Rhys Ford
GRL 2012 is over but it still resonates with all of us who attended as we relive every.single.moment. It’s as if we don’t want to let it go, and who can blame us? It’s the rock concert of all rock concerts with your favourite group, and you get to join them on stage. Awesome!!
This is the premier event for our genre. Sure, there are other cons throughout the year but from all the comments from participants they are nothing like GRL which is about family. GRL embraces the best of our genre – the huge community of readers, authors and publishers as if it were one big family unit. How great is that? I don’t know what last year’s celebration was like in New Orleans except second hand, but
by all accounts it was outstanding. GRL 2012 exceeded all of my expectations which were pretty high to start. I wanted to bring you the sights and sounds and feelings of the attendees but it’s impossible to replicate that in print so I’ll quote from a post written by author Blake Deveraux last year who I tried to find at this year’s celebration but to no avail. Here is part of what Blake said so eloquently after GRL 2011
“As I sit here contemplating life, family, happiness, or the fairly frequent lack thereof, and the exquisite, sheer joy of those moments when all things are ‘right’, I find myself overcome with emotion.
I recently attended a writers/readers retreat in New Orleans, La : GayRomLit. To say I enjoyed it would be a profound understatement. “
You can read the rest of Blake’s moving tribute here. I won’t try to top what he said when I talk about this year’s GRL because I can’t. Authors, readers, yes, even publishers (strange but true 
), seem moved to meet friends and colleagues and readers in an atmosphere that lent itself so easily and non-threateningly to expressing our emotions.This year, according to those people who attended both
Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton
events, seemed to be better in many respects mostly because everyone has learned from and improved upon last year. Not that there was anything wrong with last year’s big bash. :) You may remember the phrase “the moon aligned with the stars” or something like that – well that’s what this year’s Retreat seemed like to me, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration or hyperbole to use this analogy. M/M romance is many things to different people but to me it’s like a new baby (even though it’s been around for almost ten years since Torquere first rode its horse into town with cowboy boots and hat – [okay, my first M/M book is Bareback by Chris Owen] 
and decided to try something different in the romance genre). And it’s great that we’re still trying out different things, which is what makes the genre so special. Innovation and new ideas are critical to our growth. This year’s GRL reflected all of those things as everyone who attended spoke about how incredible the genre was. The organizers outdid themselves and I don’t know how they will top this year when the event moves to Hotlanta. Let’s also not forget all of those volunteers who worked hard when the rest of us were playing and kissing all the guys (and I have the pictures to prove the kissing) The publishers also come in for their share of praise. They hosted some exceptional functions but I won’t describe them because those of you who weren’t there would kick my ass for boasting.
In the midst of all the frivolity, Shawn (B A Tortuga) of Torquere who started it all with Lorna (Julia Talbot) announced that she was resigning as President of Torquere Press to devote her time to writing. I think we should all raise a glass to Shawn for coming up with such an original idea that other publishers have run with and expanded. In case you were wondering, Kristi Boulware is the new Torquere General Manger and Submissions Editor.
John and Kevin having a wonderful time
Ethan Day, Carol Lynne, J.P. Bowie, Lynn Lorenz, Heidi Cullinan, Teresa Emil and Damon Suede who did such an outstanding job organizing this event, take a fricking bow. You guys were awesome and I think you deserve a medal for your hard work and imagination, something we all appreciate and I got to kiss the guys to show my appreciation. Let’s not forget William Neale who pitched in from the very beginning and I hope he was looking down at us, checking out all the fun. Thank you William – you’re the best.
The fun never stopped last week. Many of you were so anxious to get started WAY before the official celebrations began that you arrived on Sunday. The tribe from Texas took over the 4th floor of the Hard Rock Hotel and it was party central. John, who is from Texas, never invited me and I have no idea why. It’s not like I don’t know how to partay (BTW that’s not a spelling error.
