GRL Featured Blog: J.P. Bowie
Memories of GRL from J.P. Bowie
Every year when I start getting ready for GRL I think back to the very first time I met Carol Lynne in 2009 in Kansas. She had organized a small gathering of authors and readers, and we had fun talking about the genre we love. I think it was from that the kernel of an idea for something bigger sprang. With Carol, collaborating with Ethan Day, Lynn Lorenz, Theresa Emil and a little help from me, GRL was born. And how appropriate it is that this year we’re back in Kansas City.
New Orleans was our pick for the first GRL and it was fabulous. How could it not be when our hotel was right in the middle of the French Quarter? If we weren’t doing readings or workshop stuff you could step outside and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that was Bourbon Street. This, mind you, not long after Katrina, but the city was still in party mode and we made the most of it. Some wild nights to remember.
But what was great about the first GRL was the almost immediate camaraderie amongst the authors and readers. For the first time those who write in the m/m genre could promote and discuss their books in a friendly environment without fear of down-the-nose looks from other authors, so prevalent at other conventions. As for the readers to be able to chat face-to-face with their favorite author over lunch or a cocktail, many of them told me that was the highlight of the weekend. My favorite moment was the Riverboat Cruise book signing.
So, the first GRL, though small in number, just over 200 attendees, was a success and we had to it again, right? So on to Albuquerque and the numbers grew, authors, publishers and readers came from all over the world, and more fun was had, a disco night (with strippers!) was added along with a costume ball - another success, and plans were made for the following year. So Atlanta followed, then Chicago and last year my home town of San Diego where I finally got Phil, my hubby, to attend and he had a great time enjoying the craziness that goes along with serious(?) stuff like book signings and author meets and spotlights and more craziness. It’s really about having fun, meeting new people, catching up with old friends, making new ones… can’t wait for the hugs and smiling faces.
GRL has grown, and with the added influence, ingenuity and hard work of Reese Dante and her hubby Ron it will continue to be a success. Kudos to the originators, Carol Lynne, Ethan Day, and Theresa Emil for making GRL, THE fun convention to be part of every year. See you in Kansas City!
Highland Hearts by J.P. Bowie
Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 12, 2016)
Amazon Kindle: Highland HeartsJul
Callum Robertson has inherited his grandfather’s mansion in northern Scotland, but the house comes with a history he knew nothing about-should he be thrilled, or feel threatened as the house seems to lure him in?
When Callum Robertson first sees the old Scottish country mansion his grandfather bequeathed him, his immediate instinct is to sell the antiquated pile for whatever he can get for it-admittedly not much in a downturned market. Then he meets Craig MacPherson, a local farmer with auburn curls and sparkling gray eyes, and suddenly the gloomy old house doesn’t look quite the white elephant it first appeared to be.
Craig tells Callum that it’s rumored the house is haunted but by what or whom no one seems to know. Books flying off shelves then being mysteriously replaced give Callum pause to reconsider his rejection of the idea of an actual ghost haunting the place. When he finds a journal relating to the history of his family, he is, by turn, intrigued then fascinated as the saga unfolds through the writings of his ancestors.
An encounter with what he feels must be the spirit of his great-great-great-uncle Alistair makes him change his mind not only about selling the house, but also about his future with Craig.
About J.P. Bowie: J.P Bowie was born in Scotland and toured British theatres in numerous musical shows including Stephen Sondheim's Company.
Emigrated to the States and worked in Las Vegas, Nevada for the magicians Siegfried and Roy as their Head of Wardrobe at the Mirage Hotel. Currently living in Henderson, Nevada.
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