Post bond now for my future memories

Posted By: Jessa Slade
Currently Working On: Editing out "snorted"s in SEDUCED BY SHADOWS
Mood: Horrified by sheer number of "snorted"s

I have no conference memories since I missed San Fran. Yeah, I’m bitter about it. In order to move on, I’m plotting… uh, planning how I’m going to get to D.C. next year. This is exceedingly important to me because I will be eligible for a First Sale ribbon. I plan on stapling it to my chest. Possibly forever.

But first I need to get to D.C.

Here’s what I figure I need to do to amass the approx. $1,000 needed for registration, airfare, hotel and foo-foo drinks in the hotel bar for my editor and agent, CPs and random conference attendees, any passing male romance cover models, and myself.

In retrospect, let’s make that $1,200.

I found a local medical research company. If I could qualify, it would still take three different studies, one for $700 and a couple for $200. And I might have to fake symptoms for the first one. Is my First Sale ribbon worth skewing years of important data that could cure someone’s fatal disease or at least reduce the appearance of zits? Okay, let’s check the next option before I reveal things about my personality that I’m not too proud of.

Still in a “give my left lung” frame of mind, I also discovered that I could sell my blood plasma. However, I've traveled to China where malaria or hepatatis or something is an issue, so my innards may be worthless. Still, my sweetie and my dog are willing to help. (They don’t know they’re willing to help, but I have a supply of beading needles that should do the trick.) If I start now and drain my CPs too (it’s not like I don’t do that anyway)... Hey, where's everybody going?

Fine. What else? Sell my books to Powells? Never! Give up my monthly bucket o’ cookie dough? Impossible! How important is electrical service to the house? I suppose I need to run my computer, so that’s out.

Crack ATM… Too illegal.
Start pyramid scheme… Too math-like.
Invade Pipelineistan, set self up as petty dictator, corruptly funnel kick-backs to conference kitty… Been done.
Get real job… Shuh, right.

It’s looking like maybe the cover models will have to buy us drinks. But as God is my witness (clench hand dramatically here) I will be in D.C. next year. Too bad I don’t have green velvet curtains; I’m gonna look right peculiar in a ball gown of polyester sheers. Ah well, the First Sale ribbon is big enough to cover anything that could get me arrested, yes?

Hmm, this has the makings for next year’s best conference moment blog.

Please be sure to post here with all your big cash opportunities not directly associated with lonesome Nigerian bankers or Friday-night streetwalking on Sandy & NE 82nd. See you at the bar in D.C.!

THE FIRST TIME

Posted by: Genene Valleau

Currently working on: Book One of a Nine-Book Series

Mood: Productive

Ready for an adventure? Put on your newbie writer hat and shoes and step into the time machine. We're going to flashback to circa 1992 in Eugene, Oregon. The Romance Writers of America chapter was about 100 members strong and hosting a three-day conference leaning toward the paranormal.

Take a deep breath to calm the butterflies of excitement and trepidation fluttering in your introvert heart and step across the threshold into your first romance writers' conference. You pause and look around. The sound of laughter welcomes you. Someone smiles and directs you to the registration table.

Soon you are wearing a name tag, clutching a workshop schedule and have a bag of goodies slung over your shoulder.

You have officially declared your status as a writer!

The days of the conference pass in a blur of wonder, crammed with workshops, fantasy creatures and telling your future by numerology. However, the biggest thrill is meeting other writers--real ones who actually have their stories published! They share their experiences, their wisdom, their horror stories of what to avoid. You feel like you have known these sisters (and a few brothers) for years, bound by the bond of writing.

When the conference ends, you linger in the nearly empty conference center, not wanting to leave this magical place, but yearning to get home to write! Finally, you wave goodbye to one more new friend and walk out the doors.

On the steps outside, you take a deep breath. You are not the same person you were three days before. You have begun an exciting new journey.

