My Memories of Angelo

If you follow EC authors on Facebook and Twitter, you all know that a beloved Caveman, Angelo was killed in Dallas last weekend.

I admit freely I did not know this young man well - not even as well as I would have liked. But what I knew, I liked very well indeed. In fact, I adored him. He was sweet, funny, a magnetic leader, and gave the best damn hugs ever. He also had a warm heart and genuinely liked people - women in particular - and we all knew it.

For myself, the first year I went to Romanticon was also Romanticon's first year. I was new to EC and scared to death. Nervous about all the other authors. Intimidated by meeting the staff. And frankly apprehensive about approaching or getting anywhere near men who were just that unbelievably good looking. See, my experience with good looking men has not been positive. I've often found them to be, at best, distant and cool, and at worst, derisive and condescending. The cavemen weren't like that - they were nice guys. I was pretty shocked and pleasantly surprised.

In particular, Angelo was different. He stood out. He kind of had to. He was a REALLY tall guy. Broad shouldered. Just big. Still kind of intimidating for me at first, but he had a really nice smile. And it was a smile he seemed to mean. So like all the women there, I started circling around him like he was the sun and we were satellites in orbit around him.

That first year he seemed a little shy. Kind of cautious. I think he was still working things out for himself. Or maybe I just assumed that, I'm not sure. But that tiny hint of shyness made him seem more approachable. So I got him to sign my book, which he did. In Spanish. At that point, I just started to hang out in his area. I hope the poor guy didn't find me stalker-ish. It was just that he fascinated me. Grin.

The next year, Angelo was the leader. He seemed more outgoing - though that was probably how he always was anyway - it just stood out from the first year. Angelo was also the life of the party. And every lady present followed him around like he was a rock star. Well, he kind of was. He had that sort of magnetism.

In fact, I remember at one point he started a conga line and we all got behind him and followed him all over the room - he was a regular pied piper. I caught his arm and tugged him down so he could hear me (he was wearing these incredibly HIGH platform boots that were part of his costume for the evening) and I told him that if he could get me to run around the room and work up a sweat, he really ought to consider pursuing a career as a personal trainer. When I heard later on that he'd done that, I wasn't at all surprised. He really was a natural. I think he was already helping his friends with work outs, and maybe he had planned it all along. But if he needed any encouragement, I hope my words that night provided some.

Last year, I was thrilled to see Angelo again and when he saw me, he knew what was coming  and just grinned, opening his arms to give me a big bear hug. I loved that about him. He didn't give me the impression that my affection for him was an imposition in any way. He smiled instead. Took in the affection I felt and returned it in good measure. I can't remember how many hugs I got last year and the year before, but I cherish every one of them.

The picture at right was the last hug I got from Angelo. It was after the bingo party on Sunday night. Some of us were kind of reluctant to leave and he and Rodney stayed until the last of us drifted away to head for our rooms. I was really looking forward to seeing him again this year. When I heard he wasn't going to be able to attend, I was sad I wouldn't get to see him, but so happy to hear he was thriving with his new gym and the life he had in Dallas.

Learning the news a week ago that he'd been murdered was horrible. He was so young and had so much yet to give. So much yet to do. I just can't quite get my head around it. I want to say that my heart goes out to his family and close friends who had the good fortune to know this amazing man so well. I wish them the best during this really difficult time. I can only hope it's some consolation - however small it might be - to know in the outpouring of grief and sadness of others just how many lives he touched. Because he did.

I'm reminded of the line from "It's a Wonderful Life," where the angel, Clarence says to George, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Clarence was so right. Angelo touched so many lives that his passing leaves an awful hole. But those who knew him will always have the joy of having known a kind, genuine person who looked like an angel and had the soul of one, too. Good bye, sweet man. I'll miss you now and forever more. 


**Note**
Angelo was not only working to support himself, but a son, and family in Venezuela. The family could use some assistance with funeral expenses. To contribute to the fund to help Angelo's family, without worrying about scams go here:  http://www.rubenfund.com/
There you'll find the PayPal account set up for donations.

They like me...They really like me!

Another fun day at Romanticon. Breakfast buffet this morning and I had fun and interesting table mates. Then I attended a "the readers speak" session on BDSM romances - fascinating discussion facilitated by Meghan Conrad. Yaaaay Meghan!

