Look Who’s Going to RT: Jackie and Casey from Literary Escapism

Can you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
Literary Escapism will be in the house…err hotel…for this year’s RT Booklovers Convention! And this year I won’t be alone.  Both Casey and I will be roaming the halls.

JackieJackie: For those who may not know yet, I’m a 32 year old stay at home mom of two boys – a five year old and an 19 month old.  Both of which have kept me pretty busy.  I also have a fabulous husband who humors my obsession with books, and not only puts up with all the business of keeping LE running, but actually manages all the techy stuff involved.

What people are probably not aware of is that I’m one of they shyest people around. Seriously. I’m usually the one in a crowded room, hanging out by the wall, people watching. I have a hard time going up to people and striking up conversations out of the blue. So if you see me, don’t hesitate to approach me. I’m going to try, but I get intimidated really easily. Plus, I’m probably going to be completely awestruck seeing all the different authors around. *grin* Although, I do have to say that I did surprise myself at RT 2010 in Columbus, so who knows what will happen this time around.  Seriously though, if you see me, say hi because I will never turn down an opportunity to talk about the books I love.

I can be found here obviously and at: Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

CaseyCasey: Most, if not all, of you already know me from either my reviews or my rantings or any of the other things I do around LE. Anyway, for those of you who don’t know me, I am a college student, part time librarian with my head in some far off land and more fictional boyfriends than I can count.

I can be found here obviously and at: GoodReads | Twitter

Can you introduce us to the site that you have created?
Jackie: Yeah, I’m not sure if I should answer this question or not.  I mean, you’re here at the site already and I hope you’re a repeat visitor.  If you’re not, LE focuses on fantasy and paranormal literature with a few others thrown in.  Honestly, when I started LE, the whole purpose was just to give me a place to talk about books.  I was starting to experience some major cabin fever after being stuck in an apartment with a 10 month old and no car, and I needed something to do, so I started talking about everything I read. LE is going into it’s fifth year (we’ll be 5 in December) and a few things have changed.  I’m not the only one here any more and thank god.  There’s just too many fabulous books out there and I want to know about them all. *grin*

Casey: The worlds I have created are still locked away in my imagination. I use reality to rant (and/or review, but mostly rant) about worlds that other authors have created.

Here’s some basic info re LE in case you’re new to the site: Some of the regular things you can see on LE are semi-daily news posts (I try to do them MWF, but lately it’s been more like once a week), Sunday Surprise! which showcases random books I’ve come across, the monthly newsletter recapping the previous months news, the New Author Reading Challenge, plus two new reading challenges for 2012 – Outlander Challenge and the Black Dagger Brotherhood Read Along (which is getting ready to wrap up).  I have also tried to make LE a resource for any reader who’s looking for something new or specific, which is why you can also find a series listing by genre, over 300+ author website links (although I haven’t counted them up, so that’s a rough estimate), a ton of SF/F/H reviewer links (thanks to Grasping for the Wind) and as many new release dates as I can find (currently over 700 for 2012 alone).

Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
Jackie: I wouldn’t call myself a veteran, but I’m not a virgin either. I was in Columbus for RT 2010, but only for two days. So while I’ve seen the chaos, I can’t say I really got to experience it. This year I’m going for the whole week, which I’m really excited about. I have experience the massive book signing and I have to say that you will be amazed at how many authors you can chat with during the 3 hours.  And it’s totally possible to get to see most, if not all, of the big names while you’re there.  As long as they are still doing the line numbers like they did in Columbus that is.

From what experience I do have, I would have to say – try not to get overwhelmed. I’m sure that’s easy to say, but don’t make a schedule.  Know which panels you want to try and go to, but leave your schedule open. Be flexible. You never know what may turn up.  I had my Friday and Saturday planned the last time and I kind of regret that.  I think there were a few opportunities I missed, so this time I’m keeping my options open.

Casey: This is my very first con ever and I am super freaking excited. I’m going to release my crazy inner fangirl…Yeah, it’s going to be as amazing as it sounds.

Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
Jackie: You know how, when something really freaking fantabulous happens, you’re constantly waiting for something to come along and just screw it all up?  Yeah, I’m in that frame of  mind right now.  There’s a reason I’m going for the whole week, instead of a couple of days like originally planned, but I’m waiting for that shoe to drop.  Let’s just say that if you want to look for me, I should be pretty easy to spot at the MARKETING: How to Get Love for Your Romance: Top Bloggers and Reviewers on What They Look for in a Book panel on Wednesday at 4:45pm.

At a panel moderated by Kensington, join well-known book reviewers/bloggers as they discuss what in an ARC pile catches their attention enough to make them want to read — and maybe even review — a book. This workshop will cover everything from when to send books and pitch reviewers, to what a pitch letter should say, to the effectiveness of covers and promo materials, to whether or not self-published books should get the same review attention as traditionally published books. It will also cover what authors should not do when they’re trying to get reviews for their books.

Moderator: Kensington Books Marketing team
Panelists: Joyce Lamb from USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog, Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Sara Reyes from FreshFiction, RT reviewers Kathe Robin and Natalie Luhrs, and other bloggers and reviewers who will lead you through the process.

But again, I’m not confirming anything just in case that shoe does end up dropping. *grin*  In addition to this panel, you’ll definitely find me at the Massive Book Signing on Saturday and most (if not all) of the publisher spotlights.  However, as I said above, I’m not planning on any specific panels just in case something comes up.

Casey: Nope, I’m not speaking on any panels, but Jackie is! I’m going to be sitting in the front row cheering her on. :) And I want to attend every panel! Since I don’t have a Time Turner, I’ll just have to run around trying to get to as many panels as I possibly can.

If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
Jackie: Look for the eye!  I will be sporting at least one bag with the LE eye on it and I will definitely have some swag.  Other than that, my curly hair will more than likely be pulled back and up, my nose will be in my kindle and I’ll be hanging out in the bar. Don’t be shy, come say hi if you see me, even if I’m reading.

Casey: Listen for the person screaming “OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU!” every ten seconds, or however often I run into an author I love. Or look for a girl with a big yellow purse.

RT Chicago

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.