This was my first conference experience. I was a new member of RWA and had taken a first serious attempt at a manuscript. Wow, did I have a lot to learn! Sixteen years later, I'm still learning and still meeting wonderful fellow writers who willingly share their experiences. I eventually sold my first manuscript -- after it was rewritten at least a half dozen times -- and have sold two other manuscripts as well. I've also been doing promotion -- another interesting journey -- and will get back to the keyboard on September 1 to work on the first book of a nine-book series.

You can linger in the early '90s for a while longer if you'd like, or take another ride in the time machine. Perhaps we'll go to the future. Do you think we can find our names on the bestseller lists?

Enter my Sept. 4 contest drawing at my Web site: www.genenevalleau.com!

Posted By:  Lisa Hendrix

Currently Working On: IMMORTAL OUTLAW

Mood: Bemused

My favorite conference moments often have to do with people. I love that I get to see old friends, make new ones, meet some of my idols, and just hang with outrageously smart people.  Naturally, touching bases with my editor and agent rank high on the list of must-do people activities, but it's the serendipitous incidents that stand out in my mind--things like bumping into Jennifer Blake in the loo and ending up sitting with her at lunch (Dallas).

But this year, serendipity slipped over into the Twilight Zone.

Since I didn't have a current book to sign during the Readers for Life Literacy Autographing, I printed off a bunch of excerpt booklets for IMMORTAL WARRIOR and started handing them out in various lines. I eventually ended up outside the hall, working the checkout line. I was merrily shoving booklets into readers' hands when a vaguely familiar face made me look at a name tag. I went back and forth a time or two: Face. Name tag. Face. Name tag. "Marion Spicher?" She says yes. "Marion Spicher from Juneau, Alaska? Who worked at St. Anne's?" Another yes. And then, "Lisa?"

Now you have to understand, St. Anne's Nursing Home in Juneau is where I worked for a year in 1982.  1982!  I was the administrative secretary and Marion was Director of Nursing. We worked in adjoining offices and became pretty good friends, but that was 26 years ago and I left Juneau for Fairbanks in 1984. Literally, I had heard not one word from or about Marion in that time. 

Anyway, much squealing and hugging ensued, and my promotional efforts were momentarily abandoned in favor of a quick catch up. It turns out that she now lives north of Bellingham and has been writing for a couple of years.  She attends meetings of the Seattle Chapter--which used to be my home chapter until I moved to southern Oregon!

Twenty-six years.  Two entire states of separation. So of course I run into her in a line of 5000 people in San Francisco! And we bumped into each other twice more.  I had people I was actually looking for that I didn't run into (Amy - signage!)

And then I get home and open my email one day to find a list of Emerald City Opener finalists, and guess who's a finalist in Single Title Contemporary?  Yep. Marion.

Rod Serling is someplace smiling.

Who did you meet in San Francsco?

A San Francisco First

Angie Fox

Working on: Edits to The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Mood: Entertained

The first time I went to RWA Nationals, I worried that I wouldn't have enough to do. Would I meet people? Would it be fun? That was 2006 in Atlanta and needless to say, I ended up having a ball. Dallas was even better and this past gathering in San Francisco was my favorite. I think it always will be, because I was able to do my very first booksigning at the Literacy event.

I can't describe what it was like to see piles of The Accidental Demon Slayer, which had released the day before. After years of working to publish a book, to be on the other side of the table, signing, was a dream come true.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat, and pick up a copy. It was an event I'll never forget.

Networking Opportunities Galore

Maggie Jaimeson
Working on: Requested submissions
Mood: Focused

Like everyone else, it is hard to pick one best memory. However, I can pick my primary purpose for attending nationals. Networking. Yes, I love the workshops, the parties, the literacy luncheon. But most of all I love hanging around people in the business--authors, agents, editors--and hearing what they're dealing with in life. For editors and agents I love learning who's excited them lately. What ideas are overused and what would they love to see. From authors I love to hear what they are working on now and why they are so excited about it. I get energized by the persistent optimism in the industry as a whole. Everyone knows the next big book will be a surprise. Who will write it? Who will publish it? Who will agent it? It's like participating in the biggest gameshow of all time--only it will never be on TV. Really, can you imagine American Idol for Authors? What would you do, watch them write? :)

So, who did I see? Everyone of course. I met with three agents I really wanted to know better. I met with five editors I admire. I had several fan girl moments with authors. Here are a few pics to prove I was hanging out with the best.