Then I was off to Author Mania. Here's a pic of me with the lovely and fun Natasha Moore. We were scheduled for the same time slot for signing. All the G-Ms were together.

Romanticon had made these wonderful booklets for all of us. These things have everything - all the handouts - workshop schedules but also spaces to have authors, cover models etc. to sign your book. So everyone ran around manically trying to get everyone to sign our books. In the course of the day I got a good many authors, some wonderful readers and even a few of the cover models.

In the evening there was the opportunity for a picture taken with the cover models...and the dudes were shirtless. Sweet. Oh so sweet.

Here is the ever sexy and sweet Cris Anson having her pic taken with the men of the hour. Yes, I did get my pic taken with them. However, I didn't get the chance to have anyone take my photo (other than Will Duke - ECer and photographer extraordinaire) take a shot of me having WAY too much fun.

Once I get a copy of my pic I'll try to scan it and post it. I'm definitely framing the pic. Then we all lined up to enter the Appreciation dinner. There was a bit of a long line and a bit of a wait but it was well worth it. Well, to begin with I had some great table mates. We did have a couple of cover models at our table - two of the ladies of EC. They were gorgeous and very nice.

I also was seated with talented writer Jory Strong. She had participated in the male/male workshop yesterday and she's just a fun and intriguing lady. It was a treat to talk to her.

During dinner we were treated to another dance number by the gorgeous and talented Ellora's Cavemen.

They danced to "You Can Keep Your Hat On" which is one of my favorite songs. And damn...they were hot. Many, many women were screaming encouragement and fanning themselves from the heat generated.

We all enjoyed a wonderful supper during the evening then there was a raffle to give away a good many baskets contributed by EC authors. There were also awards given by EC to some of their authors.

I knew I was going to be called up for one because it was listed in the event book. Attending authors with new releases with EC this year were given certificates and little statuettes proclaiming us "2009 Rising Stars". It was such an honor to receive one of these awards. Here is me with my award and certificate. (Thanks Kendra for taking my pic).

There were also some other awards presented by the EC staff. They called these "superstar" awards. Well, you know what? I received one of these fun awards. For my discussion of guns and what to do with them in Protect and Defend, I was presented with the "Amusing Innuendo Award." I was shocked and really happy. They like me...they really like me! It was fun because these awards were presented by the cover models. The gorgeous Angelo handed me my award and because it was unexpected, I don't have a pic of it. However, Will was on hand with his camera so I think I'll be able to snag a copy from somewhere. Having the sexy and gentlemanly Angelo deliver the award was icing on the cake. Yum.

Finally, the staff at EC was recognized for all their hard work. I enjoyed seeing how much comradery there is at EC. EC is fortunate to have a great group running the show and it made me feel even more fortunate for my book to have been accepted and published by this super publisher.

After the party I made a run back to my room to change into something comfortable and most especially comfortable shoes!!! Then I headed to the bar for some convivial chatter. I joined Natasha Moore, Kendra (reader and cover artist) and Tasha (reader and aspiring author) for a fun time. Conversation and laughter ruled the night.

I have to say this has been an incredibly fun experience. I've had the opportunity to meet some of my favorite authors (cause I was an EC reader long before I'd entertained a single thought about writing for EC). I've also met some wonderful readers, reviewers and all around good people who love erotic romance. The staff at the Quality Inn have been warm and friendly - even with all of us running around like crazy people. This has been a great experience - well worth the ten hour drive.

I will DEFINITELY be attending Romanticon again next year and I hope I'll see YOU there too!

Fabulous Friday at Romanticon

I woke up this morning to find the EC trailer parked outside my window. If anyone was wondering where the heck we were, I think this VERY large item in the parking lot by the road answers the question! LOL

As days go, today was a total and complete blast!

I had lunch with the wonderful Jude Atkins, Cerridwen Press author and founder of http://bookswelove.net/ . She knows tons of stuff about author promo (in fact she's a co-presenter of a workshop on the topic). Plus she was just a joy to talk to. She made the trip here from Canada and had an...interesting...experience with her flight. Snow and delays factor in, but I'm so glad she made it.

