Or maybe it’s getting someone else to introduce you. Maybe it’s sending an email or a Facebook message beforehand letting them know you’d like to meet them. But maybe you could meet me half way? Or if there’s someone you really want to meet, try to find a creative way to let them know.

Neither of us had ever really thought about how anxiety is different for everyone! At GRL-Chicago, I’m going to do my best to tiptoe toward the corners to meet those people who don’t like to be in the middle of the room. I have anxiety like whoa, but if you put me in the corner with a wall of people between me and the exit? Melt down city. She loves talking to people but doesn’t want to be out in the middle of the room. I met an author recently who told me that she likes to be at the corners of a room with a wall at her back. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed among the many posts from events like GRL, but a lot of us have issues with anxiety. R– Realize that other people have anxiety too.

That’s the magic of GRL, so you’ve got to be ready for it! Every year, new friendships are found and new connections are made. It’s so different face-to-face than behind the shiny little computer box we normally live behind. GRL is the one time of year when we can all step up and get to know each other. But you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and that takes a lot of work for some of us. You’re part of the family–even if you’re the self-proclaimed black sheep. Right? So that means we’re all in it together, no matter what your role may be. We’re all part of this crazy family known as the Gay Romance genre. Thing is, authors are readers, and bloggers are readers, and some readers are bloggers, and some authors are bloggers and some…well, you get the point. Authors and readers and bloggers converge together in one place for a weekend of fun. For this year’s GRL post, I thought I’d give my Top 5 tips on how to make the most of your GRL experience! And it all comes down to being BRAVE.ī– Bring your A game, and never, ever say you’re “just a reader”.

Mind magic poppy dennison