New Orleans was everything that I had hoped for. First the city itself was such a mixture of contrasts. From the anything goes atmosphere on Bourbon Street to the beauty of watching a small child dance in front of a jazz quartet on Royal Street I was always astonished. A friend told me that there is a sadness to New Orleans and he was right...but there is also an energy that wrapped itself around me. And I think that energy is what makes people visit New Orleans and rebuild after the devastation of Katrina. The people I met there were gracious and very quick to tell you of the city and it's customs.
Secondly, my trip was a dream come true for me because i got to meet some authors that I adore...Jeaniene Frost and Karen Essex and the great Dacre Stoker. At first I felt nervous standing up with all of those great authors but I soon found out that not only are the citizens of New Orleans gracious but so too are these three authors. Though I may be published by a small publisher not once did they make me feel small.
And I would be remiss if I didn't take a minute to talk about my friend Teresa. She was the reason I got to experience my dream. Never have I met a more loving and caring person than Teresa. She welcomed us by letting us tag along on tours and excursions with her friends Becca and Ride who also were very kind to us NOLA newbies! So THANK YOU Teresa! You are an Angel who will always be in my heart!

Love and Peace Always,
Jude

PS....take a look at our photos from NOLA