After five days in hot and humid Orlando, Florida at the Romance Writers of America conference, I'm home. I had the honor of hanging out with 2,000 other romance authors, aspiring, just starting out, and well-established.
There are so many highlights, and one was listening to the one and only Susan Wiggs give a fantastic keynote speech. This woman inspires me beyond measure.
There are so many highlights, and one was listening to the one and only Susan Wiggs give a fantastic keynote speech. This woman inspires me beyond measure.
My week was spent learning from the best--some I totally fangirl over, others were new-to-me authors (who I'll be reading!!). The writing community never ceases to amaze me. We're an organization of mostly women (there are some talented male romance writers out there as well!) who thrive on building each other up, sharing ideas and tips, and supporting each other in their careers. It's inspiring and invigorating. I really enjoyed Jennifer Probst's and Kimberly Kincaid's panel on obtaining new readers. Thanks for the tips, ladies!
And of course, there was some serious fangirling going on. My first morning, as I wound my way through the gorgeous Dolphin and Swan hotels in search of breakfast, I spotted my all time favorite author, somewhat hiding in a corner. Her head was down and she was tapping on her phone. Could it be? Yes it was...Jill Shalvis. There was no way in the world I could casually walk by without saying anything. So, I stopped in front of her (just Jill and I in a hallway. Who would have thunk!!!) and said, "You're Jill Shalvis." Like she didn't know who she was.
Jill (because we're totally on a first name basis now) confirmed she was in fact THE Jill Shalvis, and I reached in and hugged her. "I'm sorry. I have to hug you," I apologized. After. No, this girl did not ask for permission. I went for it. And she hugged me back. I blabbered like an idiot, commenting on our coordinating outfits, while she smiled and nodded. And then she picked up my nametag and said my name. (I'm sure it's forever stamped in her memory. I mean, we're like besties now). We talked about books, hers, mine, all before she politely said she had to go meet her editor for breakfast. I won't say the temptation to follow her and find a table next to her wasn't lurking in the forefront of my mind. I graciously thanked her for her time and walked away as casually as my shaking legs could take me.
Right then and there I knew the cost of the trip was worth it. And it was. Not only because I got to meet, hug, laugh, and talk with some amazing authors, but because I learned more about our isolated writing community. Romance authors are gracious (I can't use this word enough times) with their support and advice. The extremely talented Sharon Sala (A Nora Roberts Lifetime achievement recipient in 2010) brought me and four other RWA first timers to breakfast on Thursday morning. I loved listening to her talk about her family, friends, and books. A moment I'll cherish forever.
And the thrills never stopped. Running into old friends and having drinks, dinner and dessert with them (thanks for letting me have your dessert, Peggy Jaeger!), posing for silly pictures, and one-upping each other on the fangirl stalking.
 Another highlight (I have many) was getting dolled up for the RITA awards. The talent in the room, oh my. And the dresses. Swoon. Here I am with RITA nominee Marie Force and Jennifer Probst. Don't they look stunning? |  |
I was honored and humbled when one of my local readers took time out of her busy schedule to come by the hotel and meet me. We had some time to sit and chat, but I wish it could have been longer. I appreciated this beyond measure; she made me feel like a queen. Being on the other end of the fangirl excitement is even more wonderful.
The book signings and giveaways were endless. In fact, I have so many books, I'm paying it forward and giving many of them away to my readers. I'll be running contests and simply pulling random names from my newsletter list over the next few months. Not a subscriber? You can sign up HERE and will be automatically entered!
Want even MORE chances to win autographed books? Join my reader group, The Ricecakes. There, I post exclusive content, you'll see covers before they go live, and will have contests JUST for you. Join HERE.
I have autographed books from Kristan Higgins, Susan Wiggs, Rachel Gibson, Cindy Kirtk, Sharon Sala, Sarah Morgan, Toni Blake, Heather Graham, Karen Rose, Jennifer Snow, Kimberly Kincaid, RayAnne Thayne, Brenda Jackson and MORE.
Comment below and tell me who you totally fangirl over!
Happy reading,
Marianne
Want even MORE chances to win autographed books? Join my reader group, The Ricecakes. There, I post exclusive content, you'll see covers before they go live, and will have contests JUST for you. Join HERE.
I have autographed books from Kristan Higgins, Susan Wiggs, Rachel Gibson, Cindy Kirtk, Sharon Sala, Sarah Morgan, Toni Blake, Heather Graham, Karen Rose, Jennifer Snow, Kimberly Kincaid, RayAnne Thayne, Brenda Jackson and MORE.
Comment below and tell me who you totally fangirl over!
Happy reading,
Marianne
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