I spent the afternoon attending workshops. The first was about the Author/Editor relationship cast as an arranged Victorian marriage featuring Raelene Gorlinsky (in the top hat) and author brides: Lynn LaFleur, Samantha Kane & Kristin Daniels.

The workshop was really informative but it was loose enough to ask questions and just have fun. I'm really enjoying the atmosphere of the con (conference/convention). The Jasmine Jade crew has done a super job organizing this event!

The second workshop was one where Raelene encouraged authors to have friends act out scenes to see whether or not what you've written is even physically possible...or do you need three arms to carry things out as written.

It turns out, it would require a male weregiraffe to kiss the nipples of a woman sitting in his lap facing forward. This actually sounds like a great way to make sure action scenes work - I'm just not sure my friends would be willing to act as guinea pigs. Maybe if I plied them with alcohol...

The third workshop was a great discussion of the up and coming (no pun intended) male/male genre. Authors Jory Strong, Kaenar Langford, and Samantha Kane were ably assisted by editor Meghan Conrad. This was fun and funny. I will definitely say that Kaenar is the queen of research. OMG...

I learned so much from listening to Jory, Kaenar and Samantha discuss their writing. I'm really inspired. I may have to give male/male a try.

In the evening we all enjoyed the Psychedelic soiree. Cover models, sixties clothes, and dancing...oh my! Here's me in all my plump peachiness rocking it out on the dance floor. To my

right is dancing queen Cris Anson. If you check out her web site the pic of her is a demurely sexy, elegant lady. Well she's all that - but she's a party animal too.

I had such a fun night. I even got to dance with a couple of the cover models. Now THAT was very fun. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of those highly pleasurable moments. Pout. Oh well. Another time. Like RT maybe.

I closed out my evening with a strawberry daiquiri at the bar with Mari Freeman, Samantha Kane, Kelli Collins, Kaenar Langford, Kathleen Coddington and Kathy Kulig, et al. It was a pleasant way to spend the end of the night. I'm meeting so many cool people here and I'm having so much fun. Wish you all could be here too!

It's almost two in the morning and I need to go to bed so I can get up tomorrow and go do it all over again.

Long day but fun evening

Well, I made it. A VERY long drive today. I got started at 6:30 in the morning in Iowa and finally made it to Ohio around 7:30 p.m. It was a ten hour drive - but it took around eleven because I stopped from time to time. AND...I forgot there was a time change in there.

After I got into my room (which is very nice) I debated about whether I really wanted to go to the hospitality room. I was pretty tired, but I decided yeah - I want to go and meet some folks. So...I changed, put on a bit of makeup and headed to the hospitality room to register, get my goodie bags and oogle the Ellora's Cave Cavemen.

They were worth the ten hour drive. REALLY. HAWT. MEN. I mean really! I don't think I was the only one to think so - but a bunch of us posed with the guys. Here's me with the guys. I'm hoping that by the end of the weekend, I'll have another photo or two with the gentlemen.

I also had a chance to sit and chat with Natasha Moore for awhile. We knew each other from online groups (EC and RWA) so it was fun to connect a face with a name and get to know her. She has a brand new book out from Samhain Publishing, Bound By Design - be sure to check it out.

I'll try to keep you posted about what happens this weekend. But you know...what happens in the Cave stays in the Cave!

Romanticon - mere days away

OMG - I'm so not ready. I'm excited and nervous but definitely not ready. I mean I have clothes for everything. A nice dress for the appreciation dinner on Saturday night and a fun outfit for the Psychedelic Soiree on Friday night. I have bookmarks for readers but I don't have any "signed by author" stickers.

Somehow I feel a little frazzled. Maybe for the con next year, I'll feel more organized. More ready. I'm really looking forward to meeting my fellow authors though. Some of my favorite EC authors will be attending so it will be SO cool to meet them.

I'm especially going to enjoy meeting readers who'll be attending. I'm excited about my first big book signing. So if you live in the Ohio and surrounding areas, please come out for the book signing on Saturday from 10:30 - 11:30 am and from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

NOTE: I had a couple of things wrong. Hint for all of you out there - always CHECK on things before you leave. Saturday is "Authormania" where the authors hang out and meet with readers. We can also sign books that people have brought with them. Then on SUNDAY is the official book fair where they will be selling books and authors will sign.