Jessie checks in with authors at the GayRomLit Retreat

Conventions aren't just fun for readers — authors adore meeting fans and other authors they fangirl/boy over. I spoke with a few about their favorite moments at the GayRomLit Retreat over the weekend in Chicago and how much they loved connecting with the community.

T.A. Chase, author of A Bittersweet Haunting

"Being able to talk about my co-author (Devon Rhodes) and how much fun we are having together and with readers."

Mary Calmes, author of All Kinds of Tied Down

"When I get to meet and talk to my readers. I love it when we get to talk in an informal setting."

Poppy Dennison, author of Creature Feature 2

"Meeting people and readers for the first time, and the excitement and energy it brings."

Marie Sexton, author of Release

"Getting to announce I have another Coda book. I have been asked for it for years and years and finally I can tell readers yes! Next year!"

Daniel A. Kaine, author of Slasherazzi

"Hanging around in small groups after hours and getting to know people."

Devon Rhodes, author of An Ace in the Tiebreak

"When a reader drove down three hours for the book signing and came straight to me. It's so humbling to have a reader go through such effort just to see you in person."

J.P. Barnaby, author of A Heart for Robbie

"Standing room only at the BDSM Panel with James Buchanan and Lisa Henry."

Kindle Alexander, author of Full Disclosure

"Seeing the man who got the GRL2014 tattoo. He also dropped his pants to show me the tattoo on his hips."

Stephani Hecht, author of Alec's Moon

"Ballroom dancing with my son and sister at the Casino Royale party."

Rhys Ford, author Duck Duck Ghost

"Sitting next to Jacob Flores again during the book signing. We started off together during our first GRL and have been together ever since."

Andrew Grey, author of Trapped in Oz

"A quiet lunch with Laurel — she's a reader and a wonderful fan."

Belinda McBride, author of Prince of Faith

"Sitting in the lobby and watching all my favorite authors getting out of taxis and coming in."

Jamie Samms, author of Patchwork Heaven

"When I met Zathyn Priest. I went over to say hi, talk, have a nice conversation, but then I blanked and just said hi. Meeting him was one of the highlights. Zathyn, I'm sorry I was such a dork."

Z.A. Maxfield, author of Home the Hard Way

"Being on a panel with K.A. Mitchell and Jordan Castille Price. They are just amazing, I feel really lucky to be here."

Amy Lane, author of Beneath the Stain

"When a reader gave me a scarf she made because she was inspired by my books."

Rachel Haimowitz, author of Crescendo

"The opportunity to meet face-to-face all the people you talk to all the time online. Also seeing people you haven't seen all year. The conference is really about the community."

Jacob Z. Flores, author of Being True

"The first day when you get here and you see people you haven't seen in over a year, and pick up conversations you left off."

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She also does reviews for RT Book Reviews magazine and works in the submissions department at Dreamspinner Press. You can follow her on Twitter (@BookTaster).