Saturday, October 30, 2010

Booksigning in McCalla...with Pictures!

I joined several other authors today for a booksigning at a Fall Crafts and Book Festival in McCalla, Alabama, at Brooke's Book Stop on Old Tuscaloosa Highway. It was a gorgeous day here in north central Alabama, with the temperatures a little on the chilly side in the shade but quite pleasant once the sun moved past the trees overhead and shined down on us a little bit.


I finally took some pictures of an event! I know y'all are probably shocked. I mostly took pictures of other authors, but since they're a lovely bunch, I figure that's fine with y'all.



Lynn Raye Harris (L) and Kimberly Lang (R), both Harlequin Presents authors (and Kimberly also writes for Presents Extra, I believe). Kim, I'm sorry that I caught you talking with your hands, but, well, I didn't have all day to take a picture. ;)


Lynn always makes us other authors look like schlubs. She has the best fashion sense and she always looks fabulous. Plus, I gave her no warning before I snapped this photo, and look at her gorgeous, smiling pose.



Louise Vaughn Gambrell, author of Red Angels.




The delightful Melanie Dickerson, whose first book, The Healer's Apprentice, came out early this fall. Melanie kept me company a couple of months ago at a booksigning in Huntsville. She's a lovely person and you should check out her book.
The fabulous Gayle Wilson, who has not one but two books out this year after taking 2009 off. Her Harlequin Historical, Claiming the Forbidden Bride, came out in September, and she also has a novella in November's Regency Christmas Proposals. (And I hear she has something in the works for 2011 as well. Welcome back, Gayle!)

And here I am, having a very bad hair day. Also, I didn't realize I was quite that pale and pasty-looking. I did sell a few books, though. Maybe they felt sorry for me. Do you feel sorry for me? Pre-order my April book. It'll make me feel better.


Suzy and Kenny Spencer aren't writers, as far as I know, but they are really good musicians. They call themselves Fiddlin' in th' Parlor. The music they played during the festival was a throwback to all the great old traditional music that was played during the early days of our Republic. I wish I had taken video with audio so you could hear the music they were playing. I loved it so much I bought a couple of their CDs. It was like going back a couple of centuries and hearing the kind of music your great, great, great grandparents might have listened to. Kenny played a variety of instruments--violin, penny whistle, Irish low whistle and accordian. Suzy played keyboard. If you're ever in the Bessemer, Alabama, area and need a unique musical act, you could do a lot worse.
There were also several craft booths and tents there, and people seemed to have a great time. I know I did.

19 comments:

MJFredrick said...

You look adorable, and so young!

Paula said...

Aw, thanks, Mary. I wish I felt as young. Sitting in a folding chair for three and a half hours was hard on my old, arthritic bones! I just got up from the sofa a minute ago and my knees held a noisy protest. :)

Lynn Raye Harris said...

I think you look great, Paula! Thanks for the kind words. I'm cracking up that you caught Kim talking with her hands. :)

Sherry said...

Dang Paula had I known you were doing this I'd have taken a little trip over to Alabama to support you. You look great too!! Next time let us know in advance cause you never know who might show up! ;)

Paula said...

Lynn, it was kind of hard NOT to catch Kim talking with her hands!

It was really great seeing y'all. I hope we get a chance to chat a little more next week at the Southern Magic Reader's Luncheon!

Paula said...

Aww, Sherry, it would have been a blast to see you! I know, I'm terrible about telling y'all about events coming up. I need a publicist who will remember things like that. I can barely remember to tie my shoes these days, I'm so crazy busy.

EllenToo said...

If I lived a little bit closer than 900 miles away I would have made the trip to see you. And you can be sure I'll be looking forward to your April book.

Lynn Raye Harris said...

LOL, too true about Kim! :) Yep, next week we meet again! ;) It will be my 3rd Saturday in a row going somewhere for writing -- and Sat after that is HOD. Whew!

Christine said...

Fabulous pictures. Lovely day for sure. Glad you had fun--and we are fortunate to have so many cool writers to attend all these events :-)

Hi y'all! said...

Paula - you look great! We have to wait until April for your next book?

Paula said...

Ellen, I appreciate your loyalty to us Intrigue authors! If you're ever down Alabama way, by all means let me know and maybe we can meet.

Paula said...

Thanks, Christine! It was a very fun day, and the weather was just gorgeous!

Paula said...

Yep, Melinda--April 2011. But trust me, that'll be here sooner than you think! And the good news is, three books in a row! April, May and June, 2011.

Kea said...

Paula, you're a lovely woman and definitely young! I feel wrinkles forming just looking at your photo. LOL.

It was great to see all these photos; it looks like it was a great day all round!

BTW, I missed out on the fashion-sense gene, am always a wee bit envious of those who have it and who always seem so well put together, no matter the occasion and whether they are dressed casually or more formally. ::Sigh:: LOL!

Carla Swafford said...

I didn't think you look pale. You're looking better and better every day. Maybe it's because I got to see you last weekend. I've missed you.

It's good to see Gayle again. I'll have to hit the store and get them. I love her historicals especially.

Paula said...

Aw, Kea, thank you. Trust me, I'm not particularly young. I'm just blessed with pretty good genes and fair skin that made me stay out of the sun when other women my age were out cooking in baby oil. ;)

I have terrible fashion sense, especially since I like to be comfortable. Which means I eschew high heels and dresses. ;)

Paula said...

Carla, it was wonderful to see Gayle again. I'm so excited she has books out again--I've really missed her work. She has the most literary style of any category-length writer I know. Really lovely prose.

And she's a lovely person as well.

Kimberly Lang said...

How come Lynn gets a warning and I don't? I'd have smiled and looked cute...

And yes, tie my hands, and I'll shut up. :-)

Paula said...

I didn't warn Lynn! She's just got camera radar or something. Beats anything I've ever seen...

I thought you looked cute talking with your hands. Very natural. :)