Great to see my CPs. No one lives near me. My Roommate and CP for four years, Dawn Groszek, lives in Virginia. In this pic we are dressed up for the gala awards ceremony. CP Gemma Halliday lives in California. Here she is at the literacy signing. I have two CPs who weren't able to make it.Then of course there is CP Kristin Painter who is in Florida. She writes paranormal. In the picture below she is with a favorite author of mine, Roxanne St. Claire, who also lives in Florida near Kristen and writes wonderful, sexy romantic suspense. The last photo is a pure fan girl moment with author Barbara Freethy, who writes intelligent and scary romantic suspense. Hmmm...I think there is a killer trend among the people I seek out.

So, networking is my favorite memory and moments. I see people I only see once a year, I get energized and remotivated. Oh, and there is great food, lots of chocolate, and books galore. What more could a girl want?

Choose one moment? NEVER!

Delilah Marvelle

Currently: I am preparing for the launch of my debut book and the first in my School
of Gallantry series, MISTRESS OF PLEASURE, which will be out in only 12 days. ACK!
It's both exciting and exhausting. The good news is that I am actually still writing despite
the chaos and despite the fact that the kids are not yet back in school. I have officially commenced book 3, Moment of Pleasure, (yay!) and am speeding toward having
a three book proposal ready for my agent and editor by mid-September.

Mood: Insanely excited. This sort of excitement should be illegal...

So for the topic of the month, I was supposed to blog about my most memorable conference moment. To this I say, I am a rebel and REFUSE to choose merely one moment. That would be like asking a parent to choose which child was their favorite. I met my editor and agent for the first time. I met fellow Kensington authors I have been cyber chatting with all year. And of course That being said, I am and always have been of the belief that pictures can sometimes be far more expressive and entertaining than words (though I can't support that belief often or we'll all be out of jobs...). So below, you will find "moments" from the San Francisco conference caught by my i-phone.

Need I say more?

Italian wine airing on the table. AT THE FOUR SEASONS, mind you. Myself, Christina McMorris and her mother Linda (who were up for the Golden Heart) and Mary Lou celebrated together in style. By far, an exquisite experience, me being a foodie and all. I was having such a bloody good time that I ended up drinking far more than I should have. I ended up being "guided" out by all the girls. Most certainly a "moment." Fortunately, I still remember all of it.

My amazing meal of Kobe steak. AT THE FOUR SEASONS (I still haven't recovered).

Caviar and lobster and mushroom caps. AT THE FOUR SEASONS.

These are authentic historical weapons. I attended a fabulous class on weaponry at the Hearts through History and Beau Monde Conference just shortly before conference officially commenced.

Creating sultry clinch cover pictures with my roommates while basking in the glory of all the books we all scored with. This sexy kitten is my CP, and writer extraordinaire, Maire Jolie.

My fantastic roommate, Lenora Bell, looking wickedly sultry and stunning.
My other gorgeous roommate, Hannah Rhys Barnes, knowing how to strut her stuff.
The weaponry class from the Hearts Through History and Beau Monde Conference. This is a Lady's pistol from the early 1800's. It was the first time in my life I ever truly wanted to own a weapon. It was absolutely beautiful, its history rolling off of it.

My wonderful roommates, Jessie and Hannah.

We arrived early to San Francisco to take in the sights.

