A good time …

• Posted in About Books, On Writing

So I attended the book events that were part of the annual Women’s Expo in Kingsport, Tenn. this weekend. There was a dinner Friday night and then a book signing Saturday. (Some folks also signed books Sunday, but I was busy working on Assassin 3).

I got to meet several authors, including Julia Quinn and Teresa Medeiros. They both write historicals, and both of them were super-nice. Very funny too. Lora Leigh was also there, but unfortunately, I didn’t really get a chance to talk to her, and I only got to talk to Kay Stockham for a few minutes before the signing on Saturday. (If you’ve ever seen Kay in person, you know how gorgeous she is). I’d always like more time to chat with folks. Ah, well. Maybe at the next event I see them at. 

I also got to speak with some readers and other folks I know, like fellow Smoky Mountain Romance Writer members Jessie Verino and Trista Ann Michaels. And then, I got to talk to folks at the expo who stopped by the table where the book signing was.

I thought the dinner on Friday night was especially fun thanks to the guest speakers Valerie Ramsey and Joanna Campbell Slan. After raising her kids, Valerie got into modeling — in her 60s! And Joanna reminded us all how very blessed we are with her funny talk. Seriously, Joanna was hysterical and had everyone laughing out loud. If her books are as funny as she is, you will be giggling the whole time you read them.

Overall, it was a very fun time. I plan on attending again next year (it’s always held the third weekend in October). Jim Butcher is scheduled to be the big guest author next year, and the organizers are hoping to bring in some more urban fantasy writers. If any author or reader out there wants more details, just send me an e-mail, and I’ll get you in touch with the event organizers.

Note: I actually took some photos this time, but for some reason, WordPress isn’t letting me upload them. Grrr! 👿

What about you guys? Did anyone do anything fun this weekend?

7 Responses to “A good time …”

  1. Joanna Campbell Slan says:

    Hey, Jennifer–

    I’m just sorry I didn’t get the chance to gab with you. We were all so crazy-busy, weren’t we? Glad you had a good laugh.

    Wishing you a yard full of moles…

    (NOT!)

    Joanna

  2. Chasity says:

    I hate that I missed the expo this year. I had a million and one things to do that day. Maybe next year.

    Glad you had a good time!

  3. Jennifer Estep says:

    Joanna — I know. I always wish I had more time to talk with folks at these things. You were very funny. The mole story was just awesome, especially the fact you had it made into a plaque for your husband. 😎

    Chasity –It was a good time. I’m really looking forward to next year and Jim Butcher. :blossom:

  4. PJ says:

    Jennifer, it was lovely meeting you this weekend. I’m looking forward to reading your books.

    Thanks also for graciously posing for my many photos. :biggrin: I’m already looking forward to returning to Kingsport for next year’s Expo.

    ~PJ

  5. Jennifer Estep says:

    PJ — It was so nice meeting you too! No problem about the photos. I’m always happy to do that. Glad to hear that you’ll be back next year. And thanks for sending me the link to the online photo album. You got a lot of great shots! 😎

  6. Jody W. says:

    I love the sound of that conference! I obviously wasn’t able to come this year but maybe some day… I can’t wait to see your pics.

  7. Jennifer Estep says:

    Jody — It wasn’t really a conference, per se. No workshops or editor appointments or anything like that. The expo is more of a shopping/health event with tons of businesses doing giveaways and health screenings.

    The authors just sell books as a part of that, and the Friday night dinner is usually a fundraiser for a local group. But I always have a lot of fun.

    I still can’t get my pics to upload. Stupid WordPress! 👿

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