I have a ton of stuff to share about the conference, but I’m a bit swamped at the moment. I’ve asked for a two-week extension on a story that was due on the 1st, so I’m unplugging and getting myself caught up. Good news is my Stephanie Plum essay is in edits so that’s one thing that’s closer to being finished. I still have to work on galleys for my Sept. print release from Ellora’s Cave, blog next week on Romantically Inclined, and work on an interview that just hit my in box. Yikes!

I’ll check in, but no long posts for the next two weeks, at least.

In the meantime, if you read ASK FOR IT, let me know what you think. Everyone liked BBA so much that I’m worried about AFI. It’s very different, and it’s a first book so I’m nail biting.

I did get a great review tonight, which helps. Here’s a snippet:

“If you delight in passionate relationships, Marcus and Elizabeth are the personification of one. The passion is evident right from the start, and the action is fast paced and sweltering as Marcus and Elizabeth begin the dance of seduction. Told from Marcus’s and Elizabeth’s points of view, Sylvia Day has a writing style that is incomparable. We are immediately drawn into the story and must hang on for the ride. ASK FOR IT is an erotic novel that is perfect if you’ve never tried one before, or if you enjoy historical romance, or just enjoy an excellently written book.” - CeCe Johns, Romance Reviews Today

((hugs))

I’m nearly hoarse from shouting almost non-stop the last few days. One thing about conferences–the volume of voices is deafening. You can be standing shoulder to shoulder with someone and be shouting at them in order to be heard. Seriously. It’s hard to describe the noise. It’s just unbelievable. My throat hurts.

I taught two workshops today–the editor/author relationship and dialogue in erotic romance. The latter workshop was nearly packed, and my fellow speakers were funny and brilliant.

My fabulous find for the day was the Waldenbooks new release newsletter “Romantic Reader”, the one they hand out freely in the store. ASK FOR IT is showcased in technicolor and looks so pretty.

The amazing (and fun) thing about the reports I’m getting on ASK FOR IT are requests for the stories of secondary characters, namely Christopher and Marcus’ two brothers. I’ve heard quite a few complaints about the proliferation of historical series, but really, it’s a big request. I received a lot of requests for Fontaine’s story when BAD BOYS AHOY! came out, too. For those of you who wanted to read about him, I’m thinking the novella for the Susan Johnson antho might be his, but I really haven’t decided yet.

My plane flies out tomorrow night. Then I’ll probably be back in the saddle on Monday. (Let’s hope.) I love conferences, but they’re exhausting. *g*

…that I’m alive and well. *g*

The conference is great. Hectic but fabulous. I can’t tell you about any workshops because I haven’t gone to any, but I’ve met so many people for the first time, and many I haven’t seen since last time but have missed so much.

Today was the Passionate Ink luncheon. The ballroom was gorgeous, the viewing window looked into the beluga whale tank and they were so friendly. They spent a lot of time up at the window playing with those Inkers who were watching them. Our speakers–Roberta Brown, Annmarie, and Raelene Gorlinsky–were all funny, and very informative. Wolfgang Puck’s food was to die for! The aquarium staff was phenomenal. It was all-around wonderful.

I’ve sold another story. (Yay!) A novella that will appear in an anthology titled PERFECT KISSES with Susan Johnson and Noelle Mack. (I cannot tell you how excited I am to be in this antho with Susan!!) Hilary Sares informed me that ASK FOR IT has been the #1 selling erotica title for BN, though it just came out on Tuesday. It’s been spotted in airports and in bookstores here in town. Borders is selling it in the conference Bookfair. I’ve spoken to a few conference attendees who have purchased it while here at the conference, either at the mall or in the Bookfair, and feedback has been gratifying. (I’m so stoked that they’re reading it during the conference!) Unlike BAD BOYS AHOY! which was lighter and featured three wounded heroes, ASK FOR IT is a bit heavier and it’s the heroine who has issues. Just a different type of book, so I’ve been curious how it would go over.

Tonight is the Avon Family Dinner, and I’m excited about that. (yes, I’m excited a lot. I’m excitable.) I have to start getting ready in about an hour, and I’m so tired I’m a little dizzy. I always lose a minimum of 5 lbs. at conference. It’s hard for me to eat and I walk around a lot.

So I’m going to take a little nap. I’ll be around the blogosphere this month. Romantically Inclined from August 6-12 and on Romance by the Blog with the fabulous Michelle from WNBC.com. I’ll update these to links later. *g*

Oh!! Coolest thing!! My conference bag included an advance copy of Cheyenne McCray’s SEDUCED BY MAGIC. AND I got a copy of ENTERTAINING MR. STONE by the divine Portia Da Costa. (Wendy, they’re promoting you wonderfully! I also saw EMS in my local BN face-out in the romance section.) Am I a lucky conference goer to get these books or what?

(forgive any typos. I’m soooooo tired.)

((hugs))

Just in time for me to take some with me to Atlanta!! A few hundred coverflats of THE STRANGER I MARRIED arrived at my door today.

I can’t tell you how weird/cool it is to have a book releasing tomorrow and the coverflats for the next book arriving today!!

Yes, sometimes my schedule is just nuts. But times like this make it worth it to me. *g* 3 full-length Bravas in 11 months.

Well, ASK FOR IT’s official release date is tomorrow. (yay!)

Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 251

I’ve heard from a few readers who have finished the book already. Some found it on the shelves, others pre-ordered it. A few have been told by their booksellers that the book won’t be set out until the first. About 20 mins up the highway is a huge Barnes & Noble, and they ordered the book on June 22nd, and it still hasn’t shipped from the warehouse (as of yesterday).

Anyway, I’ve learned not to worry about these things. The book sells when it sells and not a moment sooner.

I leave early tomorrow morning for Atlanta.

It’s so freakin’ HOT!! I’m melting. <- (That’s sweat.)