Romantic Times Convention 2008- Pittsburgh, PA

From embarrassing moments to star-struck events, the Romantic Times Convention, aka RT, was full of a little bit of something for everybody. I have to say that it was quite the eye-opening experience for me. Authors running around promoting their newest releases, cover models in the elevators making all of the ladies swoon(and trying to get their votes for the Mr. Romance Competition!), film-makers documenting the chaos, and readers/fans taking in as much as possible in the four days of absolute mischief, fun and networking.

Having been an RT virgin, my experiences by themselves would be enough to talk about in like four or five different blogs, but I would rather give you a glimpse of what I captured that happened to other people throughout the years of RT( as this was the 25th Anniversary), and recap some highlights from this RT, as seen from a quiet eye.

Of course, the table for Between Your Sheets did an amazing job with passing out flyers for the Authors Between Your Sheets Quest where people did a scavenger hunt to get the author's there to sign it, and then in a few weeks get to do another one online where readers will be notified in the Hot Sheet. Also, the big hit was the raffle to win a Night of Romance with Jason Santiago, Mr. Romance 2007. Some women bought 4 or 5 tickets…it was a great success to raise money ($1,000 raised) for the S.O.S (Support Our Soldiers) foundation started by Kathryn Faulk.



Mr. Romance 2008 was a somewhat close call with some really great contestants...but our winner happened to be the one that Between Your Sheets along with Christine Feehan was sponsoring! The very sweet and hot Chris Winters took the title or Mr. Romance, and he did it with such style, I must say.







People really knew how to dress up as there were many, MANY parties to attend. I would have to say that my favorite was the Vampire Ball, but the Faery Ball was quite impressive. Oh, and the first night, everyone looked quite 20's Golden Era Hollywood-glam. It was quite the site to see so many people, very into dressing up!



With all the fun parties and time to network, we can't forget all the wonderful authors that made their presence known at this event. Many of our own hosted authors on Between Your Sheets made it to Pittsburgh, and here is the list:

Rebecca York
CH Admirand
Brenda Williamson
Kathy Caskie
Sophia Nash
Vivi Anna
Barry Eisler
Heather Graham
Jennifer St. Giles
Anna DeStefano
Marcia Colette

It was great to have these authors active to sign books for their fans, talk to aspiring authors, lead workshops, and just kick-back to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere which came about because of their passion and love for writing.

And all I now have to say: Fabio. Adrian Paul. That is all.



Now, I'll leave you all with the probably what you have been waiting for. Most memorable moments at an RT! Have fun reading them...and if you want to see more pictures from RT, or know more about the convention be sure to check out www.RomanticTimes.com.

1999 Toronto RT- "During the book fair, I was standing at Jason Love's booth, looking at his photos, and hoping to get a signed photo, I said, 'but it isn't as good as the real thing'. There he was, standing right behind me. I instantly turned beet red, and my friend said, 'com' on, get a picture with him.' I wanted to put my foot in my mouth." - D.N.

1994 Nashville RT- "There was a Camelot theme, and the three Bartling brothers were dressed as three gods. They all came and surrounding me to get a picture. I scrunched in and knew that I turned red because I 'felt the pressure'. My mind was not on the picture, because I knew the oldest Bartling brother had been in playboy, all nude... I knew what to expect! All I could see was three penises surrounding me!" (nicknamed by others the "Three P Story") -Ellen Wulf

1999 Toronto RT- "This was when they had the very first Vampire Ball. The costumes were phenomenal, and the people were so wonderful because they were all costumed out. It was incredible." -Carol Linton

2008 Pittsburgh RT- "I like that there is a small number of men in a room full of women. And they all act like they know me. There is a lack of walls, and it makes it an open, friendly, and not intimidating atmosphere." - Hank Shiftman

2008 Pittsburgh RT- "Cover models make me sweat!" -Kate Poole
(and then cover model Chris Howell walks right behind her to say hi immediately after she said this. Yes, it made her red.)

2008 Pittsburgh RT- "I was rehearsing for the presentation for Helen Rosburg's Western luncheon, and I was playing an Indian. I had to squeeze into these pants that were way too small for me, and as I rehearsed, they ended up ripping in the crotch area. As time went on, they said to keep going, and the pants got worse and were just hanging off of me, not holding anything in like pants should do. So Connie Perry decides to have me sit down while she sews them up standing on the edge of the stage while she was eye level with my ***** …with the pants still on me! I was scared she was going to stick me with a needle, it was not the most comfortable situation!" - while everyone else enjoyed a good laugh. Jason Santiago

And now, the ladies of Between Your Sheets... thanks for reading!



***all photos, with exception of two, shot by photographer Annette Batista***

Between Your Sheets would love to hear some of your RT memories or comments.
Do Tell!