I thought I would give you a quick nibble of some of the goings-on in ROMANCE this week.

I arrived in Atlanta yesterday so I can attend the Death by Chocolate Party and Award Ceremony tonight. If I somehow forgot to mention it here, I am a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier contest with Her Master Defender. But, I digress. Being in town the day before the party, I decided to stop in and see some friends at the Literacy Signing. RWA holds a book-signing each year at the conference to support literacy and give readers a chance to meet and talk to their favorite romance authors. It’s a great event.

The Marriott-Marquis did a wonderful job setting up the event. Hey, just walking in the doors of the hotel makes you feel like someone special, it’s that beautiful. Then, you go upstairs and enter into the hustle and bustle of a HUGE romance book-signing.

The atmosphere was electric, and I got there near the end. Still the place was packed, the purchase lines long, and loads of authors smiling and visiting with fans. I was so overwhelmed I forgot the names of most of the authors I wanted to say hi to. Thankfully, New York Times bestselling historical author, Sabrina Jeffries was seated near where I entered and I stopped by her table. By the way, Sabrina’s book, A Lady Never Surrenders is a Rita Finalist! As big as being a Rita Finalist makes you, not to mention being a NYT bestseller, she smiled and happily helped me remember the last name of one of the friends I wanted to visit, Robin Owens.

Robin is an award winning Futuristic/Fantasy writer. Yes, my brain does a serious short circuit when I get overwhelmed like that. Anyway, I found Robin’s table and chatted for a few minutes before picking up her book, Heart Secret and having her autograph it for me. Thankfully, my husband was with me, so he took the book and stood in the long check-out line while I continued to look for friends.

 As I said, I got there late so I only had a short time before the authors, who had been there for more than two hours were packing up. I did manage to stop by another fellow Colorado Romance Writer’s table, Pamela Clare. Pamela’s book Defiant is a Rita Finalist, too. When I first got to Pamela’s table she was talking with someone about her audio books and how she managed to get a male, instead of the female voice the company wanted, to narrate one of her books. It was an interesting discussion to say the least. Then, while I was visiting with her another reader came up. She shook Pamela’s hand and told her it was great to meet her. I would think that is right up there with the top two author’s dreams. Pamela, as always, was gracious and friendly.

Kudos to RWA for putting on this wonderful event and to all of the hundreds of authors who participate. It was a wonderful time seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and of course, buying some great books to read.

Until next time, happy reading!

Here’s the cover for the upcoming release of Jaded Touch – A Vesper Novella by Nola Sarina

Three is tormented by the branding scars on her back, broken memories of her fallen creator, and the looming consequences of her secret friendship with Sychar – a male of her kind – a high crime in her world of serpentine guardians.

Excited and inspired after a weekend at Crested Butte Writer’s Conference, I’ve started a new project. Yes, you wonderful readers of mine, I’ve started a new book for the Masters Men series. I’m diving headlong into one of the sisters’ stories.

In celebration, I decided to make the first book in the series free. So all of you who haven’t read it, and all of your friends who haven’ read it yet can start to get to know the Masters’ Men before the next book comes out (hopefully, this fall). Once you read Dos, you won’t be able to resist the other brothers. Here’s the link to Smashwords and your free download: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/220134

I apologize. It’s been a crazy week working on edits to get the next book ready for release next week. I let Sock look it over too and let me tell you, he’s pretty critical. Anyway, I also had to convince him no one would laugh at him for his holiday pictures. We all over eat and wear strange attire during the holidays. He finally relented and here you go – Sock Munkee’s Thanksgiving and Christmas photos.

We’ll start with Thanksgiving dinner. As you’ll see he really liked the bubbly we served. He wasn’t too shy about asking for seconds (and thirds) on dessert, either. Then he went back to his house and relaxed in front of the television for a while.

After he recovered from Thanksgiving he felt the need to spread some Christmas cheer. So, he dressed up like an elf and walked around the neighborhood making kids smile. Who wouldn’t smile looking at this guy?

Unfortunately, that was the end of his visit with us in Colorado. He missed his girls so much, he jumped in the box their Grandma was packing their presents in and got shipped back to NY.

He didn’t totally abandon Joy and Pete, though. While in Colorado he took a young Sock Munkee under his wing. The poor little fella didn’t have anything. No home, or food, or clothes; not even a name! So, Sock Munkee adopted him for Joy and Pete. Now known as Sock Munkee Jr. or SMJ for short, he lives a happy life in Colorado. He’s very friendly and has jumped right into family life. He supports Joy’s favorite team from NY, Syracuse.

He really got into the game. I didn’t even mind giving up my favorite chair for the little guy to enjoy.

So, the rest of the adventures will be with SMJ. If we get any family pics from back east we will definitely post them to keep you updated on Sock’s busy life.

I did promise you a picture from one of my readers. This was sent to me by Toni. Her family seems to be almost as addicted to Sock Monkeys as mine. Presenting…Mommy Monkey toes and Baby Monkey toes. 

So, do YOU have any favorite Sock Monkey (or Sock Munkee) pictures to share? I know everyone would love to see them. Until our next visit with SMJ, take care and don’t get too carried away with your Munkee business!