Countdown to GayRomLit 2016: A Guest Post by Supporting Author C.S. Poe

We’re so pleased to continue the countdown to GRL 2016 with Supporting Author C.S. Poe.

Welcome, C.S.!

Or That Time I Was a Convention Mother

Once upon a time I did entertainment management for conventions. I organized and managed U.S. appearances for a number of Japanese musicians that were popular in the anime scene. Working with so many different events certainly gave me a unique insight and understanding as to how conventions function behind the scenes—and dear God, bless our GRL crew. What I loved the most about that job were all of the, who the crap would have thought of that, moments I’d picked up being Mother Hen to groups of artists visiting a foreign country who couldn’t speak the language.

So here are a few of C.S.’s tips from that time a Japanese band called her their Convention Mother.

Stuff in My Purse I Totally Needed

Stain remover pen.
$20 worth of small bills.
Tiny, portable first-aid kit.
Travel-size sewing kit.
Spare pens and markers.
Phone charger.
Schedule (luckily GRL utilizes a smart phone app, so this one is easy!)
Breath mints or gum.
Water bottle.
A few packaged snacks (For those hangry moments.)
Mini lint roller.
Hand sanitizer.
Glasses cleaner rag or solution.
Contact information and address of convention/hotel.

Stuff Not in My Purse But That I Still Had to Manage for Musicians

When and where could they eat? How much time did they have? What were the food options?
Where could I buy them drinks?
Where could I get them coffee?
Were there any convenience stores within walking distance for drinks, snacks, cigarettes, and toiletries?
What was the weather going to be like? Should I get them umbrellas? Keep jackets on hand?
Where’s my security personnel!?

Okay, so that last one probably doesn’t apply to GRL, but it’s all the kind of stuff you don’t realize you need or didn’t consider, until you’re faced with a situation. You never know when a button might pop off a getup for the dance, or your white cat slept on that black shirt you packed, or you dropped toast in your lap and have butter stains on your jeans….

Checking the schedule is critical, so you always have time to eat, drink, and relax while not missing panels or signings! If you plan on going into town at night, why not pack that collapsible umbrella in a bag?

And if you forget something, just look for me. I’ve probably got what you need in my purse. See you at GRL!

C.S.
xo

About The Mystery of Nevermore (Snow & Winter: Book One)

The Mystery of Nevermore It’s Christmas, and all Sebastian Snow wants is for his business to make money and to save his floundering relationship with CSU detective, Neil Millett. But when Snow’s Antique Emporium is broken into and a heart is found under the floorboards, Sebastian can’t let the mystery rest.

He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre stories of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble, while at the same time he’s falling hard for the lead detective on the case, Calvin Winter. Sebastian and Calvin must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings, despite the mounting danger and sexual tension, before Sebastian becomes the next victim.

In the end, Sebastian only wants to get out of this mess alive, and live happily ever after with Calvin.

About the Author

C.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and paranormal books.

She is a reluctant mover and has called many places home in her lifetime. C.S. has lived in New York City, Key West, and Ibaraki, Japan, to name a few. She misses the cleanliness, convenience, and limited edition gachapon of Japan, but she was never very good at riding bikes to get around.

She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful, and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued three cats, including one found in a drain pipe in Japan who flew back to the States with her. Zak, Milo, and Kasper do their best on a daily basis to sidetrack her from work.