Day #1 at RWA
There are fewer things more rewarding in life than finding ‘your people’. I’m talking about those people who understand what drives you, what inspires you, who understand what makes you tick. For me that’s other writers and readers.
On Sunday I flew home from New York totally exhausted but utterly thrilled to have spent four days hanging out with my writer friends at the Romance Writers of America conference. This was my first time attending an RWA conference in the US – yep, I was an RWA virgin! (I’ve been to the Aussie conferences twice before, but this was on a whole other level! 2,500+ excited women in a single hotel…crazy town).
Luckily there were plenty of people around to make me feel welcome and show me the ropes. I roomed with fellow Blaze Babe, Regina Kyle, who was an absolute hoot! She’s the only person I know who can make a show tune out of putting together swag bags.
So as a wide-eyed first-time attendee, I soaked it all in. Here were my highlights:
Signing my books! This was also my first time doing a book signing and I had a blast. I managed to meet so many wonderful people during the two hours where the signing took place. It was amazing to meet the people I’ve only ever chatted to online and to meet new readers as well.
Me & Taryn Taylor showing off our shoes at the Harlequin Ball
The Harlequin Black & White Ball: Harlequin are an amazing publisher to write for and every year they throw a huge party for all their authors. This year it took place at the Waldorf Astoria…talk about a ‘pinch yourself’ moment! Not only was the venue spectacular, but the chance to meet all the other authors I’ve admired and read for so many years was so exciting. Even better, was watching the authors get called up for their milestone achievements: 25 books, 50 books, 100 books and beyond! I have a little ways to go before I make it into those ranks.
Star Spotting: Okay, I’ll be honest here…I had a few fangirl moments at the conference. Spying Bella Andre and Sylvia Day walking around the hotel, meeting my idols Megan Hart and Roni Loren at the publisher signing events, hearing keynotes from amazing writers like Julia Quinn and Baraba Freethy…I was like a kid in a candy store!
Free Books: I came home with ALL OF THE BOOKS. Seriously, my husband sat there in shock as I unpacked my suitcase. I couldn’t help myself! It’s an addiction, really.
Meeting People and Making Friends: It sounds so corny but it really is true. I chat to so many people on Facebook and Twitter, finally being able to put faces to the profile pictures is great! And really, the people are what make the romance writing community such a great place. I always had someone to chat to, a dinner or lunch buddy when I needed it, a friendly face in the (long) line waiting for the elevators. It such a welcoming group of people and I’m grateful to be part of it.
I could go on and on about all the perks of being at conference, but those are the highlights. I also managed to squeeze in a few days sightseeing with my husband before the conference, which was awesome (despite it being ridiculously hot!)
But now it’s back to business! That means butt in chair, fingers on keyboard. I’m working on the second book in my Blaze miniseries about a group of people working for a New York private security company. The first, A Dangerously Sexy Christmas, is out this November and here’s a look at the GORGEOUS cover!!
It’s exactly how I’d picture the hero, Max. Good work Harlequin cover team!
