Kiss & Tell: That Smoldering Look Between Authors and Readers

Guess what, folks? It’s convention time again! I’m absolutely buzzing to announce I’ll be attending another book convention, and believe me, it’s been a long time coming. There’s a mix of excitement and a tiny bit of dread, especially after the whole Dreamers & Readers debacle.

Did you hear about that mess? It even made the news! So many people, myself included, lost thousands of dollars. Let’s just say I’ve got enough books to last me a few years, thanks to that experience.

I’m still not entirely sure what went down with Dreamers & Readers, but a lot of folks are calling it a scam! Apparently, this wasn’t their first time canceling an event. While some tried to chalk it up to new event planners, I mean, come on! Hosting at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and claiming you don’t know what you’re doing? That’s a tough sell.

One thing’s for sure: I’ve learned a valuable lesson. If an event hasn’t happened in previous years, I’m going to be a lot more cautious. On a related note, I’ve also seen authors get completely let down by conventions because their expectations were too high, or they simply weren’t given enough information. Maybe I’ll dive into those experiences another time, but not today!

Today, it’s all about Kiss & Tell 2026! We’re talking Grapevine (Dallas), Texas, at the Embassy Suites By Hilton, on Saturday, July 25th, from 9 AM to 5 PM CDT. Mark your calendars!

And guess who else will be there? None other than the Mistress of those blue-hunky-ice-alien-barbarians herself, Ruby Dixon! Seriously, I’m fangirling a little because my table is just around the corner from hers. Eeeek! You can find me at Table 25 (it’s highlighted below), and Ruby’s is in the far right bottom corner, near the VIP Lineup.

Last year, I had an amazing time at the Villains & Vixens Event, where I also got to meet Ruby Dixon (and snag a signed book, thank you very much!). There were over 500 people in line to see her, but the organizers were fantastic. We had wristbands with numbers and clear announcements telling us when to join the queue. That line lasted for two days!

The whole event was an absolute blast! I truly found my people there – 98% women, all eager for their next book fix, rolling pastel crate carts, and dressed in fabulous gowns and tiaras for the late-night ball! Unfortunately, Villains & Vixens is in Florida this year, so I couldn’t make it due to other travel plans for 2026. But if it ever comes back closer to home, you know I’ll be there!

Seeing all the incredible tables at Villains & Vixens is actually why I’m a bit intimidated and nervous about Kiss & Tell. I don’t have a setup like those veteran authors, but I’m going to be there, and I’m really hoping to connect with readers interested in my stories. I’ll definitely keep you all posted on how it goes!

Until next time!