My Conference Recap
Since a few people have already mentioned that I was nowhere to be found at the conference this year, I decided to prove that I truly was there! For me, the conference this year was totally low-key, and I loved it being that way. 
Normally my schedule is full from morning until night, with meetings, workshops, dinners, parties, etc. This year, I did a few things, but I also spent a lot of time relaxing, too, which is definitely the way to go at conferences! 
I had dinner with my Harlequin editor and a fun group of Blaze babes – all pleasure and no business. I had lunch with my Berkley editor and while we did discuss a bit of business, it was totally non-stress. We talked about the next book that’s coming out after BORN TO BE WILDE in September. Since there aren’t any more “Wilde’s” to write about, as most of you know I’m doing a spin-off series from Joel’s book, which introduces four of his ex-Marine buddies, all of whom will get their own stories. My editor and I decided to keep the “Wilde” theme going within the titles, but we’ll be dropping the “e” at the end. The first book in this new spin-off series will be WILD FOR HIM. We also talked about whether we should go with a picture of the couple on the cover like my past two Wilde books for Berkley, or go with a guy-only cover (preferably with his shirt OFF! 
).
What do you think? Do you like the couples clinch on the covers, or would you rather see a male only cover? Opinions welcome!
Hmmm. What else? I did skip a few publisher parties this year, but did go to the Berkley cocktail party and Blaze get-together, which was a lot of fun because I was able to chat with friends I haven’t seen in the past year. I attended the HQN signing and mingled and took pictures, and I did find out later that I had books at the Berkley author signing which I didn’t know about!!! 
I moderated two workshops for Carly, and of course I was there on RITA night to give my best bud, Carly, lots of moral and emotional support. She was amazing, and I’m so proud of her for getting up in front of 2,000+ people to emcee the RITA awards! 
However, I admit to spending a lot of time in my room, too – their room service was terrific! I took a daily nap 
(which I think made Carly jealous, because she was constantly on the go), and the three of us even managed to plot our upcoming books. So all in all, it was a very productive (and calm) conference for me.
The one thing I enjoyed a lot about conference this year was the Literacy signing. Since I didn’t have any books to sign this year, I left bookmarks and booklets for BORN TO BE WILDE on my table, and I walked through the rows and rows and rows of authors signing THIER books. Usually I miss all that, since I’m at my own table chatting with readers and friends. This year, I was able to really see what the literacy signing was all about (as well as get a book signed for my daughter! ), and take in the crazy, overwhelming atmosphere that comes with having nearly 450 authors in one big room signing their books, and double that amount of people buying books. It was fun to watch readers rush from author to author to get books signed and talked to their favorite authors – it was as if this was their version of being in a candy store. 
RWA raised over $53,000 for literacy, and that is just awesome! 
So, here’s a question for you all. If you were set loose in a huge room with every author ever published (and all genres) there signing their books, and you could only meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be? It doesn’t have to be a Plotmonkey, either!
HERE ARE A FEW MORE FUN CONFERENCE PICTURES:
Carly and me at the literacy signing 
Julie pretending to be her own heroine on the cover of her August book, STRIPPED!
Dinner with the Blaze Babes. :cocktail: (From left to right: Julie Leto, Julie Kenner, Jacquie D, and Me)
Glad you took more time to relax this year. It seems like a lot of times authors spend so much time going to all the workshops that I have to wonder if it’s information overload. This is a good chance for authors to relax, socialize, have fun, and re-charge, and I bet you come back a little excited to work on that next project.
You know, it seems like other than wanting a strong, likeable heroine, I’d much prefer to know about the hero, so I do like it a lot when he’s the only one on the cover - especially without a shirt. That gets my vote! Hey even if I visualize what he looks like in my own mind and it’s not the same as the cover model, that’s okay. Eye candy is good for the imagination.
Gosh, tough question. Stephen King. I find him fascinating. But I’ve also wanted to meet Judith McNaught because she was one of the biggest influences in my reading choices over the years; her books had a huge impact on me, still to this day. I wish she wrote faster, but I’ve read it’s a struggle for her.
Comment by Stacy ~ — July 19, 2007 @ 6:21 am
No fair….only ONE author?!? I have SO many favorites…
Hmmm. I guess it would have to be Harper Lee. I absolutely fell in love with To Kill A Mockingbird in high school, which was our novel to read one semester. I think that book was the ‘turning point’ in my life and turned me into a die-hard book-a-holic. We were to read one to two chapters a night, and I read the entire book by the second day I’d had it. After the first chapter, I was hooked. My daughter just read it in middle school and fell in love with it, as well. But then again, at 14 she’s as big a book fiend as I am.
