The Red Hat Society mobs happy author :)

On Saturday, I participated in the Scarlett's Sisters Authors Showcase, the first event of its kind. It was hosted by an Edmonton Chapter of The Red Hat Society, those lovely women who dress in purple and red with red hats. According to Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother, "The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life..."

I've seen these women out and about in the malls and often wondered about them. And then a few months ago I was contacted by Queen Ursula from the Scarlett's Sisters chapter. Ursula refers to herself as the "Queen of Glitter", and I think she sparkles in more ways than just the bling she wears. When Queen Ursula told me she wanted to have a special event featuring Edmonton area authors, I was very excited to participate.

So Saturday I went to the Elk's Hall and entered a world of purple and red. There were 50 or so ladies and a couple of men. One of the men was one of the authors, Joseph Simons, who just happened to find a purple and red striped shirt in his closet. Other authors included the wonderful Joyce Harries, my good friend Kelly Komm and many others I hadn't met before.

The afternoon started with time to chat and meet the Red Hatters. And what a happy, joyful bunch they are! :) This was followed by a buffet lunch that was oh-so-delicious. Door prizes were then drawn. I had the pleasure of watching two ladies receive gift bags that I had provided. In them were an assortment of gifts that had been donated to me over the past year.

Then came time for the 50/50 draw. Since the authors were treated to lunch, I decided to buy some tickets, thinking this would be a great way for me to contribute to and support Scarlett's Sisters. I was getting ready to head upstairs for the book signing when they announced the number. I'd just said to some of the ladies at my table that I never win at draws. So, of course...I won! hehe

I then headed upstairs with an envelope full of money, which came in handy since I'd left my float at home. (doh!) The authors manned their tables preparing to hopefully sell some books and meet more of these ladies. I watched the red hats slowly bob up the stairs, and then...

WHAM! I was caught up in a tidal wave of purple and red. The ladies were lined up in front of my table 3 deep. I signed books, made change, took money from the next lovely lady, signed books, made change, took money from the next...

When I finally came up for air, I think about half an hour had passed. I really have no idea. All I knew was that I had sold out of The River and had to run out to my car for more books. I brought in everything I had and sold the remaining 4 copies of The River. In all, during this purple-red wave, I sold 57 books in about 1/2 an hour, which is a record for me. :)

One thing I can say for the ladies of The Red Hat Society is: "Boy, do you all like to shop!!!" hehe

My friend and fellow author Kelly Komm took this photo of me just before or after the major swarm--I even had ladies standing behind my table...lol

I have to admit, I loved it. I loved that these wonderful ladies were that excited and enthusiastic about my books, and I wish I could have talked to them all a bit longer.

I sure hope they read my blog, visit my website and leave me a note there. :)

To all the ladies I met this past weekend, thank you for making me feel so welcome and I enjoyed chatting with you and meeting you. I do hope you all enjoy my books.

I received an email from one Red Hatter, Claudette Binette, who finished my novel Whale Song the very next day. Claudette emailed me with a short review:

"I had to wash my tear-streaked face after reading "Whale Song" by Canadian author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif. I was privileged to have spent two weeks visiting the Queen Charlotte Islands recently, and "Whale Song" brought it all back. The people, places, sounds and smells were so close and so familiar. Cheryl has captured the setting remarkably well! Her characters are so well described I feel I've met and know them all personally. Kudos to a super Canadian author! Now for "The River", and a trip up the Nahanni!"

Thanks so much, Claudette. I enjoyed talking to you about the QCI's. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com/