Oh, man. I have a conference hangover. And probably a hangover hangover. One of these years I am going to manage that Harlequin party like an adult - and not like a 13 year old kid.
Full disclosure - I threw up on Stephanie's shoes. Not the red RITA shoes, but still...my shame is powerful.
All in all this felt like a very low key conference. There was very little "the sky is falling, we're all doomed" vibe. And there also seemed - to me - a real pull back in the "you do it digitally, or you're a fool" conversations. Digital and traditional seem to be figuring it out and the smart authors are using both. That was my sense, or maybe it was just what I wanted to hear.
Harlequin seems to have a new commitment to it's lines, particularly Superromance. New distribution, new marketing efforts, amazing new covers. It feels very very positive and forward thinking.
I didn't hear much talk about the law suit, but I wasn't seeking the talk out. Anyone else hear about that?
I missed Eileen, running without her is no fun.
Stephanie looked AMAZING on the red carpet and though she didn't win, she was gracious and confident and a total knock out. Next time, Steph.
I am totally TOTALLY amazed by the generosity of some writers - Susan Andersen, RaeAnne Thayne - I am humbled by their enthusiastic support.
RWA feels like a different beast to me, and I'm still trying to figure out what I get from it. As a beginning writer it was all about information and light bulb moments. And not that I'm not still learning plenty - there were lots of great workshops on marketing and how to use GoodReads to best advantage, and Facebook. But it's just a different beast and I'm so pleased that RWA manages to create a conference that serves every aspect of my career.
What did you guys think?
13 comments:
I'm so sorry I missed it. Thanks for your recap.
OMG. You seriously barfed on Steph's shoes? I can't believe I missed that!
When I'm deciding whether or not to go to RWA every year, I always think that I shouldn't go. That it's too expensive. That it's not my genre, so doesn't make sense. That I can't afford the time.
But then I go, and I have such a great time and even if the learning curve has changed slope since I was a newbie writer, I feel like the few bits if knowledge I take away each year are HUGE.
Many of my normal "peeps" weren't there this year, but as much as I missed people (including you, Kwana and Eileen) the silver lining is that I met some new people, and turned some prior acquaintances into friends.
Feeling pumped right now (and tired and dehydrated and hung over.)
Fortunately - I've got very quick feet :)
And if hanging with someone who has such a fun time means you're 13 then I want you to stay 13 forever Molly.
Conference was a blast. And even though I didn't win it was experience I'll never forget!
And at the end of the day... I'll always have my red shoes!
Those shoes need a glass display case, Steph. They are works of art. Museum worthy. So jealous. (Not that I could walk in them. But I could admire them in a glass case. Or on my feet and standing still.)
And Molly, never apologize for being so much fun. You are the best roommate and best friend ever. Seriously. :)
Glad to hear you had a fun time, well except the throwing up on Stephanie's shoes.
I am so very glad to hear Harlequin is finally giving more support to SuperRomance. It's my fave line to read and has been for 5-6 years. There is a variety of story-types and some really great writers. How are the covers going to change since they just changed them this year?
Yes, heard about the lawsuit from the Harlequin blog, then I hunted down a couple blogs that I knew would feature it.
One more thing - is there a pic of these shoes of Stephanie's?
MarcieR
I don't *think* I can post a picture in the comment - but Marcie I'll definitely have a picture when I blog this Thursday!
I'll come back on Thursday!
MarcieR
Sounds like it was fun! Except the barfing part. I haven't done that yet - though I did get so drunk in the bar hanging with Steph that I lost my laptop!
Steph, I'm sorry you didn't win - I was cheering for you here in Texas. I do want to see those red shoes!
Hi Molly,
I had a great time at conference, but reintegration is always challenging. In addition to all these kids running around calling me "Mom," our dishwasher broke two seconds after I walked in the door. I'm pretty sure I didn't even use the word "dishwasher" last week.
Anyway, I'm glad I got to attend your workshop with Maureen. It was both informative and entertaining. Thanks.
Kristen, it was so great meeting you! Thanks for coming to the workshop. :)
Ack, Kristin. I spelled you name wrong :/
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