Brita Addams’ GayRomLit Retreat Recollections

By Brita Addams

Brita Addams and Bryl Tyne

New Orleans wasn't a surprise because I've lived in the area for more years than I've lived anywhere else. The French Quarter has always been a place I've avoided for various reasons, mostly because I'm not a party person and there is a 24-hour party going on down there. I was excited that my first writer's convention was going to be so close to home, kind of a test drive if you will.

My friend and fellow writer Bryl Tyne picked me up at my house, spent a few hours with my husband, my daughter, and myself before we took off in his hot red car for the Big Easy. My husband did indeed tell Bryl to take care of me, a job my love has done quite well for thirty-one years. He doesn't entrust me to just anyone, but knew Bryl wouldn't betray that trust, and he didn't.


The anticipation of meeting authors and readers boggled my mind as we drove to the hotel amidst the throngs that crowd the Quarter on any given day. Bryl drove the city like a native, his photographic memory never missing a turn. I kept telling him "You can't get lost in the Quarter," but it was posturing, as I've done just that regularly. It's the "No right on red," and "No left turns" that get me every time.

Upon registering the first person I saw was J.P. Bowie, whose Early American work I simply love. He was friendly, talked about how the humidity was already getting to him and how he hoped we had a great retreat. He was as nice as I'd hoped he'd be and greeted me again and again throughout the weekend.

I met Michelle from Top To Bottom reviews, who said she loved my Riptide upcoming release, Surprises, and would snatch my other stuff up as soon as it got to them. Oh, Michelle, my love, you are the best!

I spoke to so many people, got to know some a bit better than others, but was in awe of everyone. I love Heidi Cullinan so much, I couldn't even summon the nerve to speak to her. Author awe, big time. I told Rowan Speedwell how much I loved Kindred Hearts, as I'd told her recently in an email. She is a gracious sweetheart and I won't forget her soon.

Damon Suede – what can I say about him that hasn't been said a gagillion times before. He is funny, one of the happiest people I've ever met, smart beyond smart, savvy, and a genuinely kind man. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with him, but everyone wanted a piece of him, so I was happy to have gotten a picture and some kind words.

with Damon Suede

Cat Grant and Rachel Haimowitz, my fellow Riptide authors, it was nice meeting you both and spending time talking to each of you.
L.C. Chase, a soft-spoken, uber-talented woman, it was a joy to share the far end of a dinner table with you. Also Taylor V. Donovan and Cherie Noel, OMG, what awesome women you are. Unforgettable!

I was most touched by the readers who came up to me, said they'd read my work and praised it. I chuckled at how shy some of them were to ask for swag, when the table was laden with it. Anyone who'd like some, PLEASE email me at britaaddams@gmail.com and I'll unload, er send you some pronto. Thank you, dear readers, for buying my books. I love hearing from you.

New Orleans, as a city, is ever-evolving, but never changing. Impromptu Second Lines, be it for a funeral or a wedding, are subject to round any corner at any time. There were three in our days there, each for its own, singular reason, none of which are meaningless. Nothing happens in NOLA without a reason.

And to Bryl R. Tyne, a man I consider my friend above all else, thank you for your company, your insights, and your friendship. You accepted my honey's request, "Take care of my baby," and did it with charm and purpose. I'd traverse any peril with you and know that I was in responsible hands. You don't even know how important your company was in midst of so many strangers. Hugs and love to you.

The retreat itself, from all I could see, was flawless. Not too many events so as to keep you constantly on the run, but everything was interesting and fun. Ethan, Lynn, J.P., Amanda and Carol – bravo. You went out of your way to make this a great inaugural event and it worked. Can't wait for next year.

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Riptide Grand Opening Giveaway

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win any backlist book of choice by Brita Addams!

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Riptide is having a Grand Opening tour, of which this blog post is a part. At the end of the tour stop, Riptide also awards one lucky commenter a big Riptide swag bag, US resident only. If an international winner is chosen, they will substitute for a gift certificate to All Romance E-Books.

The best part is, that each comment in the blog tour earns you one entry in the grand prize drawing for an iPad. Other prizes are a Nook and a Kindle.

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Links:
Website Riptide Publishing | blog tour list | website Brita Addams | Brita Addams on Goodreads
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