Happy Tuesday, Riskies! I’ve only just now finished unpacking, doing laundry, and getting back into the writing schedule after RomCon, and now I have to put everything back in the suitcase for RWA. Luckily I have new dresses, new bookmarks to give away, and I’m all warmed up for the conference rounds.
I had so much fun at RomCon! Carolyn’s recap last week was excellent and I totally agree with her–it was the first year for this conference, and they have some kinks to work out and organize for next year, but I thought it was highly enjoyable and lots of fun. It was much smaller than RWA or RT, and focused on reading and the love of romance novels and all the things that go along with them (covers, characters, whatever). The small size (and the hotel lobby full of comfy sofas and chairs!) made it much easier to sit down and really talk to people–I sometimes feel overwhelmed at RWA and it can be hard to do that sort of thing. It was fun to remember what brought me to writing romance in the first place, the fact that I was addicted to the books. It was also fun to talk to writers of so many different genres, and it planted lots of new ideas in my head…
I have to admit I wasn’t as organized as I could have been! I missed many workshops (including the “controversial” ones! I always seem to miss it when there is controversy going on!), didn’t get to see a few people I meant to look for, and spent what seemed like hours trekking around the massively long hallways of the conference center. I also gave into the lure of the shiny covers of the many giveaways, which now reside in a pile by my desk trying to tempt me away from my writing. (Seriously, if you love to read, I have never seen so many book giveaways at a conference!) There was good food, secret rites of the Cucumber Club, and lots of wine. A fun conference. (And there are lots of posts floating around the Internet if you want to know more…)
I didn’t take many pics, but here are a few:
At the workshop I participated in, “Stripping the Heroine,” in my Regency day dress and new spencer and bonnet, with Terri Brisbin and Pam Nowak! (Sorry it somehow go turned around)
At the Saturday signing with my neighbors, Melissa Mayhue and Monica McCarty!
Carolyn at the signing with her neighbor Brenda Jackson!
Hopefully I can make it there next year, I had lots of fun and Denver was blessedly cool compared to the heat and humidity here!
Now on to RWA. Are you going to be in Orlando???
(Also, yesterday, July 19, marks the day the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799! Since this post was already long enough, I’m talking a bit about it at my own blog later today)
Amanda, we briefly met at RomCon but look forward to seeing you again at RWA! Hope you enjoyed the postcard from Ireland!
I’ll be at RWA…assuming I can get myself packed and out the door! It’s already a mad scramble, especially when you throw assorted home improvement, writing, and parenting challenges into the mix.
Last night I dreamed I was on the cooking show Chopped but got distracted and somehow only finished one plate for the appetizer round. No need to go to a specialist to interpret THAT one!
Wasn’t RomCon fun? But you were one of the people I saw primarily from afar – like on the stage of Strip the Heroine! Hope we can visit more at RWA next week.
Had drinks last night with Aussie author, Anna Campbell and bookseller, Stacy Agdern, both of whom attended RomCon. The result: total RomCon envy. Sounds like a must-attend for next year. For now, enjoy RWA in Orlando…
I envy you and Carolyn and Kim and Terri and Blythe for being able to attend RomCon. Maybe I can make it next year. Small sounds good. I’m a little dreading the huge setting of RWA. I’ll have to drop breadcrumbs so I can find my way back to my room.
I hope some of you get to meet my uncle, aunt, and twin cousins who are coming to the book signing on Weds. I invited them without the least expectation they would come and now they all are!!
(Pssst. Don’t tell my uncle, but Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress is dedicated to him!)
I am really, really looking forward to seeing everyone again! Even though it takes me at least a week of total vegging to recover from RWA, it’s very energizing and I always feel much more enthusiastic about the writing after I talk to so many friends…
I did a bad today though–bought another dress at a sale (there are too many great sales right now!). Now I have too many dresses and not enough events. What to do???
Amanda, it sounds like a good time was had by all. Definitely putting RomCon on my list of possibilities for next year.
And I have the same problem you do. I have too many dresses and not enough events! But I WILL be bringing them and most important THE SHOES to match!
I can’t wait to see you all!
Louisa, it sounds like we’ll need to change halfway through events 🙂
I haven’t yet decided on the right shoes…
I was hoping to go to the Librarian Day at RWA, but the change in location nixed that. I didn’t consider RomCon initially because I was so new to all these conferences. However, Next year, I might just try to go. Denver is one of our favorite places and we could plan a nice vacation around the conference. The other plus is its being more reader focused.
Glad you enjoyed Romcon. Have a great time in Orlando.