Along with Inspired by Life authors Jody Hedlund and Lenora Worth, I also attended Book Lovers Con in New Orleans. I had never been to a reader conference and I had never been to New Orleans. Both were interesting experiences. As Jody wrote in her recent post, I enjoyed spending time the other inspirational authors who attended the large conference. Sharing meals and conversation together was a definite highlight of the trip.
I also enjoyed meeting new readers and a few fans who attended (Morgan and Carole drove something like four hours to be there and I LOVED having time to get to know them both a bit.)
Amid the reader events and book signings, we had some time to sight-see as well. I enjoyed an open-air bus tour of the city, eating at Emeril’s restaurant, trying beignets and chicory coffee at Café Du Monde (thanks Suzanne Woods Fisher), and walking around the French Quarter.
As an added bonus, I was able to meet one of my readers who will be traveling with us on the group tour of England I’m hosting in June. Jessica and her sister gave me a literary tour of New Orleans, treated me a delicious dinner at Brennan’s (another popular landmark restaurant) and introduced me to some of the city’s music scene. It was such a privilege to see New Orleans with these two smart and fun women—Louisiana residents who knew the city like locals.
I don’t really eat crustaceans, which is somewhat limiting when dining in a place where shrimp, crawfish, crab, etc. show up in many dishes and sauces. However, I pushed myself to try something new and ordered turtle soup. (If you would be surprised to find it on a menu as I was, don’t worry. The waiter assured me they use only the “mean ones,” i.e. snapping turtles. 🙂 ) The soup was absolutely delicious! So delicious, I ordered it another night as well.
Have you been to New Orleans? If so, what was a highlight for you?
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What fun to have locals show you their city!
Sounds like a great event, Julie! I’ve only been to New Orleans once, when ICRS was there (back when it was known as CBA!) but it’s an incredible city…so unique, it’s almost like visiting a foreign country. I’d love to go back someday!
The World War II Museum is an incredible, emotional experience. It spans 3 buildings and requires a full day if not longer. Also, MS Rau Antiques is a wonderful store filled with historic treasures, and the staff is most welcoming.
I live about 2 hours from NOLA. I love to go there and visit!! The food, architecture, and atmosphere are a few of things I love about it. They also have an awesome zoo. The World War II museum is there also. I have never been but all those that have say it is great.
I have just recently started reading your books. The lady of Milkweed Manor was my first and I LOVED it!! I’m reading The Secret to Pembrooke Park now and have received another of your books as a gift from my daughter. I look forward to reading them all!!
I went to New Orleans in June 2011. The city was hosting the American Library Assoc. (ALA) Annual Conference that year. I stayed on Royal St. so I was within the French Quarter. When I wasn’t at the convention center, I enjoyed taking in the local history and the food! I also attended Saturday evening Mass at St. Louis Cathedral.
Have fun when your tour to the UK next month. Earlier this month I was in Edinburgh and London for 2 weeks. It was great to revisit favorite sites and discover new ones. The weather was fine–temps ranged in 50-60s F.
I recommend the Fudge Kitchen in Bath for those have a sweet tooth.