Conference Memories

Last week at this time I was jetting to Denver for Romance Writers of America's annual conference. So, having been gone all week, I didn't do any cooking other than the leftover breakfast I nuked in my hotel room microwave and the frozen pizza I tossed in the oven when I returned home Sunday evening. However, that doesn't mean there isn't food to talk about. Like the incredible Fried Cheese Curds I had at one of the hotel's restaurants. No pictures, but trust me, they were awesome. If you don't believe me, just ask Mary Connealy. 

For me, the highlight of any RWA conference is always the Harlequin party. Every year, they treat their authors to an indulgent night of desserts and dancing at some exclusive hotel that makes us feel so special. 

There's fun with friends. Don't we clean up well?

From left to right, LIS author Christa Sinclair, me, LI author Jill Lynn and LIS author (and my roomie) Sharee Stover.

And did I mention desserts?

Decadent.

Indulgent.

Incredible!

Insert your own adjective. 

Yeah, there's only one way to top all of that.

Does Beauty and the Beast seem rather apropos? Though he's the cutest beast ever. I mean everyone knows that spaghetti sauce makes the best face mask and hair gel.

Now it's your turn. Which dessert intrigues you the most? What would be your first sampling? And are you one of the many caught in the clutches of summer's heat?

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Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus, lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children, two dogs and countless cattle. She's passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining and sometimes adventurous manner. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com. 

Mindy's RWA 2015 Recap

Just outside of our hotel.

Tex here and what a week it has been. I spent much of it smack dab in the middle of Times Square in New York City. RWA 2015 was a week of fun, exhaustion and a few firsts.

This was my first trip to the Big Apple. And while I didn't get to see a lot, there were plenty of great experiences. Starting with the shuttle ride to our hotel. Holy smokes! You couldn't pay me to drive in New York.

Love Inspired author Lisa Jordan was my traveling companion and roommate for the week. 

We barely had time to check into our hotel before meeting our editor, the amazing Melissa Endlich.

Melissa was our escort for our very first subway ride.

And she took us to the Harlequin offices.

Woolworth Building where the NY Harlequin offices are located.

Melissa and Mindy outside the Woolworth Building.

Harlequin Offices

The offices were much smaller and quieter than I'd expected. I thought it would be a flurry of activity. Instead, the editors were all tucked in their offices, staring at computer screens. I can only assume they were reading manuscripts.

After what was probably our only decent night's sleep,

The view from our hotel room. That's the Hudson River with New Jersey on the other side.

we ventured out to explore Times Square on our own. 

Talk about hustle and bustle.

This really is the city that never sleeps.

And we found the two best stores of all.

 The Hershey Store

and the M&M store!

At the literacy signing, I had the privilege of sitting beside Sandra Orchard who writes for Love Inspired Suspense and Revell. So fun getting to know her.

Thursday was filled with workshops, the LI Meet & Greet, lunch with my editor and the Harlequin Pajama party. Boy, was I wishing I hadn't eaten dinner.

But did I let that stop me? Of course, not.

Pajama party fun with LI authors Winnie Griggs and Belle Calhoun.

Friday, at the Harlequin book signing event, I was thrilled to meet and sit next to the incredible Mia Ross. Such a sweetheart. 

And things just wouldn't have been the same without Missy.

But the biggest deal of all was Friday night and the Harlequin Black and White Ball at the Waldorf Astoria. Naturally, I forgot to take pictures of the food, so I'm hoping Missy will share those with you later this week. 

The party was held in the Starlight Room, a definite feast for the eyes.

Starlight Room at the Waldorf Astoria.

What fun it was to dance the night away with my buds and fellow LI authors, Lisa Jordan and Susan May Warren.

The week culminated Saturday evening with the Rita and Golden Heart Awards. And there's no better way to top that off than with a slice of real New York Cheesecake from Juniors Diner.

Hey, who ate my cheesecake?

All in all, it was a fantastic week. The experience of a lifetime.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end. Sunday I was schlepping it to LaGuardia with conference brain. And there's only one thing you can do then...