CJ's Excellent Penned Con Adventure

I always say I’m going to write up a blog post about my latest excursion and then I get home and realize how damn busy I am and I never get around it. But this time, THIS TIME, I’m doing it!

PENNED CON.

WAS.

AWESOME.

I got to see some old friends.

My BFF Cori had to be my slave—I mean assistant—all weekend. She unpacked my clothes and styled me. I opened my closet to this:

And OH how we had fun with the fashion!!

Day 1

Later that night...

We celebrated Jenn Sterling’s 70^th Birthday. She looks amazing!!!

Day 2

Later that night for the Red Carpet

I met new friends.

I enjoyed being on this panel and being able to say something I've thought for a while now.

 I found out author S. Simone is my (prettier) twin!

Carey Heywood and I flirted…

A LOT

I was convinced that Jasinda and Jack Wilder can rule the world if they put their minds to it. Seriously, they should be stopped. They're probably reading this right now! If I don’t contact anyone in two days…send help.

Vicki Green & her cover model Justin made ME blush…and drink.

Kiki Chatfield applied to be my publicist…she was very convincing.

Pam Godwin put her sexy little ass on my lap!

Colleen Hoover and I had a prank war that ended in me becoming her bitch.

I hosted my very first panel EVER and got to make Sarah Ashley Jones, Jenn Sterling, Melissa Andrea, and JA Huss squirm in front of an audience.

Mark Coker, Founder, CEO, and Chief Author Advocate for Smashwords was not only a sponsor of the event, but gave two great panels on market trends and Apple merchandising—AND—he hosted the PENNED CON Award Ceremony. I cannot tell you what a thrill it was to be presented my second-ever writing award by someone so respected by the indie community. I almost cried. ALMOST (“I think we all know I’m a badass and don’t cry.”)!

This was My FIRST writing award 

We raised $11,000 for Action for Autism!
WOW! This money is going to do a lot to help autistic children and their families by providing scholarships. Rick and Amy Miles are absolutely incredible people and what they’ve accomplished through their hard work and dedication to making PENNED CON a reality is truly awe-inspiring and commendable. I’m truly honored and grateful to have been a part of it.