I didn't meant to let so much time go by between recaps, but I've been busy working on revisions! So now I'm up to Friday. Janette and I stayed up until 2 AM talking, and then had to get up bright and early Friday morning for the Harlequin booksigning. I think I had 3 hours sleep total, because I woke up around 5 and couldn't go back to sleep. *sigh* The booksigning was a blast! I met so many people whose names I recognized from online, but that I'd never met in person before. I won't remember them all, but I met Lynn Spencer from All About Romance, AztecLady – who really wanted her books signed to AztecLady – and Kris from LoveLetter Magazine, who came all the way from Germany. I also met Jami Gold, who has commented on this site, but I can't remember whether I met her here or at the Lit Signing! She is lovely and has a gorgeous blue streak in her hair. 🙂
So many people came up to say hi and get my book, and I really wish I could remember them all! If you met me at either of the signings, tell me, because I'll remember if you give me a few little details. In the end, I signed all my books and had none left (yay!). And I got to sit beside my friend Carla Cassidy, which was awesome. I've known Carla for many years now (I won't say how many, because it makes us both seem older than we'd like, ha) and it was just wonderful to get to sit beside her for an hour and a half and chat when we could.
After the signing, it was nearly time for lunch. I'd arranged to meet some old friends (Carla included) and we had a fabulous time catching up during the banquet. After lunch, I finally got to the ONE workshop I would attend the entire time I was there (other than the one I gave). It was a fabulous PAN workshop and I learned a lot. Then it was time to dash off to the Harlequin Series Spotlight, where I got all misty eyed when they put my cover up while talking about Harlequin Presents. The editors were talking about new writers they'd bought for the line and why they'd bought them. I was the writer chosen for Presents, and it was quite humbling and lovely to sit there and listen to the nice things they said.
Seriously, no matter how successful a writer may seem to you, at heart she's still that trembling and insecure writer she was at the very beginning in some ways. Hearing that your publisher loves you is a good thing, no matter where you are in your career. When the RWA conference CDs come out, I'll be playing back that part to listen to whenever I feel down about my writing. 🙂 (I could use them right now, truthfully! I'm starting a book over today because it didn't quite work as I had it. It's only 2 chapters I have to throw away, but still. It's hard.)
After the spotlight, I had coffee with some of the Presents authors, and then I went up to my room for a short nap before getting ready for the Harlequin party. The party was, as always, amazing. And this year, Harlequin tightened down on the guest list. No more crashing as in years past — and it was smaller and better because of it. No massive lines at the bars. The dance floor was still crowded, but you could find a place to get your groove on. 😉
Janette and I made it back to our room around 1, I think. We talked briefly, but fell asleep pretty quick. We both slept in on Saturday morning, then got ready for the Presents lunch with the editors at the Grand Floridian. That was a marvelous time! We had wonderful food, and I got to talk to Linda Fildew and Jenny Hutton quite a bit. Jane Porter and Janette Kenny rounded out our end of the table, and we had a lovely conversation.
Too soon, I had to get back to the Dolphin for the workshop I was giving with Blaze author Kira Sinclair. Imagine my surprise to walk into that room for the last workshop of the day, and find it was standing room only. We hadn't expected quite so many people, but we had a good crowd and only a minor hitch with equipment that was quickly straightened out. At the end, we gave away the books we had brought and chatted with attendees. It's so wonderful to know that you've helped people have an aha moment with their writing. I've been the recipient of many aha moments, so I like to give them back if at all possible. 🙂
Almost as soon as the workshop was over, it was time to get dressed for the RITAs. Janette and I met up with several of the Presents authors so we could get a table together and support our Presents nominees – Jennie Lucas, Jane Porter, Anne McAllister, and Kelly Hunter (for Modern Heat). We had a lovely dinner and a fun time together, and then adjourned to the Blue Zoo for drinks. I think the party broke up around midnight. Jan and I went back to our room, stayed up to pack, and then said goodnight. Sunday, we went our separate ways, and after 4 hours delay at the Orlando airport, I was finally on the way home. Hubby took me for barbecue, not that it was our first choice but it was still open when I got home late, and then I came home and crashed.
Recovery always takes several days, and this time was no exception. The lack of sleep, the constant go-go-go, and the incessant talking catch up with you at the end. But I love it so much and can't wait until next year! I finally got my camera cord, so here are a few pictures.
Sandra Marton and me
Michelle Styles, Carole Mortimer, and Jennie Lucas
Tea at the Grand Floridian
Carla Cassidy and me
Susan Stephens, Maisey Yates, and Sandra Marton
Maisey Yates, Kate Hewitt, me, Jennie Lucas, Kimberly Lang
The DJ and me
Jennie Lucas and me
That's the RWA10 conference recap! I'm sure I have forgotten much of the details, but you don't want to read a blow by blow detailed recap anyway. I had so much fun, as always, and I got to see so many people I adore, meet new people I've known online only, and talk to the most interesting women imaginable. The national conference is jam-packed busy, but it's always a great time. If you've never been, I suggest you make plans to go. You'll come away inspired, I assure you.
And now I have a new book to get busy writing! Leave a comment for a chance to win some conference goodies — books and swag, my dears!
