Here are some of the pics from last night's Faery Ball. 

I loved the way my dress turned out; only problem was there was tulle much tulle! I kept stepping on it (and so did everyone else) while I was dancing.

More later…a pic with me and a bunch o' hawt guys…and with two of my author idols! 

So they're not the greatest pictures, but you get the idea.

The gal with me is erotic author Tawny Taylor, who, believe it or not, I went to high school with! We "found" each other about six months ago. Small world, huh?

Tomorrow, hopefully I'll have a pic of the Faery Ball and maybe  this fantabulous gorgeous hat I bought. 

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! 

Okay, I realize that those of you who are used to seeing my author photo (the official one that graces the back of my covers, website, and blog) will look at my new 'do and say, "but it looks the same…just a little more curly!"

And technically, that's true. But, you have to realize, I had my author photo taken in spring 2006, and I haven't had my hair cut (just trimmed) since then. So it's been past my shoulders (as those of you who've seen the video of me at RomanceNovel.tv will note) until this last Wednesday.

Anyway, I love my new cut.

And so here I am at my B&N signing last night.

Thanks to Marie, Emily, Holli, Tam, Laura, Kendra, and I'm forgetting the name of the woman who bought all three books…and two other people, darn it….for stopping by! Great to see you all.

My son took this other pic, and I had to lighten it up, but you get the idea.

And the best part: it's EASY! Easy hair! Love easy hair.

Just had to share my friend Colette Gale's latest cover. Is it gorgeous or what?

I loved The Count of Monte Cristo (all 1247 pages of it) and Ms. Gale has taken that wonderful story of revenge and told it from an erotic, romantic point of view. It's coming in May, and I can't wait for it to hit the shelves.

But be warned. It says: "an erotic novel of The Count of Monte Cristo" and it is indeed erotic. No holds barred.

But ever so romantic. And tortured heroes? Edmond Dantés takes the cake. Trust me.

I'll probably be giving away a copy or two here on the blog…so stay tuned.