So when all this started, I fully intended to post a recap at the end of each of my days at GRL. Boy was I an overachiever. I was so busy and overwhelmed with at the fun tomes and fingerling, that I could not do a post justice and get my thoughts together. So now you will have to suffer through a long recap of my entire time. I am certain I will ramble and some parts may not be pretty, but here I go!
I arrived a the hotel after lunch Tuesday. I checked in a found that my room had a super secret conference room attached off the side (this will come in handy later). Once I was settled in, I hung out in the lobby where I totally fangirled everyone author I could! I met Z. Allora, Rick Reed, JP Barnaby, Charlie Cochet and Lex Chase just to name a few. I am sure some of them thought I was annoying, but I didn’t care. Later that afternoon, our illustrious leader arrived and graciously allowed me to hang out with her for the remainder of the evening (see her post for more details). That night I barely slept a wink I was so excited!
BG Thomas
Lex Chase and Charlie Cochet
Wednesday was the writers workshop. Now I have no desire to actually write. I am not creative enough for that. But I wanted to attend in order to understand the process an author goes through to publish a book. I felt that it would help me in my reviewing process. I was so glad I attended. I learned so much and got to meets a lot more people. I learned about editing and that books can sometimes go through MULTIPLE round of edits and that not all editors provide the same function. I also learned about author branding. The workshop ended with a wonderful panel on working with reviewers. Boss did a fantastic job!
Later that evening Christine and Andrea arrived! OMG it was so wonderful to finally meet these ladies in person. Chatting online is not a substitute for the real thing and this is the start of a wonderful friendship! I am certain people realized how crazy we are and Brandilyn may have started questioning her sanity in taking us on!
Thursday was the official start to GRL itself and my fangirling reached a whole new level. I don’t even know how to explain how excited I was to meet so many authors I read. And I even had a few heart stopping moments when authors recognized me by name and sought me out for hugs! Eden Winters and River Jaymes made my week!
I spent the morning at the supporting author signing and then the rest of the afternoon at author readings. I listened to Edmond Manning, KC Wells, Heidi Cullinan, Jackie Nacht, Hank Edwards, Jacob Flores, Clare London, and Lex Chase. Can I tell you how I think Hank Edwards, Jacob Flores, and Clare London should narrate their own books? They were fabulous. And Jackie Nacht gave the cutest reading ever but being embarrassed to even say the work “cock”.
And Paisley finally arrived and our Prism GRL group was complete!
After a very eventful day, I attended the opening reception and then snuck out for a dunner with some other Texas folks. It was so much fun to meet the people I have been talking to online forever. Finally, I decided to skip the Juke joint and just hang with folks in the lobby. It was a great end to a hectic day.
Edmond Manning
KC Wells
Jackie Nacht
Hank Edwards
Lex Chase
Jacob Flores
Clare London
Friday was even more eventful than the day before. I attended more author readings and the panel on BDSM. Let me just say that I was so honored that James Buchanan, JP Barnaby, and Lisa Henry agreed to put on that panel. Those women shared some very personal things with their audience. It was just another example of how these authors give their all for their craft. I will admit, BDSM is not my thing, but after hearing more about it from people who actively live that lifestyle, has made me appreciate it more.
That afternoon was the cockwalk and Shira Anthony’s amazing singing! She has such a powerful voice. I was so moved by her and just absolutely enjoyed her performance.
I had dinner on my on while I got ready for Casino night. There were some fabulous outfit being shown off that night. Since gambling is not my thing, I ducked out a bit early and hung out in the lobby again chatting with more folks. This was my favorite part of the conference, spending time learning about other people. The events were fun, but some were so loud it made personal interaction difficult.
Total fangirl moment with the beautiful River Jaymes.
Finally got my pic with the beautiful (inside and out) JP Barnaby.
JP and Andrew Grey
me and JCP
My new adopted mom! Diana Copland
Shira and her amazing voice!
Saturday was the last day, and I was moving a bit slowly. I gave up on the make-up and shoes and went for comfort with my jeans and flip flops! I went to another author reading and then attended the Q&A panel with Lori Toland, Toni Griffin, and Angel Martinez. Those ladies are fabulous and so open and honest. I love Angel’s response to the advice for a new writer. Get a mentor and and editor!
That afternoon was the featured author signing where I got so many signatures, I ran out of space on my tote bag! And here is where my super secret conference room came in handy. The prism ladies ordered Chicago style deep dish pizza for dinner and gossiped about ourselves while we ate. I am sure my neighbors sharing the conference room got an earful!
Finally, it was time for the Time Warp Party! Again, the costumes were amazing!!!! Some folks really put some time and effort into this. There were victorian era dressed complete with big hair, cavemen, tartans, indians, hippies, flappers, and oh so many more. I had a blast until he music was too loud for me to really interact and I started losing. I am sure you can guess what comes next! I hung out in the lobby again before crashing early.
Becky and her orange boy!
OMG! isn’t Rowen McAllister a perfect mad hatter?
Allison Hickman
the hair!
William Cooper as Lucius Malfoy
momma and baby hippie!
mermaid! She can sing and she looks fabulous!
