Saturday, May 03, 2008

When Tina Meets Marley...

In light of Marley Gibson’s first release week of Sorority 101: Zeta or Omega? and Sorority 101: The New Sisters (which she wrote as Kate Harmon), I’d like to offer up the following true-life story of how I met her!


My friend, Janie Emaus, and I had flown to Natick, Massachusetts to attend the 2006 New England Chapter’s Romance Writers of America conference. We were in the lobby that first day, when there was a rush of excited voices. I saw hugging and heard people congratulating a dark-haired woman on her book sales...and my mind raced through the possibilities. Suddenly I remembered my friend, Cheryl Mansfield, telling me to look for her friend, Marley Gibson, at the conference. And I remembered reading on a writing loop or two how Marley had just been contracted for her first books. I nudged and whispered to Janie, “I’ll bet that’s Marley Gibson.”

We waited until some of the fan-fare had died down, and went over and introduced ourselves. Because clearly, Marley was Someone to Meet! And yes, it was Marley, and said she’d been on the look-out to meet us, too, which was awfully sweet.


About six months later, I was asked to join this lovely YA writing blog, only to find Marley was one of the bloggers. We’ve been friends ever since, and it’s a joy to be here with her, to help her celebrate this big event up-close and personal.

Congrats, Marley, and wishing you BIG sales!

Tina

Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie, ABA Book Sense Top Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, Finalist, National Reader's Choice
The ABC'S of Kissing Boys, January, 2009

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tina,
I remember that lobby very clearly and our first meeting with Marley. It was a wonderful conference. I'm looking forward to reading Marley's books.

Janie

stephhale said...

That's a great story, Tina! :)

Marley Gibson said...

Thanks so much, ladies! I remember meeting you guys. Had not idea about the buzz around me. LOL!!

The party last night was a BLAST! Had an amazing turnout, took a lot of pictures and sold a ton of books (100 of each!)

Hugs!

Me said...

How funny, T! I had almost the same experience with M at the NEC conference the year before... and she hadn't even sold yet! There's always been buzz around Marley! =)

TinaFerraro said...

Marley, I can't imagine what your hand felt like after signing 200 books! :) Congrats!

Janie, we had a great time at the conference, didn't we?

And yeah, TLC, I think Marley creates buzz wherever she goes!