#RWA13 The Best Conference Ever!

RWA 13 has to be the most epic con ever. I met people  I know will change my life, made new friends, and fed off the energy of over 2000 writers all packed into one space.

I started off with a little sight seeing at the Atlanta History Center. The Swan House is not to be missed. For the same ticket price, we toured The Margaret Mitchell House. Actually, Margaret (Peggy to her friends) rented out a 3 room apartment space within the house. This is where she wrote the classic American novel, GONE WITH THE WIND. Long my favorite of all time. I rubbed the lion’s head newel post for luck as she did.

I capped the day off with the RWA Literacy signing where I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and bought a ton of books! We raised over $52,000 this year.

Thursday, I attended the PRO Retreat where all the buzz was Traditional VS. Self Publishing and the new Hybrid author. Highlight for me was Esi Sogah, editor from Kensington. She made my day when she said Romantic Suspense is on the rise and she is looking for it. When asked about Trad vs Self publishing, she made a thought provoking comment, and I’m paraphrasing here, “Book selling is a business. Do you want to be in business, or not?”

But the day was not over. I attended the FF&P Chapter’s THE GATHERING and Prism Awards, congrats to all the winners. What a fun time.  Then the Borough’s Publishing Open House where I snagged a request from Editor Chris Keeslar.

Friday more workshops and my first scheduled appointment with Lucienne Diver of the Knight Agency. Request number 2 achieved.

But yes, it gets better. Saturday was my day! Started off with an 8:30 am workshop where I stalked ( uh, took the opportunity to talk with) agent Nicole Resciniti. Request number 3!

And what a treat to spend time with former chapter mate and Harlequin author, Katherine Garbera. Kathy is now living in jolly old England and it’s been an age since we’ve been able to chat. Kathy has been not only a friend, but a mentor to me over the years and I can’t say enough about how awesome I think she is.

And then it happened. While waiting to meet some friends for lunch, I was introduced to Rita Clay Estrada. The Rita, the mother of RWA! She has her own statue and she shook my hand. This has to mean that the publishing gods have spoken and I will get a publishing contract this year. Right?

And then it was time for my editor appointment with Kate Dresser of Harlequin HQN. I think Kate and I were separated at birth because we hit it off immediately. It was not like a pitch appointment, it was like running into an old and very dear friend. BFF and request number 4. Even if Kate doesn’t buy my book, I still heart her. =)

Heart overflowing with joy, I dressed for the Rita and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony. During the conference we were treated to some inspiring, uplifting, and at times tear jerking presentations from keynote speakers, Cathy Maxwell and Kristin Higgins. But no one can hold a candle to Awards Ceremony Emcee, Christie Craig. She really could be a stand up comedienne. From pulling rejection letters out of her bra to explaining to us the difference between how a northerner and a southerner start a story, she rocked the house. By the way, here’s how you tell: Northerner – “Once upon a time. Southerner – You ain’t gonna believe this sh*t.” LOL! Congrats to all the finalists and winners!

As I drove out of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with co-pilot, Gloria Ferguson AKA GLO Z, Laura Kirkland, and Tina Sacco, I was still flying on the conference high. Another friend and chapter mate, Debra Jess literally flew home, but it seemed appropriate since she writes “high flying fiction”!  Although we passed through many storms, we had a safe trip home convoying with chapter President and Loveswept author, Ruth Owen.

And that was my takeaway from the conference. No matter how your writing journey unfolds, don’t give up on your dreams. Keep writing, keep submitting, and one day, you too can be up on stage in sparkles and sequins clutching Rita (the statue version) in your sweaty palms as tears stream down your face. Tears of joy and gratitude for all the friends who supported you and helped you achieve this special moment.

I keep hearing that Disney song from Cinderella playing in my head, “A dream is a wish your heart makes…” Cherish your dreams, nurture them, and believe. It can happen.