Japan town. All over these bamboo plants, there were hundreds of colorful papers attached to the branches by rubber hands. On each paper, wishes and hopes written upon every one. I added my wish to one of the trees. If it comes true, I am donating a huge sum of money to the owner of these bamboo plants.

Lacey's Textile Museum. All the clothing from the early and late 19th century was so beautifully displayed and preserved. I didn't want to leave! This here is a spencer jacket and gown from 1810. What was worse than leaving this place? Leaving broke. I ended up spending over $200 in research books that I simply could not pass up. Most were imported from England.

Yes, let me explain this one. Lenora, Maire, Kristina, Linda and myself found ourselves at the Supper Club. When you enter, they stamp you with one of two stamps. Either slut or bitch. Lenora here was a slut. I was a bitch (how did they know?) They then whisked us into this fabulously all white room, with white lacquered stairs and walls and ceilings and white huge cushioned lounging chairs that were really more like beds. We all were laying around the entire night, being served on hand and foot with fabulous food, watching amazing entertainment, taking massages from a gal that was going around offering and talking the whole night.

Now what sort of a post would this have been if I had pasted up one little measly photo? Overindulgence is good. Do remember that. Especially when you're at conference. Until next time.

Cheers,

Delilah Marvelle

I Dig Research

No reason to deny it, I'm a research junkie. In many ways its the best part of writing. Oh, I also dig the creative process, the beginnings of a plot and conversations from characters demanding their story. But research--an excuse to waste (ah, spend) days chasing down my interests. I initially became hooked on research when I was writing Native American historicals which explains all my NA nonfiction books (well marked).
Research, for me, is free-flowing. I grab one piece of information which leads to another piece which takes me on a right turn to other possibilities. Most of it I know I won't use but how do I know what's important if I don't explore, right?
Current Example: I've been invited to write a novella for an Aphrodisia erotic anthology with a Cowboy themes. In other words, the story isn't going to be much longer than 25k words, hardly room for world-building or impressing readers with my knowledge of obscure subjects, but I can pretend, right?
I knew I wanted my hero to participate in a program designed to train and tame wild mustangs (there is such a program, sponsored by by Mustang Heritage Foundation) But strange as it must seem, I'm not an expert in handling wild horses so off I went into the Internet yesterday. The focus these days, thank goodness, is no longer on breaking a mustang's spirit. Instead, natural horsemenship gentling techniques are employed. I now know just enough to be dangerous (never fear, I'm not going to get in a corral with a mustang stallion, I ain't no fool) I've printed out a stack of pages on the techniques, the Mustang Heritage Foundation, and the competition my hero will participate in. I'm tempted to keep exploring, to run to the library, interview the local horse trainer who gave me the idea, maybe trek down to Sacramento and watch the next competition. However, I've yet to write page one of the story (or give it a title) and its due sometime soon. (Note to self, check contract)
Another however, I believe my heroine is going to be a vet tech, which I know nothing about so.....
And its a shame to limit my newfound fascination with mustangs to a novella and soon I'll be done with my current Aphrodisia book contracts and in need of writing a new proposal and since I have all this information....
HELP, I NEED AN INTERVENTION
Vonna
www.VonnaHarper.com

Visions in San Francisco

Suzanne Macpherson

Working on: Proposals

Mood: Focused and Fearless!

Kudos to RWA for presenting Gail Blanke as their motivational speaker. Gail is an incredibly dynamic person and she set forth a wonderful path of thoughtful steps toward making our lives more genuine. For writers I think this was a particularly good presentation. I went home and read her book Between Trapezes and it very much spoke to me. I think that the San Francisco conference had much to offer in the way of inspiration for those of us in the process of reinventing ourselves.

As writers we can certainly connect with this affirmation:

Never Underestimate the Power of a Vision

Vision is what propels us into our stories. Vision is what makes us dare to put ourselves out there into the magical world of publishing. I’m going to skip the negative descriptions of the industry and go for a new vision. Every day editors read, buy and publish books. It is a never ending process. It is a revolving door! That means it never truly closes. Whenever that amazing moment happens when we slip into the revolving door and step over into the other side, into the beautiful marble tiled lobby of The Publishing World, that is our moment. We can’t MISS the moment because it is still revolving, waiting for us.