Oh, and in response to your earlier question, Janelle….even if you had a picture of roadkill on the cover, I’d buy one of your books. The author’s name catches my eye first.
Comment by Leslie in GA — July 19, 2007 @ 6:25 am
Hi Janelle,
Glad you got to do a lot of things you normally don’t get to do while at a conference.
Thanks for sharing the pics that one of Carly
I have so many favorite authors it would be hard to choose from
Comment by Cherylann — July 19, 2007 @ 6:54 am
That is a hard question, I have met so many wonderful authors who have become friends so it would be hard to not go and see all of them, which I do at the Literacy signing.
If I could pick only one author though hmmmm, I think it would be Diana Palmer. I have met her already but she is such a nice lady and I think she has some health issues and would love the opportunity to just sit and talk with her. Diana was one of my first autobuy authors, along with Jayne Ann Krentz and her books are comfort reads for me.
I did look for Janelle at the signing, I even asked Julie where Janelle was, once I found Julie.
Janelle is one of my favorite people to talk to at the conference and it is the only time I get to see Julie, Carly and Janelle so they are must sees.
I really missed Leslie too.
Comment by BadBarb — July 19, 2007 @ 7:37 am
Wow! Tough question! I guess I’d pick Elizabeth Lowell. She covers it all contemp, romantic suspense, historical, western…
She manages to make me cry! Since I’m pretty unemotional that’s quite a feat!
Cover picture- I prefer people…. alone or together. Inanimate objects just leave me COLD!
On a side note, I’d also love to meet all of you Plotmonkeys! You have such a warm, loving relationship. You are so LUCKY!
Comment by Laurie — July 19, 2007 @ 7:51 am
Gosh Janelle that’s too hard of a question. I think I would be happy to meet any author. I get starstruck easily so I’m sure I would get authorstruck too.
I’d like to see the couple on the cover. Although I wouldn’t deny a book with a shirtless man. It would entice me more to know what the couples will/will not do.
Comment by Michelle — July 19, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Glad you had such a relaxing time at the conference. Sounds like the way to go.
As many authors as I would love to meet, I have to go with Harper Lee too. To Kill a Mockingbird is still my favorite book I’ve ever read. We read it my freshman year in high school and I loved it from the first page(my dad had been trying to get me to read it for years). She is such a private person it would be incredible just to spend some time with her, maybe find out if she ever wrote anything else. I would have to take my oldest niece with me since she loves the book as much as me.
I like covers with couples as well as covers with just the hot guy(without the shirt on of course). I have bought a book before by an author I don’t know because of a cover, but if I’m looking for a certain author’s book it doesn’t matter what is on the cover.
Comment by Liza — July 19, 2007 @ 8:52 am
If I could meet any author on the planet, I would love, love, love to meet J.K. Rowling. (Avoiding the spoilers for Deathly Hallows has been tough, but so far I have prevailed.)
As for the cover, I like the Men-Only covers. Gimme a hot guy and I’m happy.
Comment by Rhonda Nelson — July 19, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Hmmm, so that I don’t pit the PlotMonkeys against each other
I have to say I’m a HUGE Susan Elizabeth Phillips fan. And I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see her at all during the conference. I’d love to attend one of her workshops and hear from the master how she does it.
Comment by Lori Borrill — July 19, 2007 @ 9:48 am
I would go with a male only on the cover. If I could pick an author to meet it would probably be Meg Cabot because she’s really funny. Her blogs are hillarious and she sounds a lot like she writes.
Comment by Anna — July 19, 2007 @ 10:17 am
I have to admit that I would love to meet Meg Cabot, too. She IS so funny and I really enjoy her books. From the Size books to the Princess books. Truly great. As for covers, I like half-naked men. Actually, I like completely naked men but we’re talking a romance cover, so we have to throw on the jeans. But I think I would definitely lean toward the guy only covers. They’re great. I absolutely loved the anthology cover for your MEN AT WORK. Fabulous! Also, it was great seeing you this year!
Comment by Kimberly Raye — July 19, 2007 @ 10:37 am
btw, thank you Julie and Robin yesterday for giving me the order of the DEMON books. Of course, like Janelle’s WILDE books and Leslie’s books, I am reading them out of order, not on purpose. It’s just how it happens. Carpe Demon is in my tbr pile, fortunately (currently, I am enjoying SECRET GIRL SOCIETY).