On a personal note I wish that I could have thanked half of the people at GRL who were so kind to me but I couldn’t because I ran out of time so I’m doing it here. It seems that whenever I started talking to someone I forgot that we didn’t have all day or night. A few people deserve special mention - Kathy Branfield who took pity on me and a few other stragglers and drove us to Santa Fe because we woke up after the 6.15 A.M. scheduled bus pick up time to catch the train to SF (I had just met her and I swear I didn’t beg her to do this). Such a kind woman who also loves bullriders, yes that’s right, bullriders ; Dee, love you – you’re delightful – best wishes on the job. Rhys Ford and P.D. Singer who unfortunately were like my beacons for chats about books - sorry ladies; Pam, thanks for the dream catcher which is now hung in its rightful place – over my bed. To Clare London, fun personified – I’m not sure if she’s that funny when she’s sober, but who cares. Love the technicolour wig Clare. Val Kovalin, a charming writer who I dragged to lunch to talk about books and I sprayed her with food while talking with my mouth full. What an elegant lady. What in hell was she doing with me? Z.A. Maxfield, a wonderful author who burst my kink bubble because she will
Hottie Carter Quinn
never write twincest. 
To Marilyn, a reader who for some reason loves new author Carter Quinn and defends him to the death. WHY??? He said she’s his muse. Does she like his book because he’s
Tracy Ward
a babe? Marilyn baby, I have a tip for you – hot guys are a dime a dozen. Carter, I love that you’re left handed but what you do with that hand could get you arrested. ewww! I’ll remember when next I meet you to shake your RIGHT hand. Thanks also to the wonderful Tracy Ward who very generously gave me a coupon for the balloon ride, which was an awesome gift. She saved me $150. That’s only one example of how generous everyone was. Treva Harte you’re a wonderful person and you’re not as tough as you like to pretend – sorry Treva baby to let your little secret out. Geoff Knight, your reading of passages from Paperboy was incredibly funny and broke me up – you’re sure this book was not autobiographical? To the beautiful Ariel Tachna, you’re as delightful in person as you are in the many emails that we exchanged. Kris Piet don’t forget that we have a date in January; Brien Michaels, it’s always a pleasure for me to meet a brand new spanking author (sorry about the spanking – it sort of slipped out).
I met the guys who used to review for the site and I had a ball with their balls. Oops. If they will permit me I might post some of their pictures on the weekend – no, not their balls you pervs. The only one who I didn’t get to photograph is Cole which is a pity because he is a really snazzy dresser. :) Love the scarf Cole. I didn’t photograph most of the male authors because it was difficult to find them when they were sober. Obviously I don’t want to embarrass them – you know that’s not my style. hmmm…. Here’s one picture to get you going. In case
The Two Mouseketeers – Geoff and Ethan
you’re wondering, these two guys never wrote a damn review for the site but they always managed to show up to check out any reviews on their books. To those authors and readers that I did meet, thanks for stopping by to chat with me. I’ll also remember several authors and an artist who told me that the site helped establish their careers, which meant the world to me personally. A review site gets so much criticism, and to hear authors say that we actually helped their careers by profiling them or their books on the site was heartwarming. Thanks guys, you know who you are and I won’t embarrass you by naming you here.
One of the things that was most refreshing was the total acceptance and warmth shown by everyone lucky enough to be at GRL 2012. I enjoyed meeting so many of you – the elegant Rick Reed who was so kind and chatted with me for quite a while, even forsaking free drinks to do so; Rick I absolutely LOVED your reading. The lovely Ally Blue, who was on crutches but wasn’t going to let that stop her from attending, was as charming as I thought she would be; Great to meet you Frances and I hope you won the Iron Man competition; Kris Jacen who was the moderator for the author Q and A sessions (my favourite, sorry Kris) - love you too. Anel Viz, a delightfully funny author who suggested that I use my earring as a fork when I wasn’t given one quickly enough at breakfast – damn you Anel. BTW Anel, you have to stop writing M/M books with ladybits.
