Author Guest Post & Giveaway: THE WILD IRISH SEA by Loucinda McGary

Today I am thrilled to have author Loucinda McGary to Book Junkie. She is celebrating her July release from Sourcebooks, THE WILD IRISH SEA ! You can read my review HERE.

I hope you enjoy Loucinda's guest post today and don't forget to enter the contest to win 1 of 2 copies of THE WILD IRISH SEA that is up for grabs!

My Nora Encounter

It’s that time of year. Next week, the Romance Writers of America hold their annual national conference. Every year hundreds of writers, both established and newbies, attend RWA National to learn their craft, network with editors and agents, meet old and new friends, and listen to inspiring workshops and speeches.

Best of all, this conference allows all us ‘normal’ people to catch glimpses and maybe even exchange conversations with the super-stars of our industry. The big names all put in appearances – Sherrilyn Kenyon, Susan Elizabeth Philips, Jennifer Crusie, and of course, Nora Roberts. Being in close proximity to people held in such high esteem often results in some close encounters of the star-struck kind. One of my friends admits to having a verbal meltdown when she ran into her long-time idol Julie Garwood. Another said she suffered from acute shaky hands syndrome while attempting to help Nora with a potential wardrobe malfunction backstage at an awards ceremony. Such stories abound before, during, and after National.

I’ve been lucky enough to attend four National conferences in the past six years. I always have an enjoyable time, but I’ll never forget my very first National conference in 2005 because that is when I had my own personal Nora (Roberts) Encounter.

It was the Booksellers’ Awards Luncheon, and by the time my buddy Willena and I met up and made our way into the crowded ballroom, there were seemingly no tables with two seats remaining. I’d resigned myself to eating at two different places, but not Willena who marched right up to a table way in the back with a huge “Reserved” sign but only three people seated at it. She was already half into a seat and pulling me into the one next to her as she asked if it was all right for us to sit down (not a shy bone in her body, my buddy Willena)! Two other lost-looking newbies sat down too as soon as the lovely, petite lady nodded. But she added that we had to save one empty seat for her friend who was running late. Then she introduced herself as Cindy Hwang, editor at Berkley.

Good thing I was already sitting down when she introduced herself, not that having lunch with a well-known editor wasn’t heady enough. But I recognized the two other people sitting at the table across from me, although they politely introduced themselves anyway – Jayne Ann Krentz and Christine Feehan. Oh. My. Gosh! I was tongue-tied with awe as I introduced myself as Ms. Unpublished Nobody. The other two newbies were similarly afflicted. Even Willena was a bit ruffled.

We were rescued from the awkward silence by the waiters who placed our luncheon plates, dessert plates, and filled our drinks, including the empty spot for Ms. Hwang’s elusive friend. I don’t think I tasted a thing in my main course as Jayne Ann and Christine politely asked each of us what sub-genres we wrote. I was too nervous trying to form a coherent reply.

We started our dessert – my favorite, cheesecake – as the mistress of ceremony stepped upon the stage and approached the microphone. The seat next to Ms. Hwang was still glaringly empty. However, as the speaker began, the back door of the ballroom opened and in rushed none other than Nora Roberts!

I know I gasped audibly and I think Willena and the other two unpublished writers did the same, while Nora hurried over and sat down at our table. Then she did something for which I will adore her forever. She shoved aside her main course plate, pulled the cheesecake toward her and took a big bite. Yes, indeed, she was a woman after my own heart. She ate her dessert first!

She’d only managed to eat about half her portion when the speaker began talking about the next award and started describing the In Death series. Nora muttered an expletive under her breath, jumped up and ran for the stage. When she got to the microphone, I remember she made a witty remark about not needing to do the treadmill today. She never did make her way back to our table, but it didn’t matter. She’d already made four new fans.

After lunch, I went up to my room, called my critique partner and screeched in her ear, “You won’t believe who sat at our table at lunch!” When the conference was over, I returned home and started reading the In Death series, and every time I read a new one, I still remember my Nora encounter.

Have you had your own star-struck encounter? Please share it!

THE WILD IRISH SEA BY LOUCINDA MCGARY – IN STORES JULY 2010

Drawn to a force he can’t resist…

Former police officer Kevin Hennessey is running from his past—choosing to battle smugglers instead of dealing with his personal demons. When a desperate, rain-drenched American woman appears on his doorstep with wild tales of danger, Kevin is drawn to helping her, despite his reservations...

She never saw him coming…

Amber O’Neill knew without a doubt that her brother was in mortal danger. Rushing heedlessly to the rocky shores of Ireland, Amber was stunned to find her rescue mission derailed by a gorgeous, but deeply flawed Irishman...

The tumultuous sea, the intertwined fates of the coastal villagers, and unearthly tales of a hidden selkie prince bring Kevin and Amber together in a connection of mind, body, and soul that neither can deny...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Loucinda McGary took early retirement from her managerial career to pursue her twin passions of travel and writing. She sets her novels in some of the fascinating places she has visited. She was a finalist in the 2006 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart contest in Romantic Suspense with the manuscript that eventually became her second novel, The Treasures of Venice. Her first book, The Wild Sight won the Best First Book category in the More Than Magic contest. She lives in Sacramento, CA. For more information, please visit http://www.loucindamcgary.com/

***GIVEAWAY***

With many thanks to Danielle @ Sourcebooks I have two copies to give away.

Below are the rules, please follow for your entry to count

RULES:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST answer Loucinda's question above

MUST leave your e-mail

Winner will be chosen 07/27

US and Canada only please (sorry, publisher rules)