Janelle, it sounds like you had a relaxing conference. Sometimes, those are good. Life is crazy, so sometimes you need to relax. As far as cover books, Lori Borrill’s first book is my epitomy of covers. Hot guy (okay, he’s a little nerdy, but I love nerdy hot guys), bare chest and looking like my husband would look. LOL> Okay, hubby is NOT buff, but you know, I guess it would be a buff looking version of my hubby. ROTFL!!!!
Have a great day everyone!
Comment by katie — July 19, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Janelle you were overdue for a nice relaxing time
after your trip with your daughter. :kiss:
Okay I don’t want just one author I want 2.
Actually I so want to meet all the plotmonkeys some day.
I am choosing :love2:Carly and Janelle:love2:
because reading their books was a:present: that saw me
thru some tough times.:love2:
I used to read their books during my cancer treatments.
I am healthy now.
5 years since the last one.
I have continued to read ever since and you 2 along with
Sandra Hill will always be my favorites as you took me away from
the bad times into your creative romantic world where the ending
is always bright.
Notice the alphabetical order girls?
:love2: I love you Julie and Leslie. :love2:
I just wouldn’t be reading today like I do
if it weren’t for these other 3 authors.:love2:
Hugs to all.
Tina
I’m glad to find someone who has gotten a dog from PP in NY.
I was so afraid we would make the trip and I would be disappointed.
This is the last puppy I will ever get.
I want her to be as special as our last yorkie.
She thought she was human too. They are just so smart.
I was so glad when my dh agreed to another.
How big are they full grown? up to 6lbs?
Comment by jeannie — July 19, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Janelle, I love the pictures, especially of Julie being her own cover
As for your new cover I would go male only, very hot, no shirt, hard abs
Now the hard question… picking one author is tough. I didn’t choose a plotmonkey because I feel lucky enough to blog with you everyday, and I wouldn’t want to choose between you. That said, I would love to meet all of you!!
The first author that popped into my mind was Kathleen E. Woodiwiss who saddly passed away earlier this month:cry: My next choice would have to be Jude Deveraux who I’ve been a huge fan of for many years.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 11:17 am
Jeannie,
Actually our Yorkie is a little bigger he’s 10lbs, but they also have smaller ones but I was a little nervous about the teacup size because they are so fragile and my son was only 11 at the time that we got our dog. I would love to get another one, especially after looking at the website again… but our dog is so spoiled now that I just don’t think he would be good with a puppy. Have fun picking your new baby
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Hmm, I have a few that I will love to meet.
Here we go not in necessary order
Blaze
Janelle Deninson
Jennifer Labrecque
Julie Leto
Leslie Kelly
Vicki Lewis Thompson
HQN-Harlequin
Carly Phillips
Harlequin Presents
Lucy Monroe
Paranormal
Nalini Singh
J.R. Ward
Lara Adrian
Gena Showalter
Historical romance
Laura Lee Guhrke
Loretta Chase
Erotic
Sylvia Day
Angela Knight
Maya Banks
They are many others but those are the ones that comes to my mind right now
Comment by Barbara — July 19, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
What a question! I couldn’t possibly name only one.
Comment by Susan — July 19, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Hi Janelle~ It’s so hard to pick just one! And I was lucky enough to meet so many great authors at conference - you included - but one I wished was there is Lori Foster. I’m a fan of hers so would like to meet her.
I like covers with couples on them because I think they’re more romantic than just having a hot guy - which is sexy and I like it - but I’d probably be more inclined to pick up a book with a man and a woman on the cover if I didn’t know the author. Knowing the author makes it all null and void. I’ll buy my favorite writers no matter what
Thanks for sharing your conference activities with us and I’m glad you had a good time!
Comment by Robin — July 19, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
One, just one! Can’t do it! First of all I would love to meet all 4 Plotmonkeys and also Jill Shalvis. Of course there are many others but those would be my top picks.
Thanks for sharing your RWA experience with us. Love the pictures. The picture of Julie as her cover is great! I just happen to be reading that right now. I will finish it later today.
Comment by Donna M — July 19, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
I posted this question the other day and am reposting it because I really am curious:
Ok, I know this has nothing to do with todays blog but I’m very confused
I finished She’s No Angel which I loved if you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend it ….but I kept waiting for the cannoli 
did I mix this up with someone elses book??? 
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
I’m glad you had such a great time. If I could meet one author it would have to be Julie Garwood. It was her books that got me started reading. I like both types of covers. I’m not hard to please.
Comment by Stacy S — July 19, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Tina — Leslie is definitely the “Cannoli Queen”, and it’s important that you know which book of hers has the “Cannoli” scene in it.
