Do you remember the thrill of dressing up when you were a kid? Whether it was for Halloween, a birthday party, or simply playtime, you revved up your imagination and donned something special. Pretty dresses, bat wings, tiger ears, or a cape? Didn’t matter. What mattered was you could be exactly who or what you wanted in that moment
IF you let yourself. Rock star, cowgirl, vampire, vet—those were some of my favorite costumes growing up. But, lucky me, I never outgrew my imagination or my love for dressing up. And I enjoy surrounding myself with like-minded people. After all, it’s fun to pretend, and the magic of imagination doesn’t have an expiration date. Especially for this paranormal romance author. Want to join the fun? Good, come on!
First stop…
Fall in Love with New England. A one of a kind reader/writer conference held in…you guessed it…New England! This year’s event is in Nashua, NH, October 18-19th. Several Romance Gems authors are attending, including me!
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Kathryn Hills, Lisa Olech, Peggy Jaeger, Kari Lemor
Fall in Love with New England 2017 |
Get ready to party as attendees don costumes for Friday night’s gala dinner. There’s even Trick-or-Treat with the authors afterwards. We decorate our room doors and meet readers in the hotel’s hallways. “Treats” include everything from books to reading swag, and tasty delights. It’s a blast! Not ready to dress up or go all out? No worries—costumes are optional. Fun is not! But, sign up soon. There are only a few reader spots remaining. The book signing is open to the public - Saturday, 10/19 from 2-5pm.
Next up on our tour…
King Richard’s Faire. It’s the largest Renaissance event in New England, running from August 31st to October 20th. Step back in time to meet everyone from handsome knights to royals, fairies, pirates, tavern wenches, and more. (Yes, I am the proud owner of an awesome wench costume WITH a dragon 😊) There are even special themed weekends, so check their site. Not in New England? It’s likely there are events like this in your home state or region, a mere Google search away.
Last stop… I could go on and on, but… Halloween is just around the corner. (I know...I love summer, too, but Halloween and fall are my jam!) Pretend is coming right to our doorsteps! I’ve seen costume stores opening and the catalogs are in the mail. Grab your buddies, and let your imagination run wild. Kids, no kids, dress up the dog. (Not the cat, that’s bad haha) You are one silly hat, handlebar mustache, eye patch, or wizard’s robe away from a good time. I give you permission to have fun!
Do you like to dress up for Halloween, host costume parties, or visit events like King Richard’s Faire? Do you have a favorite persona? Or maybe you had a favorite costume growing up? Here’s your chance to share.
~ Kathryn ~
DON'T WAIT!
Our Dog Days of Summer Giveaway ends Monday
August 26th, 12:01am CDT
You could win my book,
Hellfire and Handbaskets, with a heroine most think is dressed for Halloween. Psst... She's a time-traveler. *wink*wink* Plus, there are more great books and prizes to win.
Romance Gems are celebrating summer with great prizes as well as free books. Check out our Giveaway Tab above for complete information.
You can also reach the entry form by clicking
HERE.
You looked great at FILWNE. Can't wait to see how you dress this year for all your fun events. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHahaha...Thank you, Nora. Now I'd better produce, right? But I remember your costume that year, and it was smashing! This fall we're taking more pics PLUS we need a group photo of all the Gems attending. So much fun, I can't wait!
DeleteHow fun that conference looks! I love dressing up. In Texas we have the Renaissance fair and it's so awesome! If I can dress up for any time period, I'm happy. But my absolute favorite time period for fashion is the early 1910s. I love those clothes. Natalie Wood in The Great Race gets to wear my dream wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteThe Great Race!:O What a great choice, Kara! Natalie Wood's wardrobe for that movie is outstanding. You need to visit New England and join the fun! :D
DeleteI love the picture of the little girls with their mom's shoes on. I used to do this all the time. My mom had a pair of gold shoes and a silver pair and I loved walking around the house with those things. I still have to figure out what I'm wearing for FILWNE this year. It'll be a surprise for everyone, including me.
ReplyDeleteHahaha...NOW I can't wait, Kari! I thought your Autumn Splendor costume was fantastic in 2017! And you were much more comfortable than me, in a Victorian mourning dress with all those layers. Phew. I have very fond memories of dressing up in my mom's things, too. Just think of all the fun you've got coming your way with the grand kids!
DeleteHalloween is one of my favorites as well. When I used to work at a children's hospital we were encouraged to dress up for the holiday. I've been everything from a Christmas tree (with lights) to a box of McDonald's french fries. My costume (which ties into one of my books) is ready for this year's conference ... I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteOh...that's sweet, Nancy Fraser. I'm certain it lightened many hearts in that hospital when the staff dressed up. A Christmas tree?!!! NOW that sounds awesome! I need pictures. LOL Here's to this year's FILWNE conference!
DeleteCan't wait to see my Gems ladies at FiLwNE!! I'm not a fan of Halloween, but I make the exception for this event♥
ReplyDeleteYAY! Come with me, I'll take you to the dark side. We have candy and wine. *wink* SO excited to have so many Gems attending this year. :D
DeleteHave a blast , ladies! This sounds like so much fun! And I’m jealous so many GEMS get to hang out together
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun event, Bonnie! 2017 was my first time attending. They skipped a year, so this is the next, and I wouldn't miss it!
DeleteWhat Bonnie said! Wish we had something like that here. I have a witch's outfit that has seen plenty of use. One year my fx super-star son did me up with glue-on facial bits like nose with wart and pointy chin. No one recognized me.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Kathleen! Going all out in witchy-wonderful! hahaha And I, too, wish we had something like this where ALL the Gems could attend. THAT would be fun! :D
DeleteSounds as if you will have a wonderful time at the conference. Take photos and post them so we can attend vicariously.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Caroline! I was just saying to fellow Gem Nancy Fraser that we need more/better pics this year. Last time I was a newbie and quite awestruck by everything going on. This year, though... hahahaha
DeleteThis looks like SO much fun, plus, yes, New England! Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! They try to time this event to coincide with peak foliage (which can be a moving target) so it's wonderful! You'll have to join us next time! :D
DeleteWhat a fun post. Love the New England fest costumes. You'd love Dickens on the Strand, the December festival held in Galveston. My daughter won first prize at last year's Texas Renaissance Festival. She made everything except her footware. She even made silver antlers headpiece. Wish I could post a picture here. Her costume was unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I wish you could share a pic here too, I'd LOVE to see it! I have friends that make their own costumes, historically correct, of course. I'm not that skilled and somewhat less of a stickler. For me, it's all about the fun. :D
DeleteI can't wait to do Fall in Love with New England with you! I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of Romance Gems in person. We're going to have to get a photo with all of us to share on the Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I can't wait either! :D
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