After 37 years, the founder of RT Booklovers Convention is retiring. The top photo is Carol Stacy and me. She was the publisher of the RT Bookreviews magazine and Carol hired me as the convention publicist. Next is Kathryn Falk aka Lady Barrow and her husband Ken Rubin. They treated me, my hubby, son, and daughter like family. JoCarol Jones had been the convention director since I've been on staff. Next is Laurie Jones and me with the best photobomber of the convention. Finally, Jane Lange and me practicing those selfies. What a sweet lady. To say I have a history with this convention is an understatement. I was part of the team for 14 years--the friends, the food (sometimes), the fellowship, the networking, hundreds of workshops, and oh yeah--thousands of books.

As their publicist, I've had the humble experience to work with local, national and international media to secure interviews for cover models, New York Times authors like Sylvia Day, Heather Graham, Brenda Jackson, and round up authors in costumes for those early morning live shots and so much more. I'm in awe of the opportunities extended to me. I've met librarians, booksellers, agents, and editors. Sniff sniff, but now it's time to dry those tears as JoCarol kicks off Book Lovers Con next May with a mix of authors in diverse genres.  It will be a time for celebration as authors and readers can mingle once again for the love of books.
Check out my 50 + photos at www.patsimmons.net.
Speaking of books, don't forget to make MY ROCK, Book 1 of the Caregiver series, your summer read with more than 40 great reviews. In next month's newsletter, I'll share a special testimony about this Christian romance.