I will give a shout out to Leslie to come and explain!
Comment by Janelle — July 19, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
LOL thanks Janelle…I’ll be anxiously waiting
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
Laurie — I do have to agree that our Plotmonkey friendship is incredibly special. We’re extremely lucky to have one another!
Rhonda — you’ve been so lucky with your Men Only covers. They all have been fantastic and HUNKY!
Lori — It was so nice to meet you in person at the conference!
Jeannie — you’re so incredibly sweet — and I love that our books were able to give you a bit of escape and joy during such a tough time in your life. We definitely want to see a picture of your new puppy!!!
When you get her, take a picture and send it to my regular email, and I’ll post it here for everyone to see and oooh and awww over! 
Comment by Janelle — July 19, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
Hi everyone,
I’ve missed you guys this week. On Monday, hubby received some pretty devestating health news. We’ve met with a specialist today and it isn’t quite as scary as we believed on Monday and looks like with surgery/treatment it can all be fixed. I’ve lurked a few times this week but my heart just wasn’t here so I didn’t post.
But, of course, I have to comment on the cover question. I like Kimberly Raye’s answer. Naked guys works well, but naked guys with just jeans….yummy!
And I’d love to meet all the plotmonkeys, because to some degree I already feel like I know you. And the other authors, like Kimberly and Lori, that hang out here. But other than that, there really isn’t anyone that I can think of.
Comment by Jodie — July 19, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
Hey, Tina! Leslie is gone for a few days with her hubby, so let me answer that the infamous cannoli scene, which I have not yet read myself, will appear in Leslie’s September Blaze, OVEREXPOSED.
Comment by Julie Leto — July 19, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Thanks Julie
…I can’t wait to read it!!!
Lucky Leslie…time away with hubby:love2:
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
I love the pic of Julie on “her” cover. And the book is good too!!
I had to have something to read during lunch breaks this week, and didn’t want to start a big novel before HP, so I grabbed my copy early of Stripped!!
Yes, I know, I am a baaaddd girl. Tough.
It’s really good. I love it and can’t wait to finish it. I will be buying it tomorrow when it officially goes on sale.
As for who I would want to meet- that would be a toss up between Janet Evanovich and Laurel K. Hamilton. But I refuse to choose just one, cause there are so darned many.
Comment by ev — July 19, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
I’m not sure I can pick just one! As for covers, it depends on the couple–some of those are just awful. And well, a hunky shirtless man definitely holds appeal
Comment by Fedora — July 19, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
ev–I love you!
FWIW, there’s a big controversy going on about authors who dress up as their characters for booksignings. All I can think of is…if ONLY I looked half as beautiful as my heroines, LOL! Taking that picture was a lark. Only for Janelle!
Comment by Julie Leto — July 19, 2007 @ 5:15 pm
Thanks Janelle! We have set Tuesday as our travel day.
I will send baby pictures. I just got back from the Harry Potter Movie.
It never dragged so don’t let the 2 hours 18 minutes scare you off.
It was very well done and my DIL and I enjoyed it very much.
My grand is in Louisianna so she hasn’t seen it yet. Neener Neener!
Oh Janelle love your:love2:sexy AB males. :love2:
Do I buy a book because of the covers?
Plotmonkeys, no never.
An author that I have never read before,
I will buy for the hot cover and like Laurie
“inanimate objects leave me cold” too. :Brrrr:
Hey at my age I’ll take all the eye candy I can find.:kiss:
Comment by jeannie — July 19, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Bwa ha ha, that photo of Julie killed me! Love it!!!
Comment by Erica R — July 19, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
look s hot, cant wait to read it.
i would love to meet all of you an dvicki thompson
Comment by kim h — July 19, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
Julie-I love “your cover shot”. Just started Stripped this morning and hope to finish before tomorrow night(loving it so far btw). After that it is all Harry all the time until I finish the book. I know I won’t be able to watch tv, go online, listen to the radio, or read a paper until I finish the book so no one will ruin the ending for me.
Comment by Liza — July 19, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Liza, thanks for reading STRIPPED and I totally get you on the media blackout until the book is over. Today, I got a message from Publisher’s Lunch, which sends out industry publishing information that was titled “Do Not Read Pub Lunch.” I’d already received the original email, but hadn’t read it…and apaprently, it had spoilers in it. I deleted them all! The only one who can spoil the ending for me is me!!! (Because I’ll admit…I usually read the ending first…though the closer it gets to tomorrow, I’m not sure I’ll do it this time.)
