So my first week as a published author is over. Done. Finito, and I'm grateful that the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention was the same week. I spent most of it in a gorgeous room at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, feeling pampered (and no roommates!)

I got to thrill over wearing the badge that said "published author"; I got to introduce myself to agents and editors as having my first book out, with another coming. Four agents gave me their card upon hearing I didn't have an agent, so that was very cool.

I got to talk to people I probably never would have approached in the past. I even pressed my bookmark upon a film agent with CAA!

I had an e-book signing, my very first one for my very first book during my very first week as a published author, and I sold 4 books! The lovely New York Times best selling author next to me only sold 4 books too, so I feel pretty good about that. I gave away lots of bookmarks and pens and hopefully spread my brand about a little bit.

I go into more detail about the convention itself at my website, above, if you want to know more. But for me the validation was amazing, wonderful, a not-to-be-missed experience mainly because of the readers and the booksellers who were there. It was easier to talk to people- I wasn't intimidated by someone's job, and that was a good feeling.

Hubby came out on Saturday, and spent the night with me. I should have gone to the events on Saturday but frankly, I was exhausted. We went to McCormick and Schmick's and had a wonderful dinner and a bottle of wine. We laughed and talked and came up with some pretty good novel ideas of the funny variety. Hubby may actually start writing down a story he told the boys for years when they were little - it would make a great funny space opera type thing so I hope he does.

Now it's back to reality - I'm still promoting myself this month, at blogs and such; but I need to get this next book done and turned in, which means strict focus on the writing.

Oh and a side note - as I was scrambling about last Monday, doing last minute things and getting myself ready for the convention, my eldest son broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot, closer to the heel than to the baby toe. (He did it at school while playing soccer.) He's in a boot right now and I'll be driving him to school until he's able to bicycle again. Of course this happened just as he was getting comfortable behind the wheel!

But being in a Starbucks while waiting for him to get out of classes will at the very least help me get this novel done. And there's my silver lining.