My newest adventure in the book world

Hello and welcome!

As most of you know I am not  a bookworm, but a huge book dragon, and I have the cup to prove it too. 😀 thanks Becca for the decal! Good conversation starter…

My latest adventure in the book world took me to London’s Ignite Your Soul Author Event and I had a blast. London, Ontario that is. When I posted on FB that I am going to London, everybody was so excited, until I told them it was not the one across the pond but 2-hour drive away, they called me a tease, not sure why 😛

Check out the pictures posted on their website. This was their 4th year and my 2nd and every year they sponsor a local charity. This year it was the National Service Dogs who received the proceeds from the raffle and silent auction.

I had the opportunity to add my contribution to it by adding various swag to the registration bags and also bringing three baskets with books and swag I had on hand from 3 generous authors: M. A. Abraham, Sharon Hamilton and Renea Mason and added my own little surprises to them. THANK YOU again ladies.

I updated my signing bag adding my own logo, what do you think?

… also made some fans to give out with one of my faves memes…

Of course I went over my budget, it is the norm for me and my friends laugh when I tell them that I have a budget for books and ask why I even bother 😛 Here is my hoard from this signing. Carey Decevito‘s hunks are finally in my possession, I’ve been eyeing them since the Ottawa signing YUM

I also got a few freebies which are always welcome, some will go on my signed treasures shelf and some will make their way into giveaways or care packages that I mail to friends. Thank you Kayleigh Malcolm for always looking out for me. Thanks go to Freya Barker who donated “Menu for Romance” & “Shaded with Love” for the giveaway on this post.

… and lots and lots of swag, fun stuff, sweet goodies and a few prezzies that were received along with book purchase.

Amy Ruttan‘s duckies are so cute… R.K. Gleason‘s chocolate pops are a favourite and the red tentacle finger thingy almost disappeared in my son’s room, otherwise known as the black hole LOL ….  Emerald O’Brien‘s cup was a welcome gift and I know the perfect recipient for it too… the mini rubber man is a wine glass ornament and won it at Shannyn Leah‘s ‘poke a cup’ contest.

I bought myself a t-shirt from Marianne Maguire because the one she gave me years ago is getting really tattered from so much use, the words on them crack me up…

She is a riot and the time spent with her at the signing and the hours between the signing and the dinner afterward were well spent. We talked, laughed and got the inside scoop from her Otherworld, a world I happily immerse myself whenever I have the chance.

I also got myself a pair of fingerless gloves from Erin Cristofoli, impulse purchase for sure since I could make them myself. She has a page for her creations on FB, the Butterfly Kissed Crochet. Check it out, some really neat things are available for purchase.

I got to meet some new authors, sweet AW Clarke and his fire-cracker wife, they were also dinner companions, lots of laughter.

C.J. Lazar is another new author and I was so embarrassed because I was addressing his sister sitting at his side until she mentioned that the author is him *facepalm* He was gracious about it and laughed it off, but I think my face was all kinds of red at the time.

Another dinner companion was Elle Klass with her boyfriend, they came all the way from Florida. They were very entertaining. If you are into horror check out her books, they sound good and if you contact her, ask her about the audiobooks, tell her I sent you or let me know and I can get you connected 😉

Kayleigh Malcolm and her hubby were sitting at the table too and they were so entertaining as usual, loved seeing them again. She gives the best hugs.

Kendra Mei Chailyn is another one of my fave authors, a fun lady that is full of sunshine and smiles, she was joined by her sweet niece who gave me a naughty bag with all kinds of goodies… and no I will not show you what was in it, use your imagination… NAUGTHY imagination 😉 We danced our tushes of after the dinner and shared some laughs.

Do you know who is another awesome hugger? Zoe York! She is bubbly and energetic, you can’t help but like her. Her books are yummy, especially her naughty alter ego, Ainsley Booth. She was there too and bugged her about the book I am waiting for in paperback LOL

I tried to chat with everybody, buy at least one book from every attending author, paperback or ebooks on a stick. All in all it was a great event, kudos to authors
Crystal St. Clair & Erin Cristofoli and their awesome team of volunteers, looking forward to next year.

Now lets get to the best part. Sexy Mr. Random will pick a winner on Monday, October 16, 2017, from the comments to receive this bag, including a bracelet made by yours truly among books and swag. Tell me, if you had to pick one, what is your fave swag.

GOOD LUCK and until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!