Monday, July 30, 2012

RWA 2012

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:

Kwana said...

I'm so sorry I missed it. Thanks for your recap.

Eileen said...

OMG. You seriously barfed on Steph's shoes? I can't believe I missed that!

Maureen McGowan said...

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.)

Stephanie Doyle said...

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!

Maureen McGowan said...

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.)

Maureen McGowan said...

And Molly, never apologize for being so much fun. You are the best roommate and best friend ever. Seriously. :)

Anonymous said...

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

Stephanie Doyle said...

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!

Anonymous said...

I'll come back on Thursday!

MarcieR

Karen Whiddon said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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.

Maureen McGowan said...

Kristen, it was so great meeting you! Thanks for coming to the workshop. :)

Maureen McGowan said...

Ack, Kristin. I spelled you name wrong :/

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...