Everyone will write about their own reflections of GRL and I know that we will all have great memories. Some of my memories are of Erika Pike serving contraband liquor from Iceland at 1.00 A.M to 
get us all drunk and EM Lynley egging her on. The scoundrels!! BTW I don’t touch alcohol and anyone who says I do is lying. !! Loved B.G. Thomas’s outfit. I want one just like it. He’s such a nice man but he keeps asking me for hairy Friday Guys. Stephanie Hecht and Reese Dante – you rock – both of you are a credit to your professions. James Buchanan is a true legend in our genre and I spent some time talking to him about books and life in general. James you’re my hero and don’t forget you owe me a blog post. Love you!!! Smooches!! To Stephanie Grober from Riptide - it was wonderful to meet you and talk about books; Looking forward to continuing our discussion next year. Eden Winters who was exactly as I pictured her, however Eden you have to do
Lynn and J.P.
something about that potty mouth, it’s unseemly for a nice southern gal to swear like a trucker. (Of course you know I’m kidding about Eden. She probably doesn’t even KNOW a curse word.) Kris Piet I didn’t forget that we have a date in January.
If I didn’t mention you in this post it wasn’t that you were not memorable but as usual I ran out of time as this is way longer than I intended. As Tj says, it’s as long as those pamphlets that I love to read – maybe 2K. Where the hell were you TJ? You’re my only guy who was missing.
On a more serious note, the city of Albuquerque is a center of Native American culture and the architecture reflects its heritage. On the first evening of our stay we were serenaded by members of a Native American tribe who gave a concert in honour of our stay in their city.
Special appreciation to all the authors and publishers who gave away what seemed like hundreds of print books. I was a beneficiary of their generosity.
Last, the hotel was absolutely marvellous and the staff were fabulous and SO attentive – they catered to our every need. If you ever have a chance to visit Albuquerque I highly recommend
L.C. Chase
that you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel.
See you guys next year when GRL will be bigger and BADDER.
To comment on GRL 2012 Heidi Cullinan just sent out a survey link – here it is
Additional photos - mine and some of yours will be posted on Sunday. DON’T FORGET TO SEND ME YOUR PHOTOS if you want them included.
This sounds amazing Wave – you guys seemed to have an awesome time
. I now want even more to try and make it next year 
It was even more amazing than this recap. I could go on for days.
Sooo tempted to just say: what Sirius said! In fact, I think I will, since she (as usual) said it so perfectly.
I hope you’ll take a walk on the wild side next year.
Great recap…and where is waves picture..hhhmmmm
Wave’s picture is hiding.
Yes, where is Wave’s picture??
No hiding from us now! 
I couldn’t take my own picture – sorry Gaye. However there’s a really great picture of Carter Quinn.
’twas lovely meeting you, Wave. Hope you’ll be in Atlanta next year, as I do believe I might owe you a drink. Not that you drink, of course.
~Tis
Hey TC
Yes, you DO owe me several drinks – not that I imbibe of course. 
It was lovely meeting you and chatting about books. I have a couple pictures of you that will be posted on Sunday.
GRL was fantastic, and that’s a great pic of Rhys. I love that woman!
Hi Jacob. I LOVE that picture which is why it’s right at the top.
HAH! I’m smiling that big because I’m sitting next to Jacob! Being next to him is like having an infusion of chocolaty coffee sweetened by starlight.
Sounds like fun times, really hoping for more pictures
Hey Majken
It was the most fun that I have ever had at a convention or conference.
Additional pictures will be posted on Sunday, if people will cooperate and send me some of theirs.
Welcome back, Wave. Sounds like you had a wonderful time – we missed you.
Thanks Tom, although I think you missed the Friday Guys more.
If you can make it to Atlanta next year you should do so. Everyone was so generous and kind and the fun never stopped.
Wave! Honey, sweetie, hot guys may be a dime a dozen, but I seem to recall seeing you with your head stuck between Carter’s legs…are you still sticking with that earring story or were you looking for something else? It was great meeting you and the whole weekend was just wonderful. Can’t wait for Atlanta!
Now why would you say such bad things about me Marilyn?
