How do authors get to know each other? The same way readers get to know authors. We go to book signings (and we do have a bit of an advantage here…we go to a lot of book signings).

The most time efficient way to meet your favorite authors is to attend the annual literacy signing at the Romance Writers of America conference. If you went this year, you could have met several hundred authors at just one signing! This year, the conference was held in San Francisco. ( Tip~ The 2009 conference is scheduled for July 15-18 in Washington, DC. Plan ahead.)

Here are a few pictures from the recent 2008 conference.

Christopher Moore and Kathryn (aka fangirl)	Teresa Medeiros and Connie Brockway at a tea given by our friend John Charles.	Jill Marie Landis, Kathryn and Liz Carlyle enjoying scones and tea.
Julia Quinn and Carrie Ferron wearing their fab nearly matching shawls.	Avon publisher, Liate Stehlik, Suzanne Enoch and Kathryn at the HarperCollins reception.	Lucia Macro, Executive Editor Morrow/Avon and her adoring author Kathryn.
The Amazons~ Kathryn, Sophia Nash, Pam Jaffee (Avon uber publicist), Sue Grimshaw (romance buyer for Borders/Waldenbooks) and author Laura Lee Guhrke.	Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Sue Grimshaw at the Avon dinner.	Pamela Palmer, Mary Lenaburg, Diane Gaston and Kathryn from Washington Romance Writers.
At Nora Robert’s pre-RITA bash~ Sophia Nash, Elaine Fox, Kathryn and Hope Tarr.	Toni Blake (RITA finalist), Kathryn and Julie Anne Long in their awards night finery.	Kathryn and Susan Crandall at the literacy signing just before the doors opened.

©2010 Great Ways to Procrastinate. All Rights Reserved.

If your heart is set on chocolate, you can’t go wrong with Godiva, but what about a yummy chocolate picture of you and your sweetie? This 6.5” heart is COMPLETELY edible with any image and text you provide. Cool, huh?

The heart is printed with an edible FDA approved process. In addition to the one-of a kind image heart you receive 16 delicious Belgium chocolate candies.

Lead-time, 2-3 days after art work is approved.

Price: $50.00  from Abernook.com

And now for something totally adorable (mushy) and romantic~ Smittens~Walking Gloves for Friends and Lovers.

Knitwear designer Wendy Feller came up with the idea for two regular mittens plus an oversized mitten for two to share while on a romantic but cold walk with her husband.

Price: $34.00 from UncommonGoods.com

What better gift (anytime!) than to make your valentine’s dream come true. From stockcar racing to balloon rides, spa days to rafting, private cooking classes to scuba diving, a company called Great American Days offers literally thousands of indulgent and exciting gift experiences. Racing fanatics, divas, adrenaline junkies – no problem. Check out the site. You’ll be amazed.

The best part is that gift experiences start from just $25 which means you don’t need to break the bank to give your special one a memory to last forever.

Price: $25 on up from GreatAmericanDays.com

As far as wine goes, to me, nothing is sexier than a full bodied red.  But when a friend recently recommended a very special Zinfandel…well, the name alone was enough to send me racing to my local wine shop to pick up a bottle.  The Seven Deadly Zins is blended from grapes from seven growers in Lodi, a region known for uncommonly good zin, making made this wine a sinfully perfect Valentine’s Day accompaniment for a romantic evening. 

Price:  $17 from Lodi (widely available)

No matter what you buy, make or do to make your valentine feel special, just remember to say “I love you.”  Bottom line, making someone feel loved is the best gift you could possibly give.

©2010 Great Ways to Procrastinate. All Rights Reserved.

And, while you are making resolutions, you’re going to organize your life…and your closet too (because you’ve bought two books on the subject, last year, and after you lose all that weight you’ll need room to store your fab new wardrobe of skinny clothes.) You are going to get a firm grip on your finances (you saw Suze Orman on Oprah and she made it sound so easy.) And start exercising. Oh, and you will get more sleep. Eat better too, because your health is top priority. Hey, while you’re making a list, add that in there too—get healthier. Might as well. The coming year is packed full of promise.

But, it never fails. The ball has barely dropped and you’ve already broken one resolution. Over the next week, two more. Then by February 1st the last remaining resolutions wither into nothingness. Oh well, there is always next year, right?

But, 2008 will be different for me. I plan to achieve every resolution I make. How? By aiming low….or as I call it, simplifying my life.

So here are my 2008 resolutions for the new year:

I will save loads of money—by not losing weight and not having to buy an entire new wardrobe.

I will sleep more—by not exercising every morning.

I will become more organized—by freeing up cupboard space by buying lunch everyday instead of making it. Restaurant food always tastes better anyway.

I will worry less about resolutions and lists—and laugh more (thereby removing a good amount of stress from my life.)

So there you have it, my failsafe plan: aim low, simplify, and be happy.

Isn’t that what you want most out of life anyway?

©2010 Great Ways to Procrastinate. All Rights Reserved.