Greetings GRL-goers!
Is this your first GayRomLit? Are you munching on your fingernails, going over every detail the organizers have disclosed, and picturing yourself standing alone in a corner once you’re there? Or have you gone before? Did you realize that the fingernail-gnawing was a total waste of good nails; the plans didn’t really matter as you just went with the flow of people, events and your own mood at any given moment; and that you barely had time to stand alone in a corner? In fact, you were barely allowed to stand in a corner, because people you’ve chatted with online somehow managed to find you and you hit it off like you never did with other people in your life? Did you find it pleasantly odd how much you had in common, how freely you could discuss the function of a penis without anyone batting an eye, and how you suddenly found yourself up on stage singing karaoke after a couple of drinks?
Last year was my first GRL. To sum up the experience into one sentence it would have to be: I had a blast. I had such a blast that I decided to go again this year, even if it meant another long, expensive trip from Iceland and a way to figure out how to get from Washington to Atlanta. I’m doing it anyway, because I know it’ll be worth it.
I was extremely nervous about last year. Like many of you, I’m a shy, reserved person. My cousin and best friend, Thora, came with me. It felt good knowing I wasn’t going to be alone the whole time. I wouldn’t have to stand in a corner and my nails would make it through intact. However, upon arrival, I was approached by one person after another. I was meeting them for the first time, but it was like greeting old friends. My inhibitions fell away and suddenly I was talking to everyone, introducing myself, and generally mingling with the crowd. I may not have taken part in the karaoke, but I did dance up on a stage with a cowboy-stripper (man, he was hot!), dress up in a costume, join Edmond Manning’s impromptu party in one of the conference rooms, and walk around with a basket of Icelandic chocolates to offer people. I rarely saw people on their own. If I did, I talked to them, like so many others did, out of pure joy of being around like-minded people who shared my love of gay romances.
I’m bringing my cousin again this year. I know I won’t need her there, but I managed to twist her arm because I want her there. It didn’t take a lot of twisting; she also had a blast. She had no idea who any of the authors were before last trip. Now she’s hooked on M/M, has read tons of titles, and is all amped to go. Me? Last year was like a whirlwind of new experiences and I have since wished I’d done this or that. Well, I’m putting more emphasis on “this or that” this year and hope to get to talk to people I didn’t manage to sit down with (I only realized Cole was there on the last day!).
So, if you’re new, relax! If you’ve been before, you know it’ll be a blast.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
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Black Hurricane (Boston Boys #3)
Twenty-three year old Jasper Jones fell in love with Dean McQueen at fourteen, but after a disastrous relationship, Jazz would like nothing better than to see the rock star choke on his own vomit.
After a catastrophic reunion, Dean seems bent on destroying Jazz’s life. It all started when an impromptu bar performance ended up on YouTube and Jazz became an internet sensation overnight. The name “Jazdean” keeps popping up in headlines and the paparazzi stalk his every move. To make matters worse, Jazz is about to end up on the streets for the second time in his life.
In a desperate attempt to keep his home, Jazz signs a deal with Dean’s band, Black Hurricane, to perform at a couple of concerts. It feels like one of Dean’s feeble attempts to get Jazz back, but painted into a corner like he is, Jazz has no choice.
Erica Pike online:
I live in the UK so won’t be going to GRL.You are brave coming all the way to the US from Iceland!! Please Count Me in for the Giveaway.
ShirleyAnn@speakman40.freeserve.co.uk
Count me in please! And hopefully I can meet you at GRL this year!
peanutty222@hotmail.com
Please count me in. I won’t be at GRL. This sounds like a good book and is on my wishlist with Amazon!
Hope you have a blast at GRL (and your long trip goes smoothly) – wish I could be there. Thanks for the giveaway!
Have a great time at GRL. I live in the UK as well so I won’t be going, but it sounds like a lot of fun.
I can’t wait to get to GRL this year…it is my first time. I hope to meet you there and would love a signed copy. This book looks fabulous and is definitely on my wish list!
I am going for the first time this year, excited and nervous! I would love to meet you whether I win or not, the book sounds great. Thank you for the post and the giveaway.
Jazz is my boy, and I can’t wait to read this! Have a wonderful time at GRL!
Count me in please, I like the sound of this one.
Thanks for the giveaway. Please count me in.
I loved reading about your past GRL experience. I won’t be attending this year, but I’m not missing it next year!! Have a blast! xoxo
It’s official, I’m starting to save for next year now. Because there is no way I’m missing this again. It’s sounds like sooo much fun!
This is my first GRL but not my first book conference, and I am beyond excited! I LOVED Black Hurricane and would love to win a signed copy! :)
I haven’t read any of the Boston Boys books yet. I have read Hot Hands and look forward to meeting more of the men who crowd Erica’s brain.
A little Erica is awesome. A little Erica and a giveaway? I think I just died and went to heaven. I love your books Erica, can’t wait to read Black Hurricane!
Please count me in. Thanks!
I so wish I could go to GRL and get to meet ya’ll! I know you’ll have a blast, once again. I’ll be happy to enjoy your time through all the pictures I know all of you will be taking! Thanks for the post and the giveaway!
Rush
I loved your recounting of your GRL experience. So much fun! Each new story about it makes me just that much more disappointed I haven’t been and won’t be going this year. Yet I’m so happy for everyone who does because I love that this event even exists and that people are getting together to celebrate something I love so much (and having a blast doing so). Thanks for sharing with us, Erica!
I wish I was going – it sounds like so much fun! Maybe next year. Thanks for the chance to win. :-)
I would love to be able to go to GRL but I can’t. I look forward to all of you wonderful authors/reviewers/publishers/readers regaling us with tales of the insanity. Have a safe trip going from Iceland to Atlanta, Erica (and a safe trip back once it’s over)! Black Hurricane is on my TBR, so please count me in for the giveaway. :)
Can not go wrong with some Erica Pike!
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
Hi! Read Black Hurricane and loved it Loved it! I don’t think I knew there were two books before this one so woohoo my shopping list just got longer. This will be my first GRL and I am looking forward to meeting you and your cousin. I am now counting wrhe days! Sage travels!
Don’t count me in cause you know I snatched up this Jazz-tastic book as soon as it released! However, I have to say GREAT post!!! Absolutely the nervousness is a waste of time… GRL is like finding the Tribe you never knew you were part of… we are an amazing community & I can wait to spend time with everyone. Looking forward to dancing & chatting with you… and hearing Thora sing to me!!! Hugs, Z.
Read it, loved it, and reviewed it. =}
I so plan to attend next year but I know your experience because I had the same when I attended another book lovers convention
Thank you, everyone, for taking part and for the kind words. I’m very much looking forward to meeting those of you who will be at GRL ^.^ To the rest: I hope you can make it next year!
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, guys. I’m just now getting around to drawing/announcing the winner in Erica’s contest! ::brainfart:: But never fear, Random.org has been getting a good workout these past 7 weeks and has selected the winner.
Congratulations, Gigi! You’re the lucky winner of a copy of Black Hurricane.
Thanks so much for your patience while I email Erica with your contact information. :)