Comment by Julie Leto — July 19, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
I realized this morning that I forgot to answer one of the questions…I would like to meet all of the plotmonkeys (and Lori Borrill, too), if only to show you guys that I am not scary!
BTW, Janelle, you are looking good!
Comment by katie — July 19, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
katie, you’re funny!
We’re thinking of doing a Plotmonkey event sometime next year…either at Nationals (in San Francisco) or someplace else. We’re kicking around ideas!
Comment by Julie Leto — July 19, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Hey Jodie, so glad your hubby is going to be okay! Sorry you had to go through such a scare!
And as far as a PlotMonkey event in San Francisco next year, count me in! I’d love to meet some of the great people who post here!
Lori
Comment by Lori Borrill — July 19, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Sounds like a nice quiet conference for you, sometimes that is best.
I would go with male only on the cover, they are just so darn alluring.
As for the one author-I think I would spin around and try to decide and would eventually get dizzy, fall down, crack my head on a table and get rushed to the hospital.
Comment by celeber — July 19, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
First off Julie you are a cutie. Great smile, eyes always twinkle in photos and look at that hair. Don’t sell yourself short. I loved the cover shot.
Not bad looking guy either. I am gonna try and get “Stripped” tonight on my way home from work. I am just finishing Code name Bikini by Christina
Skye. It’s one of many books I bought while hunting for Leslie’s, “She’s no Angel.” I can’t possibly read Harry Potter until I have read “Stripped”, no sah.
PS> mid country would be nice for a get together. I’m on the east coast and CA is a long haul. You gals liked Nashville and Vegas. Maybe we could rally to get you all on Regis and do NYC
Oh the Big Apple would never be the same. I want to come this time.
I would have suggested the east coast like MA,RI,CT( foxwoods or mohegan sun), NC, or GA, FL but I figure the west coast gals would revolt.
Comment by jeannie — July 19, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Hey, Jodi — I’m glad you finally posted. I was beginning to wonder if things were okay since you haven’t been posting, and that’s so not like you! You all are like family here, and we worry when we don’t hear from you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband, and I hope he’s going to be okay. Always know that you’ve got a ton of friends here to rally around you when times are tough. Extra prayers don’t hurt, either!
I’m sending big hugs your way — and a hunk for you to enjoy, too. I know how that always cheers you up.
Comment by Janelle — July 19, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
Carly mentioned a possible Plot Monkey event. I hope so! I am saving my pennies for SFO!
Comment by Lynn Matherly — July 19, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Jodie, I’m sending good wishes and prayers your way
Janelle, You are so thoughtful…he could cheer up anyone
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 19, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
Thanks everybody! I appreciate the thoughts and, Janelle, your endless supply of hunks never ceases to amaze me!! Keep ‘em coming!
Comment by Jodie — July 20, 2007 @ 6:30 am
Okay Julie answered already–thanks Julie! But Tina yes, it’s my September book OVEREXPOSED. I just got my author copies today, glanced through it, and again had to bite my lip wondering what people are going to say about that cannoli scene…lol!
Also liked reading the “surprise” part.
Comment by Leslie — July 20, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Janelle, Sorry to be late to the question, but, emergency house repairs kept me away. Firstly, that photo of you & Karen is darling. You both look great! I’m glad you had a restful conference–I’m certain Karen’s was very stressful, but, all blog posts are very positive. As far as a possible Plotmonkey event, that sounds as if it really would be fun.
Putting aside the Plotmonkey authors, I don’t have a specific writer I wish to meet. I’ve met quite a few at the Celebrate Romance! conferences– most are very nice & a few exceptional.
As mentioned previously, I never buy by covers, but, I prefer the couples clinch. I think the heroine on Julie’s latest Blaze has a right-on look & appeal.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — July 21, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
Well, I am going to tackle the second question first…if I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite authors, I would have to meet Nora Roberts…she covers all the romance, murder, mystery, suspense stuff that I love…did I mention that I love that stuff? AND she writes in series…I love spinoffs and reading the stories of other characters in a book I love…which segues nicely into my response for your second first question…I would love to see the cover, at least the first one, with a guy only…much like the one Janelle posted at 9:30 on 19Jul07
…I am glad that you are going to follow up with stories about some of the supporting characters, if you will, from the Wilde series…have fun chosing covers and writing…thanks for making my weekends interesting…the latter sentence is a shout-out to all my plotmonkeys….Oh, btw…I would make it my business to finagle a meeting with all my other favorite authors too…knowing me…
Comment by Paula R. — July 22, 2007 @ 5:23 pm