IllogiCon 2017

Before I begin, don't forget to head over to Deek's blog and enter for your chance to win a SIGNED copy of his book Birth!!

And now for our regularly schedule blog...

Deek and I knew we wanted to get more involved on the ComicCon scene when we moved back to the East Coast. Thankfully, our friend Chrissy Lessey hooked us up with our first one, Crystal Coast Con, back in October. From there, we met Josh Leone, and he told us about IllogiCon. We applied and were accepted to sell our books, speak on panels, and do a reading!! WOOT! Talk about the mother load of wonderfulness!!

Well, fast forward to a week before the Con. Our area is braced for a massive storm, which ended up mostly being ice. Now, I hate to be snowed in. I hate to be "stuck" at my house. Not that I have anywhere to go per se, but I'd like to have the option should I decide to. Well, I thought being stuck would be the worst thing to happen. But no...I contracted the Martian death flu. While the timing sucked, I thought I'd surely be better by the time the Con came around. And the illness lingered and lingered until we ended up missing the first day and my first panel. <sad face>

An aside: Just a little side note to say, Deek took the BEST care of me while I was sick. You know how people say "in sickness and in health" when you get married? Well, he meant it. Thank you, baby!! <3

Gus had no idea what to make of the "snice" (ice with a little snow on top)

Martian Death Flu

By Saturday, I'd healed enough to engage with the public, but I still had no energy and no appetite. As a participant in a Con, you have to be "on"--fun, engaging, and chatty. Somehow, I managed to find the energy, but I totally crashed at night once we got home.

Time to lie in bed with my Cindy Lou Who hair and recover

Despite the initial health setbacks, we had a TOTAL blast at the Con. We got to meet some amazing people, speak on panels, do a reading, and selling a bunch of books! Woot! Every time we go to a Con or author event, we're always fascinated by what people pick up. At Crystal Coast Con, Deek's 122 Rules ended up being the bestseller of all of our books. But this time, people went right to The Prophecy and Birth of an American Gigolo! 

Deek on his panel. They LOVED him--as all people who have good taste do! ;)

I had a total blast on my panels, but I particularly loved talking historical fiction! 

At our booth.

 I got my very own special card with my name on it and a list of all my panels on the back!

He's ready to talk books!

He got a special card too, but it's not pictured.

There were amazing costumes and cosplay!

Meet "Dr. Stranger Things"

Mon Mothma

She was not only on it cosplay wise but also a super lovely person!

Effie!! 

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Deek and I at our booth

We don't have any photos our reading because we read together, but we will have a YouTube video of it soon (thanks the awesome folks at IllogiCon)! 

If you've never been to a Con, I highly encourage you to go. The atmosphere is great, the people are great, and you'll have a ball! Deek and I got great leads on upcoming Cons, so you can expect to see us do several more of these throughout the year. Also, we'll be at the Roanoke Author Invasion in April, so check us out there if you're in the area!!

And can I just say...I'm the luckiest girl in the world to get to live my author dream with my best friend by my side. I'm so thankful Deek and I share the same passion and enjoy the same things. Having him with me at these Cons makes them a thousand times more fun. I get to see him interact with fans and other authors, and I get this swell of pride in my chest because I'm so darn proud of him and to be with him. He's everything I could have ever wanted and more!

I love you, Deek!!

Things Change

A week ago today, I got the call that my grandfather was being rushed to the hospital for complications from pneumonia. I'd heard the day before that he'd come down with pneumonia but seemed to be doing fine, so the news shocked me. I know my grandfather is 83, but he's always been such a rock to me. More tests revealed he'd suffered a mild heart attack and may have a heart condition. He spent nearly a week in the hospital and has to go back to see a cardiac specialist after Christmas. But he's home and alive. I'm grateful.

It's so crazy to think you can just be living you life one day and then have something snatch the rug out from under you. For those that don't know, my mom was a single mom for quite some time. She met my stepdad (whom I call my dad) when I was little, but they didn't marry for a while. So, my grandfather, PaPa, has always been one of the most important men in my life. He's generous, loving, and hysterical. From the time I could walk, I followed him around, and he proudly took me places and bragged about his "Babydoll." 

And now he's sick, and I'm 3,000 miles away. I can't really describe how that makes me feel. Heartbroken. Terrified. Like I might cry at the drop of a hat. Like I'm willing to overcome my fear of flying for the chance to wrap my arms around his neck one more time. 

But I'm beyond thankful for modern technology. When my parents visited him yesterday, I got the chance to FaceTime. My gaze darted all over his face for evidence of injury, yet he looked fine. He told me he felt weak and tired, but he still made jokes and made me laugh. 

I know people don't live forever (much to my chagrin), but the world needs my PaPa's light a little longer. My family needs his light a little longer. I need his light a little longer. So, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate if you'd send up a prayer or good vibe or whatever you believe in for my PaPa. He's an incredibly special man who'd give you the shirt off his back. Thank you!

 My PaPa

Despite everything, Deek and I have been trying to get into the Christmas spirit (though I must admit I'm still not quite there yet). Here are some pics of our latest adventures...

We celebrated Deek's birthday earlier this month!

We went to the tree lighting ceremony in our little town.

Had a date to finish up the last bit of Christmas shopping. We got it ALL done the first week of December (and came in under budget--Yay, Dave Ramsey!), so we're just chillin' the rest of the month. 

Got a free Christmas tree thanks to our old realtor and got our "ornament of the year" to go on it. It says "Best Friends" because that's truly at the core of our marriage. 

Deek snuck a kiss while we waited for a Christmas performance to begin.

We had some of Deek's college friends over for dinner, and they brought 15 (!!) books for me to sign. SO thrilled and so thankful to have supportive friends!

I also sold out of all the copies I have at home of The Fulfillment Series, so THANK YOU to everyone who bought signed copies for Christmas!! 

Even though our trip to San Francisco got cancelled, I still decided to go with the silver and black hair! Experimenting with hair color is so fun!

Surprised my hubby at work with his favorite blend of coffee. People, I am truly married to the greatest man alive, and I always want him to know how much I love and value him.

Found this little princess under the tree. Awwww!

Went to see Star Wars The Force Awakens the night BEFORE its official release. Deek and I braved the torrential rain and flooded roads to behold the greatness of the force.

Since we don't have the stress of shopping hanging over our heads, we can take our time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Here's Deek with these creepy mannequins. LOL!

Fa-la-la-llama socks...just what every girl needs. 

It started snowing...IN the mall! 

We went to see the ZooLights with Deek's family. They rode the public transit with us--their first time! Such a fun-filled, memorable family night! I love my family, and boy do I love my husband. #LuckyWoman

Trippy!! The lights display transported us to Star Trek's warp speed AND gifted me with creepy vampire eyes. Winning! LOL!

This post may be my last before Christmas, so let me take the time to say Happy Holidays to all my readers, friends, and family. I hope your holiday is filled with laughter and love. I'm thankful that my grandfather will celebrate this Christmas at home with the rest of the family, and I'm excited to start another new year with Deek by my side.