By Kirsten Scott
There's one thing all the Banditas will agree on: Conference isn't really about workshops. It isn't about networking, free books, or pitching. It's a little bit about the parties, but really, it's about one thing.
Friendship.
It's about connecting with the critique partner who lives halfway across the country from you but you love and adore. It's about meeting in person the women who prop you up when you get that rejection, or have that interaction with your agent/editor/spouse/boyfriend/boss that you just need to talk about. It's about hugs and drinks and lots of laughter.
That's what it's really all about.
Anticipation is building for Golden Heart and RITA night!! Stay posted for more news!!
Hi, ya'll, Jo here. I'm gonna sneak in and add to Kirsten's comments. First, in the photo above are Kirsten and Susan, best buds, and let me tell you, flat out the funniest gals I've met in a long time. They kept us in stitches at Annabelle's with their street imitations and spontaneous quips, replete with accents and hand jives.
Below are An
na S. (of the ooohhhh-la-la shoes) and Kate C., who only pretends she's a demure soccer mom. From that sweet face, you'd never know our Kate can complete with the language of the saltiest sailor!
na S. (of the ooohhhh-la-la shoes) and Kate C., who only pretends she's a demure soccer mom. From that sweet face, you'd never know our Kate can complete with the language of the saltiest sailor! And last are moi and Bandita Suzanne, whose nursing knowledge kept us from doing too much harm to oursel
ves.
ves.What about you? How have your best gal-pals kept you sane during those dark moments? Who do you share the happy occasions with?
39 comments:
You guys look so happy!!!
I can't wait to hear the results from tonight, although you are all winners already! Have a safe trip home tomorrow. :)
Thanks Gillian, and thanks Jo! :-) I am just having so much fun with all the Banditas and all the BBs I've met thus far at the Conference. What an incredible group of women. We are so lucky to write and read and share with such bright, supportive, fun, friendly, and caring people.
Hugs and kisses all round (even to the GR!)
Hi, Kirsten, Jo, Gillian and all,
Fran, Pam, Barbara, Janet, Carolyn, Susie, these are among the names of those whom I am honored to call my
friends! I also include my "kids":
Missy, Shannon, Tiffany, David, Joel, and Vinny. My sibs: Damon, Ann, Olga, Bill, Butch, Larry, Carol, Mary Lou, and Dixie. But
the best and closest is my Honey! They are near and "here" when I need them!!
Congrats Gillian you may notice he has an Australian accent now from being over here for so long he has enjoyed his stay over here though I am sure he will miss the girls at the school!!
Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone. There is nothing like getting together with all of your friends and celebrating together and you are having such a fantastic time and thank you all so much for taking the time out to let all of us enjoy in the fun with you even if we can't be there in person.
Friends are just the best they are there with you to laugh together and cry together when needed, I have three wonderful sisters and four fantastic children and a very supportive husband who has always been there and takes the brunt of my anger, happiness, sadness, love and everything else that goes with a great partnership I also have a great friend who lives 3 houses away and we have been friends for about 25 years and Barbara is always there for me and I for her and then lots of friends at work who really understand when I want to vent about work. Who could live without friends they really are the best and I have so many friends that I have made here at the Romance Bandits and Bandita Buddies you guys are all fantastic and so good to talk to thanks Guys.
I have everything cossed for the awards tonight it is already Sunday morning over here but I will be checking all day to see who the winners are YOU GO GIRLS.
Have Fun
Helen
Oh, it's Laurel and Hardy. No, it's Smoov and Kirsten!
Those two are such a riot. We're having the best time here. Mwah to everyone and see you when we get back!
Huge congratulations Susan GH winner for Money Honey YAY way to go girl
Have Fun
Helen
Gillian, congrats for nabbing the GR and keeping him safe at your Place...
Now it's the Big Day over there...
So here Gillian...just have this wonderful glass of Champagne...
and here is a small one for the GR...
The cabana boys have saved the best till now!
Fifty Best Champagne Cocktails
To some purists, the mixing of champagne with anything might seem unthinkable.
For cocktail lovers, champagne or sparkling wine becomes a choice ingredient with which to add other interesting flavours.
Champagne Cobbler
1/2 tsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp curaçao
thin slice of orange chilled champagne
Fill a large goblet half full of cracked ice. Add lemon juice, curaçao, and orange slice. Stir and fill glass with champagne or sparkling wine. Stir again gently.
Morning Glory
Fill Collins glass with ice chunks, pour 1/2 ounce Cointreau, 1/4 ounce cherry brandy, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Add orange/ pineapple slices. Fill with champagne or sparkling wine.
Regent's Punch
Three bottles of Champagne or sparkling wine, two of Madeira, one of German white wine, an ounce of Curaçao, a quart of brandy, a pint of rum, two bottles of seltzer, four pounds of raisins, oranges and lemons, sugar, and all diluted with green tea.
Magna Carta
1-1/2 ounce well-chilled tequilla, lime juice
1 ounce well-chilled Triple Sec, salt
champagne or sparkling wine
Dip the rim of a chilled wine glass in lime juice, then salt. Pour in tequilla and Triple Sec, then fill with champagne or sparkling wine. Stir gently.
