Last year was my first experience at AAD, and one I’ll always remember. I attended as both a reader and an aspiring author, and didn’t know what to expect.
Upon arrival, my friends and I were greeted by the wonderful conference staff, eager to assist in any way possible. When you’re told this conference caters to readers, BELIEVE IT!
The panels were informative and entertaining, the parties were unique, and the vendors had a wonderful selection. Did I mention the number of free books? Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love FREE books?
But what impressed me most, was how authors, editors, agents, and readers intermingled. For example, my girlfriends and I hosted a party after hours in our hotel room. While providing refreshments for our guests, I stepped back and surveyed the area. Among the crowd stood Stella Price, Leanna Renee Hieber, Joey W. Hill, Eliza Gayle, a talented tattoo artist, an agent, an editor, several bloggers and readers…just to name a few! At the end of the event, I walked away with dozens of books, and new authors I’d just met, who I couldn’t wait to add to my ever-growing TBR pile.
Now, for you aspiring authors: As the event approached, I completed my first manuscript and scheduled live pitching opportunities with several editors from various publishing companies. I left AAD with a number of successful pitches and a lot of submitting to do! In October, I signed with Tease Publishing and released my first novel, MYTHIC, in February (available at All Romance ebooks). I’m still celebrating! So, I’m sure you can understand why AAD is dear to my heart, and why YOU should consider attending.
This will be my first year attending AAD as an author and I’m honored to be among such amazing talent. I look forward to meeting other authors, speaking with and gaining new readers, and having a wonderful time.
During the convention, I’ll have the distinct pleasure of participating in the following panels:
Myths and Magic (alongside Stella and Audra Price, Stephanie Julian, Carolan Ivey, Tilly Greene, Jennifer Armintrout and Erin Kellison)
Behind the Scenes of the Average Author (with Carolan Ivey, Judy Fennell, Diana Marie Bell, Rosemary Laurey, Misty Burke and Lydia Dare)
When the Ending isn’t HEA- Bending the rules and still being considered romance (alongside Stella and Audra Price, Jennifer Armintrout, PJ Schynder, Dahlia Rose and Yvette Hines)
If you’ll be in attendance, feel free to stop by and say hello. I’ll have prizes and swag to give away and I don’t bite…usually. I hope to meet you all at AAD in 2011!
We are just a week and half away from AAD Conference. I’m so excited to be attending as an author this year and introduce my debut novel , Soul Reborn from Crescent Moon Press. 
