I tend to spend a lot of time alone in my study, writing my books, But occassionally I do get out! The annual Romance Writers of America Conference is a great time to talk shop and party with my fellow authors. This year, the gathering was in New York, which is always hopping. And it was especiallyfun as I was a RITA nominee in the Regency Historical category!

Here I am at the gala Awards Night withtwo of my favorite authors
—and fellow RITA nominees—Lauren Willig and Deanna Raybourn!

Publisher parties are part of the fun at RWA. Here I am at the Penguin/Putnam party with my fellow Word Wench blogmates
(l-r) Anne Gracie, me, Joanna Bourne and Jo Beverley.

Another great experience was doing my first booksigning as
Andrea Penrose—which is my penname for my new
Regency-set mystery series!

I also got to hang out with my fabulous agent, Gail Fortune.

And spemd time with other friends, like the fabullous Kim Adams,
writes the SOS blog, and Mary Jo Putney, who need no introduction to romance readers! (I'm lucky enough to be blogmates with Mary Jo.)

Signing are always a great way to meet fans. Here I'm enjoying a moment with Jo Beverly, Louisa Crnell, and a Wenchly fan!