Courage, strength, and never underestimating the power of your vision is what takes you there. Sometimes that means things fall away - Gail talked about letting go of the old trapeze so you can grab on to the new one! That in-between space is where we take a deep breath and rejuvenate the vision. Maybe change genres, maybe re-evaluate the way we’ve always written and expand ourselves. Maybe go for a walk in the summer sun and feel the stress fall away. Maybe just bask in gratitude for how far we’ve come and where our vision has taken us so far.

I have a vision of a quiet house in the country. I’d like an office with a separate entrance so I can throw open the French doors and let the garden inspire me. In that office I can close my eyes and find my center- the part of me that delights in writing books that touch people’s hearts. In that office is a cat that likes to climb on the desk and watch me. Vases of flowers, bookcases full of great books, art on the wall, and all the papers filed behind the closed doors of a wall full of cupboards! In that office I will write a bestseller!

What is your vision?

Peace, Suzanne

SF - Fabulous Town for a Conference . . .

Working on: about five different projects, all with different copies in various stages of progress. I've GOTTA get a better system!

Mood: Ever optimistic

Yes, San Francisco is a great town for a conference, probably one of the very best I can think of. But unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it this year. I really regret it. As a general rule, regardless of where it's held, National is energizing, inspiring, a good place to both water the horses and refill the well, an opportunity to connect with others you usually visit with only by e-mail, including your editor, your agent, perhaps future versions of the aforementioned, or a long-distance critique group or partner. If you need hope or fire or courage kindled in you, National is definitely the place to get those things. It's good for both published and unpublished writers alike--there is something for everyone at National. It's a chance to talk with other people who understand this business, all that mystifying minutiae that causes the eyes of your family and non-writer friends to glaze over and offer a vague comment such as, "That's nice, dear," or "That's too bad, dear." And I missed it, dang it all.

If you did too, keep your eyes on the prize in Washington DC next summer. Regrets are a bummer to drag around behind you and life is too short for them--bags of books and luggage are much more fun!

Conferences?

Currently: Yeah! Claudia's Pleasure (under my Anh Leod name) is released today at Ellora's Cave! If you like your romance hot and steamy, this is the novella for you... http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419917028

Mood: Overstimulated. Why, oh why, can't release days be holidays from the day job?

Sadly, I'm not much of a conference-goer. No matter how many times I promise myself to do it, I have never attended National. Any conference, unless maybe it is within an easy driving distance from your home, is pretty darn expensive and I'm a dollar store kind of woman these days.

I did attend the Romantic Times Convention in 2007. This turned out to be a good thing. Though it didn't mean, as a newly published author, that I sold tons of books (my naive expectation), I networked with fellow authors and management of my publishing house, and learned about a new imprint that I later sold a book to-nonfiction! It was a lot of fun to have fan girl moments as well.

Other growth experiences from conferences include learning about Natalie Goldberg and her timed writing method, thinking deeply about what drives me as an author courtesy of Stella Cameron and being moved to tears by Kristin Hannah's keynote speech on why she became a writer. All of these moments happened at the Emerald City conference, which is coming to Bellevue in October. If you can afford it (and only if you really can) it's well worth attending.

Conference Moment

Terri Reed
Currently trying to organzie office so I can get a couple of proposals off to my editor.

Mood: fidgety. The sun is shining, the kids are at camp and I hate cleaning.






Picking just one favorite moment of the RWA National conference held in San Francisco wasn’t possible for me. I have so many wonderful memories.

