Sara Reyes | Readers 'n 'ritas...WHAT Did YOU Miss?

The inaugural Readers 'n ' ritas was a blast. Readers came from all over Texas and Oklahoma and it wasn't just for the Texas / OU game although their fans were in abundance as well! Authors came from as far as NYC. It's amazing what a gathering of like minds can do!

Cover Creation Checking out cover theories.
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

From the first panels we knew it was a hit -- I mean seriously, when women gather around the speakers table at 9am on a gorgeous Saturday morning and eagerly start discussing book covers along with examples of how a committee designed the cover for ECSTASY or enjoy a bit of show-and-tell with cat litter and dryer sheets you know it's at least to first base, maybe even second! And by the time the third workshop was over, we were all friends...the kind that talk to each other and even feel comfortable enough to disagree! The best kind of friends.

And learning about new authors and books is never a bad thing, even if you have to start early in the morning! Isn't that why they have hot coffee ready?

The Rowdy Table: Jodi Thomas and Dianna Love
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

After a morning of learning about taking care of your books (and removing stubborn stains, how to be a reviewer, the process between the most important element of a book -- the cover and melding friendships, it was time for lunch! Of course we had the "nice" tables and then there was the "rowdies!" With Jodi Thomas and Dianna Love as leaders, that table was the noisiest one during the lunch! I'm not sure why but could it be the charm of the ladies? They also seemed to have tons of fun!

Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love and Candy Havens
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

Following lunch we had more workshops and even a little pampering at the Arbonne Pampering Zone. Getting to test out rubs, lotions and aromatherapy even while indulging in a relaxing foot bath! All gratis. It was heavenly!! And then there was the anticipation of the book trade. If you've never gone to a book trade you're missing out on SO much good stuff and hidden treasures. It's one of the fun things we do each month at our tea meetings: you bring in books you're ready to give to a good home and you find treasures in return. And best of all, there were other readers who could give you the scoop on new authors and books to try! From the look of bags and bags of books that went off to new found readers, a fun time was had by all.

Come on Dakota, we're waiting
The regulars are from left: Rosemary Clement-Moore, Dianna Love, Lauren Willig, Candy Havens in front, Jaye Wells, Michele Bardsley and then the stubborn Dakota Cassidy. I'd say it was the margaritas, but I know Dakota!! 
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

But then it was time for a little margarita therapy and snacks. I mean, seriously, after a day of meeting new friends, learning new books and techniques a girl needed some chips. salsa and MARGARITAS! Eventually everyone made it to our section of the lobby where delectables awaited and margarita pitchers were replenished. It was time to chat, sip and laugh!Then it was time for dinner and an evening of comparing notes, the drawing of the raffle baskets and the results of the silent auctions. No one went home empty-handed. After dinner we all made it back to the lobby to talk until it was time to collapse!

See you all next year...November 13th to 15th...for a whole weekend of readers and authors!

Sara Reyes
Readers 'n 'ritas
http://readers-n-ritas.org
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