2005 Women's Expo

The 2005 Women's Expo in Kingsport, TN was an absolutely wonderful weekend! I finally had the chance to meet Lora Leigh, and it was like getting together with an old friend. And of course, I did get together with an old friend, Sally Painter. Both of these ladies are great! I'm going to need some serious reading time to get snuggly with their books!

The other authors who attended were also great. Heather Graham is an angel. She purchased all the stock our bookseller had of Ghost Walk and gave them away for donations toward hurricane relief -- all while her own home was being threatened by hurricane Wilma. She was a first class example of what every writer should strive to be with their success.

I think they estimated that there were somewhere between 6000-7000 people at the Expo, and we got to meet a majority of them who stopped by our booth to check out the books and chat. It was such a pleasure to get to talk to so many readers about the books they like to read and their favorite authors, and to share the growth and evolution of the romance novel with many who hadn't read one on years. Several readers were surprised by the selection of genres within the romance market, such as the romantic suspense, comedies and erotica.

I shouldn't end this before I mention the other attending authors, they were such gracious guests and nice ladies. They deserve our appreciation. Rita Herron, Jennifer St. Giles, Debra Webb, Laura Marie Altom, Winnie Griggs, Robyn DeHart, Susan Crandall, Carolynn Carey, Donna Wright, Kate McKeever, Erin Katz & Trista Ann Michaels.

Last, but certainly not least, was all the hard work the Knoxville Area Romance Readers Group, headed by the fantastic Christy Haynes, put into this event. Thanks for everything you did for us this weekend.

Also, Waldenbooks were wonderful to work with and keep the bookselling end running smoothly for the authors.

It was a great weekend, and I'm already planning for and looking forward to next year.

Peace,
Jessie