I met with five of the six other women that I blog with at http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/ (pictured here at the Harlequin party-Pamela Tracey, Roxanne Rustand, Debby Gusti, Lisa Margaret Daley, Lisa Mondello and me). The Harlequin party was a blast, with great music and lots of dancing. Its fun to see the editors cut loose.
I attended some very informative workshops and reconnected with people I only get to see once a year, which is always a highlight. As was visiting the wharf with two of my fellow board members and visiting Alcatraz with RCRW members, Darla, Ginger, Su and her husband. It was a beautiful day and we all got a little pink from the sun.
Being on the national board also added to the experience. The board arrived the Saturday before conference started for the board meeting, which went extremely well. The women who serve on the national board are talented, intelligent and thoughtful, with a deep commitment for the future of RWA.
The RITA gala was wonderfully done. The speakers for the Keynote, the Lunchoen and the MC of the RITA gala were awesome and awe inspiring.
Overall, I think this conference was the best I've attended.

Is Darcy Here?

JENNA BAYLEY-BURKE

Currently: Keeping busy with the baby so as not to think about what we'll get to FIRST IMPRESSIONS in due time means in editor speak and getting ideas for a new book. So far I have lawyer jokes, wedding cakes, half a synopsis, Becki Newton and Simon Baker.

Mood: Sadly, still daydreaming of sleep...

--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~

The hotel ballroom was sectioned off into the haves and have nots. Those with editor or agent appointments, and those waiting to pick up the scraps left by writers who failed to show up. The haves showed up twenty minutes before their appointment and stood in one line and then another. The have nots waited on chairs, swarming towards a volunteer who dared approach the hungry mob with news of who had an open seat across the table.

You can imagine the tension buzzing in the room as I waited for my appointment with an editor (for a now defunct line, but that's not the point). I was so relieved to see a local chaptermate. She'd spent the better part of the day in the room, scoring more appointments than my nervous stomach could handle.

She's just began to tell me of her latest chat with an agent whose mere name made my palms sweat when she screamed and jumped at least a foot in the air!

When she landed I looked swiftly for cameras (not a Punked or Candid Camera crew member in sight). As I was scanning the room I noticed where she was pointing...to the floor. There stood proud a cockroach half the size of her shoe!

Oregon is thankfully cockroach deprived, so I nearly let out a yelp of my own. Only every eye in the room staring at the girl who screached kept my own mouth closed. One of the hotel staff sauntered in (surely, a scream qualifies as something you need to run for, but obviously this guy never worked at Les Schwab ). He asked what the problem was and my still breathless friend pointed at the vermin.

"Oh, well, that must have come in one of the boxes of books."

Sure it did. Because there wasn't a book in the room and something that size would have gone unnoticed. Uh-huh.

All I could think to say was, "Could you step on it?"

Hotel service with a crunch. My friend made a bee line out of the room, probably to shower from the experience. I had to pretend all the way through my appointment that I wasn't thinking about roaches!

The Colorado Gold

I didn't attend RWA's national conference last week. Did I miss going? It's kind of hard for me to miss something I've never experienced, but I always hear how wonderful it is so I'd like to go someday. If I'd had the time and money, I probably would have made the trip last week. But alas, I have a day job and I'm financially challenged.

Though I've never been to nationals, I make it a point to attend smaller conferences whenever I can. My absolute favorite that I've never missed in fifteen years is Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Colorado Gold. Why is it so special? Because it's all fiction, all genres. Very, very cool. You get the best of all worlds at this conference. The next one coming up is in September and I can hardly wait! Every year I reunite with dozens of writer friends I've known for as long as I've been attending this conference.

There are several things that set this conference apart and make it special. Lots of male writers attend this event and it's great to hear the guys' perspectives on writing. The guest agents and editors hear pitches from attendees, present their own workshops and panels, just like they do at RWA conferences. But the bonus is the critique workshops with the agents and editors who run them. I've learned so much from these intimate gatherings where an industry pro has read your sample pages beforehand and offers feedback in a group setting with a handful of other attendees. I love it!

