LLS is Family.

Each year - pre COVID and even in 2021 - I attend a variety of book signings and book conventions. I love getting to meet readers in person and chat books. I especially love getting to meet readers who’ve read the books and want to talk details! In some instances, I’m able to reconnect with readers year after year and it’s wonderful!

While I love attending all signings and convention, there is one that I cherish most of all. This is because out of all conventions, the authors and readers at this one are my family.

And that convention is LLS (and all it’s sister versions)

First and foremost, LLS is about allowing readers and authors the ability to connect. It’s 3-5 days of pure nerdy, literary bliss. It’s a time to chat over meals, lose yourself in playful craft time and enchanting readings.

For me, it’s something more. It’s a group of people who fill my soul with joy. They push me to be better every single day.

from readers who support me throughout the year to readers who are dear friends - these are not just people popping by my table to grab a book and a photo. These are men and women who are by my side, in my inbox, at coffee dates with me, and being part of my life.

The authors I have met over the years are some of my closet friends. We don’t just see one another at LLS. We plot books together, we create box sets and co-author sets together. When we’re down, we call one another. When we need help, we’re a message or call a way. When we need someone to tell us not to buy the new cover…we’ll, we’re not there for that :)

I cannot think of a day that has gone by since joining these events that I’ve not spoken to at least one of my LLS family. Most days, it’s wake up to bed time in chats, on the phone, and pretending we don’t have hundreds or thousands of miles between us.

In 2020 when my mystery illness prevented me from attending, a reader made a photo of me that was passed around. And of course, my author bestie took me everywhere.

Going to conventions is a grand event. It can also be scary if you’ve not been to it before. That’s where I’m coming in now. If it’s your first year at LLS as a reader or author, comment on the blog and I’ll have something special for you as a way to say hi and like to my favorite group of people.

I can’t wait to see you all! There’s less than 6 months to go!!