Well, Saints & Sinners was fabulous; exhausting and invigorating all at the same time. It’s weird how you can be physically tired by mentally revved up. And I didn’t even drink that much coffee!

Among the list of the cool folks I met and chatted with: Lorna Hinson, Shawn Clements, Larry Clements from Torquere Press; Kathie Bergquist of Women & Children First; Robert McDonald of Unabridged Books; Michael Walker of the DreamWalker Group; Anthony Bidulka; the prolific Dale Chase; the always-entertaining and thoughtful Jolie Du Pre; Amie M. Evans; Aaron Hamburger who taught a wonderful hands-on workshop about setting; the ever-affable Trebor Healey; William Holden; Gene Kahn;

the multi-talented Jay Lygon (who writes sexy and funny); Rich Merritt, of the gay porn Marine fame; Robert Taylor; Jerry Wheeler; Paul Willis, the conference founder and big kahuna; and last, but certainly not least, the abso-fricking-lutely amazing, Shanna Germain. Shanna is one of those people I envy: filled with verve and energy and clear writing instincts and who manages to keep on top of a wham-bam career (or three) while traveling the world to exotic places, meeting people, and drinking coffee with them. She was a great roomie: flexible, active, thoughtful, a good sport.

In other good news, just got the word that Richard Labonte is taking “Heated” for Best Gay Erotica 2009. That feels great; I’ve had a bit of a dry spell with subs and acceptances. Probably par for the course when working on a book, but hey, how would I know?

Also, to celebrate Rough Cut’s release, I’m doing a couple of list chats to, well, chat and post excerpts and give away chapbooks and whatnot. Come visit at:

Rainbow Reviews Sunday, May 18th, most of the day: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbow-reviews/

and Romance Lives Forever at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancelivesforever/

Monday, May 19th 3-10pm. EST.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancelivesforever/

And, completely off-topic, the Preakness is over and no horses died. Whew.