I also enjoy the pre conference party for all the committee people who help make the conference happen. In fact, every evening is party time. I eat too much, drink too much, and never get enough sleep. Though I used to attend all the workshops years ago, now I only catch two or three, and buy the CDs of the interesting ones I missed. I also give a workshop or two myself. But my greatest delight is soaking up the creative energy from all these inspirational people, my fellow writers, who share my passion for writing books. It's awesome! And it charges my creative battery for another year.

Being with people who "get me" as a writer is invaluable. I think any conference anywhere will do that. Being around people who share my same interest in writing is like being in heaven. It's the best!

Coming home

Delle Jacobs

Currently working on FAERIE, after leaving it for a week.

Mood: Really, really tired

I'm sitting in the Sn Diego airport, accessing free wireless, and will be on m,y way hpome at last in a little less than an hour. I didn't go to conference, per se. I went to the BEau Monde conference on Wednesday, and left on Thursday afternoon after seeing several friends. Then * flew to San Diego to visit two of my brothers and families. That's a story in and of itself, and I'll let you in on it when I blog later n the month at the Wet Noodle Posse on People as Inspiration.

The Beau Monde is one of the major highlights of conference for me. It's a real treat to see people I don't actually know even though we've corresponded for years. But more than that, we share a common interest in our genre, the Regency Historical Romance. Sometimes we take things to extremes, but even those who don't go the full distance have a strong interest in history and getting the details right to maske our stories vividly believable.

I was the coordinator for the Beau Monde contest, the Royal ascot, this year. And this is the point at which I announce the winners and give out the awards. This year we had a winner come all the way from Australia. The workshops are always interesting, and this year een more so because we combined with the Hearts Through History chapter, and brought in re-enactors and experts in all periods.

I had intended to see Medieval workshops but ended up in Arms & Armour and Roman Hand-to-Hand Combat. (Missed morning workshops because I was helping coordinate the silent auction.) I enjoyed the armor exhibit, although the fellow presenting seemed to be at a loss for descriptive words most of the time. He had some authentic, restored pieces of armor from several centuries .

Ooops, gotta go. They're calling my fl;ght. I'll finish this after I get home.

Delle

Is That Where We’re Going This Year?

Susan Lute

Currently working on My Garden, and a single title romance that’s in it’s infant stages.

Mood: Determined. Hoisting myself up by my five inch stiletto sandal straps, and moving on.

There's always a lot to learn at National, but my favorite conference moment happens long before the conference begins. Sometime between October and January each year, I check out the hotel and the city were RWA is having their next National Conference. Most of the time, I decide to go because I fall in love with the hotel, or because I’ve never been to the host city. Okay, yes, I’m an architecture geek. I couldn’t tell you a thing about hotel architectural styles, but I’m easily seduced and always at first sight. This year the conference is being held in San Francisco. Be still my thumping heart.

Since I'm a little challenge in the adding pics from the web department, you have to make due with my humble descriptive efforts. :) This year the conference is being held at the San Francisco Marriott. What’s not to love about a building that soars majestically into the sky like a lovingly shaped mirror, with sun reflecting off it's windows? The lobby is sedate with old world charm; the view from the View lounge breathtaking; the Ballroom reminds me of the Oscars.

My next favorite thing about conference is exploring the hotel and the host city. I’m an avid pedestrian visitor. I love walking the nearby neighborhoods and taking pictures, though this year a ride on the cable cars is a must. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones is part of the lure of conference.

My most favorite memory though, is from New Orleans. It was my first RWA conference and my first visit to the city. Delilah Arhent, now Marvelle, and a few of us from Rose City were sitting in the lobby of the hotel, when a couple of young men started flirting with her and wouldn’t take her I’m not interested signals seriously. Delilah can take care of herself, but I couldn’t resist lending a hand, so I walked up, put my arm around her and ask them what they were up to with my daughter. They blinked. We laughed. New Orleans was fun and I have to say, so far, my favorite host city.