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Posts Tagged ‘RWA conference’
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
 The dog days of summer are here, and I confess to a certain wistfulness at knowing that as I type this in my office at home, the annual Romance Writers of America conference is in full swing in Orlando, Florida. I’ll miss the excitement of going to the airport, the hugs of seeing old friends in all the subgenres of romance, the Wall of Noise that is the Literacy Signing (tonight), miss meeting with my wonderful agent Elaine English and wonderful editor Melissa Endlich, and the fabulous Harlequin party. Sounds like they’re going to do their best to keep the party crashers out of the latter this year, an improvement which has long been needed. For too long any wannabe with enough chutzpah has waltzed right in and availed themselves of free food and liquor, not caring that attendance to this fabulous party is a right to be earned by actually SELLING to Harlequin, Silhouette, Steeple Hill and all their various other imprints, not something to be seized. But I digress.
Yes, I’ll miss all of the above, but I made a choice not to go because I don’t have a book out currently, am not up for an award, and have already had a great vacation this in Wyoming and Montana–see a coupla blogs ago. I’m consoling myself by reminding myself what I will NOT miss–the expense, the stress of airplane travel (it’s just NOT fun any more), the lines, getting up before my body clock is ready, and the feeling that I should be home writing.
Because as soon as I’m done with this blog, I will be working on COURTING CARO. Maybe you’re one of these marvelous souls who can write at a conference, and I have tried in the past, and got a little done, but not much. Have a good time, y’all! While you’re partying, I’m going to try and forge ahead. Nah nah nah nah nah nah! <beg>
Blessings, Laurie
Tags: Elaine English, Harlequin party, Melissa Endlich, RWA conference, writing life
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Saturday, July 18th, 2009
The last two days have been busy here in Washington D.C. I’ve gotten a little writing done–during the opening keynote and General Assembly, I hid out in my room and was decently productive. Not sure how the business meeting came out, but the older I get, the less patience I have with strident politics of the few in RWA, and with parliamentary procedure. Let those who groove on such things hold office and make decisions.
Had lunch with old friends, Mary Jo Putney and Patricia Rice, and new friend Anne Gracie from Down Under, at a charming Mediterranean restaurant called Medeterra (I hope I’m spelling it right). Great tabouleh and marvelous company.
Attended a few workshops–I’ve decided I’m going to have to spend the extra to get the conference MP3 collection–there’s just no way one can attend all of these marvelous offerings.
And last night was the Harlequin party–as usual, a wonderful, noisy time, complete with the traditions of this party–the chocolate fountain and decadent desserts, the great DJ, dancing to “It’s Raining Men” and “Brick House” and all of us singing the “Summer Nights” medley from “Grease.” An added feature this year were the historic book covers projected on the wall, many of them laughably pulp-fictiony–you could sure tell men were the artists. They reminded me of the the old romance comic books. Then there were the newer ones, and among them was good friend Deborah Simons’ next month release, THE DARK KNIGHT. WOOHOO, Deb! I wish she had been there to see it!
Today’s the biggest–breakfast with my agent, lunch with my editor and some other authors, the Rita Awards tonight. I better go get started!
Blessings, Laurie
Tags: Deborah Simmons, RWA conference
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Saturday, August 2nd, 2008
By far the best Harlequin party I’ve ever attended last night, from the food–delicious mini-egg rolls, dim sum, and the chocolate fountain to dim skewers of fruit, cake, etc.–to the dancing. This non-party animal got up and danced! And I’ve got the body aches to prove it! I stayed way later than I intended.
Had lunch with Mary Jo Putney at John’s Grill, which apparently figured heavily in THE MALTESE FALCON. Always great to catch up with old friends, and she’s one of the best at friendship in this business as well as being a darn fine writer!
I’m just getting ready to go to a workshop or two and the Rita Award ceremony tonight. By this point at the conference I’m already more focused on getting back home, and more tempted by the comforts of my room and getting repacked than by the workshops. It’ll be good to get back home, but I’m glad I’ve got ACFW’s conference to look forward to.
Blessings, Laurie
Tags: Harlequin party, RWA conference, writer friends
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