Heading out the door in a few hours (see how devoted I am! Instead of packing, showering, or even writing, I'm blogging. What's wrong with me?) to head for Pittsburgh, PA, this year's home of the Romantic Times BookLovers Convention.

This is not to be confused with the Romance Writers of America Conference that I normally attend in the summer. This is a convention, and as such, it's more…conventiony.

For example. Yes, I will be speaking at a workshop (on Friday, I think–better check my schedule), and yes, I will be participating in the big author booksigning on Saturday morning/afternoon, but I will also be fan-girling over one of my all-time favorite authors, one of the grande dames of Romance–Roberta Gellis! *squee*

She's attending and is speaking at several workshops and I'm bringing my hardcover collection of her Roselynde Chronicles (that I had to haunt online used bookstores for forever to find) for her to sign.

Along with stalking meeting Ms. Gellis, and another of my all-time favorite authors, Bertrice Small (another grande dame, who, according to my friend Colette Gale, was a huuuge influence on her), I'll be attending several costume balls.

Wednesday night is the Golden Age of Hollywood Ball, and I will be there, dressed in a hot-melon-colored gown that would have done Jayne Mansfield proud. ($25 at a consignment shop. Yippee!)

Thursday night is the Under the Sea Faery Ball, and I will be there as well, dressed in a bridesmaid's gown (25 bucks, same consignment shop!) that's been transformed, thanks to yards and yards of ocean-colored tulle, into a Faery Queen's dress. I had a lot of fun putting that together (especially since I don't sew, and my six-almost-seven-year-old thinks she does). 

Friday night is the Blood & Steel Vampire Ball, where, stake in hand, I'll be garbed in more normal clothes, but will be wearing my fabulous SWAT [Slut With Taste] boots and a little black dress. (also from the consignment shop, but since I will be wearing both elsewhere [the boots rock, trust!], they cost more: $120 for the two).

And Saturday, there's a cover models dinner which I don't think I'll be attending, but you never know…Fabio will be there, and so will Adrian Paul, so who knows! But after is a shoe thing–something where you're supposed to wear uber cool shoes. I have to see what I have in my closet!

Anyway, much fun to come, I'm certain.

In the meantime…just so you won't be lonely (and get out of the habit of checking my blog), I've arranged for some guest bloggers to keep you company.

Starting tomorrow, please welcome a new visitor each day. Be nice and come out and play with them, and when I get back I'll draw a winner from all the comments on Wed, Thurs, Fri, for an ARC of When Twilight Burns (to be delivered when I actually get the ARCs) and a copy of Esri Rose's book (which she'll tell you about tomorrow).

Sound fair?

And when I get back, I'll post some pictures of the costume ball. If they turn out.

Okay. Have fun.

And if you're going to be in Pittsburgh…find me!