Hippies!
Christine and Edmond
Charlie and I
Lex and I
Finally Sunday rolled around and it was time for the going away brunch and saying farewell. I almost cried a bit because I was leaving my awesome Prism ladies! I am looking forward to next year when we can hang out together again!
My airport experience going home deserves a bit of attention. Security took almost an hour and then my gate was changed multiple times. Finally, the plane arrived late but had severe malfunctions and was not flight worthy(EEK I know right!). Once they located a new plane, I made it home only 2 hours late. But I made it home and crashed! So worth it in the end.
I am so glad I stepped out of my shell and attended GRL. I almost backed out so many times but I know I would have regretted that decision. I hope you enjoyed my post even if I am certain it was totally rambling and is missing so much.
Much Love and Thanks for reading my rambles!
Where to find us
The #TeamPrism Reviewers will be blogging, Facebooking, and Tweeting live from GRL as time and inspiration allows. Be sure to follow us!
Watch for the #TeamPrismGRL hashtag on Facebook and Twitter
Prism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrismBookAlliance
Twitter @BrandilynRC
#TeamPrismGRL Giveaway
Note: Books pictured represent the authors graciously donating titles to the giveaway. They do not necessarily represent the title(s) you will receive. Each pack will have 1 or 2 signed books from one or more attending Authors.
Five random commenters on the #TeamPrismGRL posts the week of GRL will win. You can comment on any of all of the following during GRL week (13-20 October) to enter. The more you comment to more entries you have.
- #TeamPrismGRL tagged Blog posts (That includes THIS post)
- #TeamPrismGRL tagged Facebook posts by Prism Reviewers during GRL (14-19 October)
- #TeamPrismGRL tagged posts on Prism Book Alliance Fan Page
- #TeamPrismGRL tagged Tweets (note you must include #TeamPrismGRL in your tweet to be eligible)
Five winners will each get a #TeamPrismGRL Prize pack that includes:
- 1 or 2 signed copies of M/M Titles (titles and authors TBD)
- Prism Book Alliance Totebag
- RainbowCon/RT/GRL swag pack
- $10 Amazon or iTunes Gift Card.
| Farewell Giveaway I have a number of paperbacks, most of which are signed, to giveaway. Over the between now (11 Mar 2017) and 31 Mar 2017, every comment on the blog (this post and all other new posts), will be entered to win 1 of these paperbacks. There are also some misc swag items, so there will be a few packs of these to give away as well. |
Thank you so much for your support over the last 4 years. Prism will be closing its doors on 1 April 2017. All content will remain available, but no new content will appear after 31 Mar 2017. As such all request forms have been turned off. Again Thank you, Brandilyn |
| This post may contain affiliate links. |
| Prism Book Alliance® assumes no liability for the ownership of photos or content used in guest posts and interviews. The post author assumes all responsibility and liability for this content. |
Wow, I love the pics. It likes you met some amazing people and had a lot of fun. I wish I could go but I have no one to go with and would never talk to anyone.
I thought that was going to be the case but the folks were so great that they would not let anyone be alone. You should give it a try!
Great pictures! Every one I see makes me even more determined to get there one day.
Yes! It was so much fun!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful post and pictures. Sounds like you and the rest of TeamPrism had a blast. 🙂
We did! I was so unsure of myself at first, but the Prism ladies are just wonderful.
The more pictures I see and the more I read about this years GRL, the more determined I am to find a way to go next year. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Yes! next year will be great!
Thanks for sharing your fun experiences at GRL!! Sounds like you had a great time. Hope to see you there next year.
I am determined to go again next year!
I am so glad you had fun. It is the best con, you always feel so welcome and at home with the lovely people who attend.
Thanks for the great post and pictures. I so want to go to one, I’ll need to wait until it’s a bit closer to home I think. I will probably be like you were and consider not going since I’d probably have to go by myself.
we will adopt you! you wont have to be alone
Thank you! That would be awesome! 🙂
Looks like much fun was had 🙂
Sounds like you had a fantastic first time at GRL. Good thing you hung in there and attended. Thanks for the fantastic post and all the pix!
jen.f {at} mac {dot} com
It was great meeting you! Jacob Flores should definitely narrate his own book. I’m reading Being True now, and I’m hearing his voice in my head for the meangirls. LOL
What a fantastic recap, PizzyGirl!! It was more than a pleasure (ooh la la LOL) to meet you, spend time with you, laughing (well ok, snorting is more like it) and just having a blast. You are fantastic and I cannot wait until next year!!
Hugssssssssssssssssss
Great post. Looks like you had a blast!
It looked like everything was a lot of fun. Everyone looks great in their costumes. Thanks for sharing with us =)
I’d love to hear Shira’s voice ….
Awesome GRL update 🙂
great photos
Katie what a great post! On our chat you will have to tell me what ‘at the fun tomes and fingerling,’ means sounds diiirty 😀
Thanks for the TON of pictures. It looks like so much fun. Glad you enjoyed yourself . 🙂
What an awesome event, photographs and wonderful fancy dress turnout, I am so envious 🙂
I’m so glad you had a wonderful time!