And dear ladies there are 46 more the Cabana boys can mix for us!!!
(if we can stand up that is!!)
http://www.thefiftybest.com/wine/best_champagne_cocktails/
Good Cheer to all. 'Clink'
Helen, the GR and I are popping champagne corks, big time!
Huge congratulations to Susan!!!!! :)
Now back to watch the Rita results...
Carol, you are officially my new best friend. I may add on another guest room in my house--or a bar--with your name on it. :)
Sorry only half the link worked!
here again!
http://www.thefiftybest.com/wine/best_champagne_cocktails/
Helen ...Have a glass to celebrate for Susan!
I will be having a glass or two Carol I am jumping from page to page watching for the results
have Fun
Helen
Helen...same here! oops spilt some!
Ohh..Julia Quinn got it!
I so wanted Anna to get it!
I loved her book so much more!
I was keeping everything crossed for Anna as well and for Anne Gracie in one of the other catergories which Madeline Hunter won to me they are winners.
Have Fun
Helen
Helen and Carol, where ARE you getting your news from? I had to leave the conference early and can't find any chatter.
What's the news so far?
Yes just to get the finals is fantastic...actually to get into print is a winner! Everyone in print is a winner!
http://www.rwanational.org/cs/contests_and_awards/2008_rita_and_gh_winners
http://www.rwanational.
org/cs/contests_and_awards/2008_rita_and_gh_winners
hopefully this one is right!
I agree Carol they certainly take me on some wonderful adventures
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks, Carol. I see the RITA winners, but can't find the GH winners.
My, isn't this terribly exciting??!! I've always been there and I think it's far worse waiting at home for the results.
I see that Deanna Raybourne's SILENT IN THE GRAVE won. She's an amazing writer and I loved that book!
Jo the they were on the page just before and now gone !! Susan won! helen saw it first...
Here Jo have a Champers!
Wow--I'm so glad they were able to post tonight. I was afraid the site would crash!
I'm so happy for Susan, and I'm sure they're all having a ball right now. Yes, I was surprised that they took down the GH winners. Or maybe they moved those results to a different part of the website.
Terri Gary won for first book as well this is so exciting I think I need a few mor drinks
Have Fun
Helen
http://deeanddeedish.blogspot.com/2008/07/golden-heart-winners.html
this is a list this lady is fast!
Thanks, I think they DID take the GH winner down to post the RITA's.
I spelt Terri Garey wrong sorry but congrats to everyone I agree a huge party will be going on now I am sure we will be keeping the Cabana Boys busy here as well
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks for the link, Carol. I wanted to see which book Susan won her GH for. MONEY HONEY. WHOOOOTT!!
They are reposting the GH...
Drinks all round ladies ...my shout!!
Cheers Carol *clink**clink*
Everything is up now I am so happy for Susan and Anna and everyone else they have all done really well and it was so exciting I am so glad I wasn't at work today and I could jump from page to page and enjoy a drink or two or three to celebrate.
Huge thanks to Carol for all the drinks the Cabana Boys have been wonderful barman I think everyone will be partying for a while yet.
Jo
Thanks for all the info on the conference we have had such a great time
Have Fun
Helen
I so agree helen! This has been such a fun few days!
The instant internet has made everything so immediate, has allowed us to be involved in an event dear to the hearts of readers as well.
Thanks Jo and every Bandita!
Congratulations to everyone who won! was nominated! or just went to the conference! Fantastic!
(um...not that blooming imposter though!)
Cheers Carol (swaying a bit!)
A toast to all our Bandita ladies for the excellent representation at this year's RITA Awards! Congratulations
to all our winners!
Pat Cochran
Yes to all of the Romance Bandits congratulations and thanks for all of the fun.
Just be careful with the clone GR not sure what might happen to him now!!!
With all the wonderful drinks I have had over the past few days I will need tomorrow to rest before I go back to work on Tuesday.
Have Fun
Helen
Congrats, Susan!!!
YAY!!!!!
For those of you who've never attended the Golden Heart/RITA Awards Ceremony, right about now everyone's squealing and screaming, sweating and hugging. Oh, and kicking off those shoes that have been pinching their feet all night.
There'll be phone calls home to announce to husbands (who aren't nearly as diligent at keeping abreast of the news as we are here in the Lair).
There will be drinks and dessert and lots and lots of picture-taking. This celebration won't slow down until way after midnight when some attendees will take their excitement to the hotel bar and others will congregate in friends' rooms and chatter long into the night.
The adrenaline rush is long, high, and lasts forever! I suspect no one will sleep tonight at all!
Congrats to all the winners, I celebrate with my friends and family, dear hubby and son. I have a friend that I keep in touch with that I have know for 48 years, we met when we were 5 years old.
Awe, what a nice post. I have a set of core people I always share good [or bad] news with. There's a hierarchy of sorts too. :)
I'd like to add that conference is not only about old friendships but new ones, as well. I know I had the infinate pleasure of meeting so many of the fabulous Banditas. It was a pleasure, ladies!
I also had a fabulous time with my roommates who I first met on line and have become very close to. They are such a positive influence and a constant source of inspiration and support!
I can't wait for next year when we can celebrate even more happy "Squeeees"!
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