Moonlight & Magnolias 2009

I've been back from conference a full five days and I'm still trying to recoup!

This was hands down the most fun I've ever had at a conference.

I arrived at registration on Thursday night tired from my eight hour drive from Orlando, but filled to the brim with nervous energy. My jitters soon left me however, when I was greeted by warm smiles and excited faces.

On Friday morning I volunteered in registration, which was wonderful because I got to hand some of the most prolific authors of our time their conference packets. You should have seen me...I literally went numb when Stephanie Bond walked up to the desk!
That afternoon, myself and all the other conference attendees had the opportunity to spend the most amazing three hours with Margie Lawson as she took us through her deep-editing strategies. Later that evening, GRW treated us to a wonderful cocktail/appetizer hour, where we all mingled and got to know each other better.

Saturday was a whirlwind of activity. I spent time with authors such as Tami Brothers, Nicki Salcedo, Carmen Green, Chudney DeFreitas, J. Perry Stone, Walt Mussel, Cinthia Hamer and Tracy Truman (who placed second in the Maggie Awards for her unpublished paranoral novel. YAY Tracy!)

My sister authors from Parker Publishing, Seressia Glass and Marcia Colette were also in attendance, bringing loads of fabulosity and fun.

Annette Batista from Between Your Sheets was there taking author headshots and with her was Jeptha (Jai) doing makeup. Those two ROCK! Jai made me look great, and Annette is a genius with a camera. I didn't take headshots, but I did get to participate in a 'just for fun' photo shoot with Tami Brothers and few other beautiful ladies.
Before the gala that night I got to spend quality time with my amazing Agent Michelle Grajowski. Then at dinner Trish Milburn, C.L. Wilson, Julie Heaton, Heather Osbourn and Winnie Griggs joined the fun.

The gala was outstanding! Everyone was dressed up, gorgeous and ready to party. And, after watching talented authors receive their Maggie Awards we did just that! I won't say too much more about this...just that we danced the night away until they made us leave.

Check out the photo gallery on my website for pics.

Next year's conference will be October 2nd - October 4th.

I can't wait to do it all again and I hope to see you all there!