I had lost my very valuable amber earring which became wedged in the carpet between Carter’s legs, and he wouldn’t move so that I could get it out gracefully. 
YOU may not believe me but others will, cos they know I’m not that kind of girl. 
I really enjoyed meeting you – you were such a delight and I think Carter knows a good thing when he said you were his muse.
If you think having saying you had your head between a hot guys’s legs is talking bad about you, we need to talk!
It will not let me edit that..good think I’m not Carter’s editor!
Wave, it was so great to finally meet you! I’m glad you tracked me down. I didn’t even see you throw your earring between my legs. You’re very sneaky!
I THREW my earring between your legs?
What a story. You may be a hottie but I have enough brain cells left to know that we bat for a different team sweetcheeks. However you were kinda nice – much better looking than I imagined. 
I have to send Tj a few nekkid pictures of you that I took when I was looking for my earring.
Nekkid pictures of Carter? – yes please Ma’am! He’s a cutie!
Sorry to disappoint you Tj you but he wouldn’t let me send them to ANYONE.
Maybe I’ll write a book and show some naked pics, without heads of course, and you’ll have to guess which one gets the prize. *Hint* he’s very tall – I’d say 6 ft 2 in. maybe.
WONDERFUL post! I SOOOO loved meeting you! You made my weekend complete.
Hi Ben
I’m really happy you liked the post and it was my pleasure to chat with you. You were so sweet.
And generous with the t.rose!
Great post, Wave:) and I’m already looking forward to GRL 2013. Btw. does anybody know the hotel where it will be held?
Thanks Anke.
I’m sure the organizers have already selected the hotel but no one’s talking yet. Maybe Ethan will spill the beans if we ply him with enough liquor. He’s so easy, it’s a shame to take advantage of him.
LOL! Well, then let’s wait and see
Hello Sunshine! *hugs*
It was absolutely fabulous seeing you and damn it, we needed more time together! Book talking is key! And well, we had more than enough alcohol to go around but I needed a lot more coffee.
You are fantastic and absolutely fabulous! *cheers*
Hi Rhys
It was delightful to meet you and chat about books. Next Retreat we should have double the time we spent together.
Thanks for the kind words and right back at you.
Let’s plan on it! I shall bring the coffee!
Great descriptive post, Wave. It was wonderful to have a chance to spend time with you at GayRomLit!
Hi Val
It was wonderful to meet you at last and I enjoyed our time together. I hope we can get together again in Atlanta in 2013.
Welcome back Wave! Thank you for sharing some of your memories and photos with us. It sounds like you had a really wonderful time. Your enthusiasm shines through in every word.
Hey Teej
Rob and I talked about you a lot and reminisced about our times together (well not quite together, but you know what I mean).
We missed you.
If we make it next year I hope you’ll be there.
GRL was way better than I expected and I was sad to leave.
Blake wasn’t able to come this year because of illness. He was terribly sad about it but it wasn’t feasible. I may be hallucinating but I think he lives near Atlanta so we’re all hoping for next year. Tough? I’m adorable. People kept telling me that. It kinda makes me twitch.
And this GRL had a lot of differences from last year but the “OMG! I’m so glad to see you” vibe is still there.
Hey Treva
What do you mean you’re not tough? aren’t all publishers supposed to be mean and tough and carry a big stick?
I’m so sorry about Blake. Anke emailed me to let me know that he had apparently informed his Yahoo group that he would not be attending. Obviously he must be pretty sick to miss out this year after he had such a great time in NO. I hope I get to meet him next year if we both show up.
It was lovely to meet you Treva. I thought that the ABQ GRL was marvellous but then I wasn’t at the first one. In any event it was a great opportunity to meet some of the people with whom I had been communicating over the years, and you were one of those I was looking forward to seeing.
And likewise on meeting you! That’s always one of the best things about conventions…seeing people face to face.
