t worry, you’ve earned the right to be in those authors’ company. You hooked from from your very book, The Texan’s Bride I think it was called. I knew then that you had great talent for storytelling. I’ve been a long-time fan and see you as you see Nora, Linda Howard, and Christina Dodd. I get all tongue-tied and gooey when I’m in the same room with you, much less try to actually say some words. You sound exhaused but never give up writing those wonderful stories!!
I’m rooting for Boston, too. Yea!!
Hi Geralyn,
Cute post this morning, Geralyn. Interesting about all the people that you know.
Loved the pictures as well. : )+
Cool post! I’ve had one brush with an author- Bobbie Ann Mason, who lives in my hometown. Rang up her groceries once upon a time at Kroger and she gushed over the metallic butterfly clips I had in my hair that day.
I’ve ridden in a duck too in Wisconsin when my in-laws lived up there. We went to The Dells and rode in one. It’s a military vehicle that can drive on land and go on water like a boat. Very interesting, though I was just glad to have somewhere to sit down and rest a while- had been walking all day and I was 4 months pregnant at the time and sunburnt.
I’m not much of a baseball fan either, but have to agree with Stacey…you might be able to win me over with the photos. hehe!
I’ve met a few authors at book signings & never said a word.. I’m a little shy. Just finished NSN this weekend & loved it. Ready for Marks story now..
Taryn described the Duck Mobile perfectly. I’m not even sure what town Carla and I toured that day. It was at the end of one of the Levy bus tours I did and for the life of me I can’t remember where it was. How pitiful is that?
Thanks for all the kind words about my work, y’all. You make me blush.
About Sandra Brown’s house: As I recall, she was going to demolish it and rebuild on the same lot anyway, so she let the TV show use it.
Stacy S–you shouldn’t be shy of authors! More often than not when I’m at a booksigning I’m miserable because I’m sitting there directing people to the bathrooms and I absolutely LOVE having someone to talk to. As far as Mark’s story goes, I’d better get my butt back to work right now!
Baseball: I’m glad Boston won last night, but I’m rooting for the Rockies in this WS.
Great post
Love the pics! GO BOSTON!!
Hi Geralyn! I’m late again.
My favorite of your Bad Luck books was The Bad Luck Wedding Cake. I remember laughing out loud. They were all terrific!
I agree with you about Son of the Morning. I have the hardback on my shelf for keepers, and I’ve recommended it to tons of people. They all loved it. Funny thing is, I’ve actually tried to pin down the reason why it’s so good. I mean, aside from being written by Linda Howard. The hero and heroine didn’t meet until near the end of the book, and yet it’s one of the best books ever!
I’ve never met Nora, but I have spent a weekend with Sherrilyn Kenyon. I also know Pat Rice and Teresa Medeiros, oh, and JR Ward/Jessica Bird…and a whole slew of others, cause they’re in my local chapter. :o) Joanne Rock (HH author) has always been a sweetheart and helped me with everything from blurbs to synopses.
Many, MANY years ago I was fortunate enough to meet several celebrities. My ex moonlighted with a stunt group during the time we lived in CA and that brought us into contact with the rich and famous. To name a few–Andy Griffith and family, David Nelson (Ricky’s brother), Earl Holliman, Joanne Worley. And I especially treasure having met Mickey Rooney and Sammie Davis Jr. I have a funny story about James Drury (yes, THE Virginian) I’ll have to tell y’all sometime. Well, it’s not THAT funny, just kinda cute.
Sorry for running on…
Geralyn: Loved the post and the pics! Am a huge baseball fan but actually prefer the minors and the collegiate league (see my YA The Boyfriend League written as Rachel Hawthorne
) I’m hoping to read Never Say Never soon. I just can’t seem to get my desk cleared off.
btw…loved the shark hat you wore to the Romance Tea. Not exactly high tea wear but very entertaining.