The Romantic
Times Booklover's magazine convention In St. Louis was probably
the biggest in it's history. There were almost 1000 conventioneers
in attendance. My hotel was only a few hundred feet from the "Gateway
To The West" arch. I never managed to make it to the top.
( I didn't even know you could take an elevator to the top! It's
an arch for God's sake!)
Owner of RT
magazine and friend Kathryn Falk became engaged at the convention
to her longtime beau of 26 years, Kenneth. She has never looked
better and has never seemed happier. Congratulations to them both.
Ellora's Cave
Publishing brought all the "Cavemen" from their latest
anthology covers and the hot, soon to be released 2006 calendar
for the opening night party. The new guys didn't know what to
make of the whole affair and were a tad in awe. Old timers such
as myself, Rodney, Bill and Peter took it all in stride, though.
All the guys were dressed in EC's "Got Sex" T-shirts.
The 2005 calendars were given out to the ladies as party favors
and were a huge hit. I signed my "bootie" shot calendar
page for July, which seemed to be the most popular month for some
reason. (Wink!)
I signed a
lot of autographs and stood for countless photos with non-convention
hotel guests, all of whom automatically thought I was Fabio. After
all, who else could I be?
The "Mr.
Romance 2005" pageant was mercifully short this year. 9 contestants,
mostly all from St. Louis. They were so young, many were nearly
fetuses. You'll note I have no photos of any of the contestants
or award winners. They can get their own websites. I won't list
any of the hilarious pageant's faux pas here either for fear of
being blacklisted next year. I wasn't asked to be a judge this
year, so the handwriting may already be on the wall.
I did several
interviews for TV shows and a documentary film. I don't think
any of the interviewers really "got" the whole event,
but God love 'em for trying.
Author Heather
Graham's Vampire Ball was a good time as always. I got tired of
spending a small fortune on the hotel drinks, so I smuggled in
several bottles of rum to her bash. That helped turn our table
into the most popular one at the party. Cover pal, Bill Freda
made several trips to the table to chug some flavored Ron Rico.
(Note: Bill's had too much when he starts talking in an English
accent.)
Hopefully,
by now friend and singer, Sean O"Brien's hair has grown back.
He shaved his head and sold chunks of his hair for $5 for the
American Cancer Society. Sean's sister-in-law is battling cancer.
Thoughts and prayers go out to her. I've told everyone for the
record, if I ever get stricken, PLEASE nobody shave your heads
on my account. Not a good look for most people, anyway.
My apologies
go out to all the friends I didn't get to spend any time with
this time. There were just so many people and so much going this
year. Next year's convention will be in Daytona Beach right on
the ocean. I'll be packing light, just a bathing suit and some
sun block. See you there.
( Some of
you may notice my current article is much shorter than usual.
I am currently writing a regular column called "It's A Model
World" for new magazine "Lady Jaided" and they
have asked that my autobiographical musings be sold to them. My
first article is receving good reviews. I hope you all understand.
CJ )
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