I’m still surprised you managed to get that pic Wave! I rarely kiss anyone as it hinders my ability to speak! I know…god forbid that happen : )
So very happy you made the trek to ABQ and that you found the experience worthwhile. How you doubted such a thing when all the organizers are so fun and fabulous is beyond me! ; )
Nevertheless, it truly is one great big giant collaborative effort that requires everyone showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to surrender to the experience. For all who do that, I doubt you’ll ever be disappointed in what GRL has to offer.
Warm and fuzzy hugs to one and all!
Ethan
However you were a delight and I think Geoff found out after how MUCH of a delight you really are.
When I kissed you in Santa Fe and you didn’t know who the black bitch was, I was sure you would bitch slap me, AFTER checking that your wallet was still there.
I had a wonderful time as you can imagine and I hope to make it next year to Hotlanta. However, I have a trip to Europe planned just before GRL 2013 and I hope I have enough money for both. lol
You guys did a stand up job organizing GRL this year and should be congratulated. Cheers.
*lol* Great write-up and I certainly had the BEST of times, with or without margaritas
Clare
You were a delight and I enjoyed our brief chats. I hope next time we’ll have a lot more opportunities to talk about books and everything else.
Every time I saw you I was tempted to buy you a margarita but you already had several guys lining up to do so.
And here’s me showing up late to say you just made me SAD because now I miss you and GRL and my girls and Mama Kris and Ethan and Geoff and sweet Jared and every single wonderful person I met in Albuquerque. It was the time of my life. Next year, lady, you and I are sitting down for a real talk! <3
Hi Ally
It was wonderful to meet you at last and I hope that your foot is MUCH better now. I had a lovely time at GRL and I was sorry that we didn’t get together for a chat, but hopefully next year in Hotlanta, if we both make it.
Take care of that foot.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Wave. I really enjoyed our conversations!
*blushes* Actually, during my book reading, my vocabulary did take a turn in the gutter because I read from Diversion, and the MC… Well, Lucky IS a truck driver of sorts, so….
And I STILL didn’t get a pic of you! I asked, you distracted me with talk of books, and I completely forgot! Sigh. There’s always next year.
It’s only been a week, and I’m already counting down the days until the next GRL. In Atlanta! I can drive there and haul home all the books and swag I want! No airline restrictions to worry about.
Hi Eden
I had such a wonderful time with you – that southern accent should be bottled and sold.
You … a truck driver vocabulary … never happened. lol
I think there are lots of people like you already counting down to Atlanta. You’re so lucky living in the area, sort of. I, however, would have to fly across two countries and take off my shoes so that Security would be assured that I’m not taking bombs across the border.
Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta in 2013 and hope we both make it.
Hi Wave! It was truly wonderful meeting you. I was totally and completely surprised to hear that you were there this year, I hadn’t expected to see you at all and it was such a wonderful delight
It’s a shame we don’t have a pic together, but somewhere, somehow we must so I’ll find it! If not, that means you have to come to Atlanta…screw Europe!
And thank you, I do love my knitting
xox
Hi Cole
It was wonderful to meet you at last and I hope that we can spend some time together in Atlanta if I make it. I did love the scarf and I was going to steal it from you since I’m sure I need it more than you do as our winters are probably colder than yours, but you disappeared.
[...] & Laddie @ The LL’s Word – It’s Our Party… Reviews by Jessewave – Wonderful Memories… (lots of author stuff here), GRL 2012 Photos Eric Arvin – The List: What I did at GRL Kate [...]
I read this earlier, but forgot to comment! It looks like you had a great time. No matter what you say, still jealous
But Jackie Nacht and Stephanie Hecht sent me a package, so that helped a lot.
Next year, next year!
It was a great time and I hope to meet you next year if you can tear yourself away from the knights.
So you managed to get a present from Steph and Jackie. How do you rate. 
I just went right back to GRL reading this entry. Gawd, it was fun. Next year I’m bringing TWO bottles of Opal – not that you’ll be drinking it *wink wink*.
Hey Erika
but I didn’t want you to feel like an alcoholic drinking alone so I joined you. 
Thank you for sharing and I look forward to next year. 
I want you to know that I don’t drink (well hardly ever)