UPDATE: The winner is Kirby! Kirby, send my your details at lynn AT lynnrayeharris DOT com, and I'll make a trip to the post office….. 😉
RWA really was a blast! I had so much fun meeting you…and everyone! And it’s true what you said about most writers having insecurities, in spite of success. Actually, it’s funny, the only overly confident, rude writers I’ve met are not the really famous ones. 😉
You are so right about the over confident ones, LOL! Everyone is always so gracious. I think it’s rare to run into those who aren’t, but I know they’re out there. It was a fun time, wasn’t it? 🙂
Great recap, Lynne. Sounds like you had a blast. I am visting Florida in three weeks where would I be able to buy US copies of your book while there? Am going to fill my boots with Harlequin books!!
Best Wishes
Setta
Hi, Seeta! I hope you have a blast in Florida! You should be able to get my books from any bookstore — they won’t be in stock, but they can order them in for you. Or, you could order from Amazon or B&N while you are in the US. 🙂 I wish they were still on the shelf, but they aren’t, sigh.
Lynn, thanks for sharing your trip to Orlando. Though I was there too, I had no idea how many events you had planned to attend. From the moment we arrived late to the hotel till the airport delays coming home, it sounds like you had a blast! 😆
I had a marvelous time, Kathy! I was sorry I didn’t get to see my HOD peeps more often, but it was seriously non-stop for me. 🙂
Great pics. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I hope they reschedule Nashville some time.
Nashville would be great! I hope they reschedule there sometime too. It would be so nice to go to that hotel. 🙂
Wow, Lynn, I feel so honored that you remembered meeting *me*. Really, I’m doing a silent squee right now. And with your busy schedule, I had no idea I wouldn’t get a chance to talk to you again, so I’m very glad I made a point of stopping by to talk to you.
And you make me want to be a Harlequin author just so I can be at their party! Love your dress in those pictures – it would match my streak. 🙂
But you know what’s funny? After our quick chat, I completely forgot to get your book! Ack! LOL! I mean, come on, I wrote a whole post about how many books I came home with, how the heck did I miss yours???
LOL, how could I forget you, Jami? My dress would definitely match your streak, btw! The worst part about that dress, as much as I love it, is that I’d lost weight and it was about to fall off! I tried it on about 3 weeks before conference, and it was fine. A little loose, but not too bad. Then I lost more weight. I kept having to pull up the straps all night, LOL.
Sorry you forgot to get my book! Conference will do that to you, though. You just get so busy it’s easy to forget things! The pace is so fast, really. Before you know it, it’s over!
Losing weight is *not* a bad problem to have. LOL!
Yes, this was my first conference and ‘overwhelming’ was my word of the week.
As a non US reader I love these recap posts of the RWA. There is going to be a year in the near future I’m going to attend but until then I’m glad many take the time to write up these posts so I can enjoy the RWA frenzy with them 😉
We’d love to see you at RWA, Leontine! (I can’t help it, but when I see your name, I think of the opera singer.) 🙂
It was fantastic to meet you at RWA10. Still can’t wait to read more of your books. I’m hoping that once I get away from the major revisions and get my ms submitted, I’ll have time!! 🙂
Love the RWA10 pictures. That was such a great experience! My first conference, and I just learned so much and met so many great people.
I’m so glad you had fun at your first conference! It is an amazing and inspirational time! I’ve not missed one since my first in 2007, and I hope I get to go every year. 🙂
The RWA10 Pictures looked like you had the best time! I hope one day to be able to attend!
I hope so too, Kirby! It’s a great time!
Looks and sounds like you had a great time at RWA. I would love to go one year. I absolutely love your blue dress, in the DJ picture 🙂
Thank you, Jeanine! That DJ is pretty cute too, huh? 😉
I love to read!
Wow, is this another Jeannine!? Thanks for stopping by! I love to read too! 🙂
I was unable to attend the actual conference but I did attend the literary signing. It was amazing!! I didn’t get to see as many people as I wanted but it still was mind blowing!
It is definitely mind-blowing, Bronwyn! It just stretches on forever!
One of these days, I REALLY want to go to the RWA conference!
I hope you get there! It’s a great time, and very inspirational. 🙂
Wow, that’s what I call fun. I would love to have been there. I’ve been reading some of the excerpts to your books and realize I haven’t had time to do much reading this summer but, the girls are going back to school on Thursday and I plan to make up for it. I’ve added several of your books to my shopping list. Thanks & have a beautiful afternoon. 😛
Hi, Teresa! Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the books. 🙂
everyone looks so glam! looks like it was a ton of fun!!!
It’s the only time I get to be glam, Meaghan! Otherwise, I’m in the sweat pants and t-shirts, slaving over my computer. 😉
I saw your post mentioned on Twitter and rushed over. I love RWA recaps. 🙂 I followed the conference reports online with much envy – all those romance books and authors in one place. Sigh. The literacy signing would be like Christmas. I hope to make it to one someday.
Ha, that’s a good analogy, Mary! It is a bit like Christmas. 🙂
You all look so beautiful, Lynne. Enjoyed seeing the pictures and putting faces to names.
Hi, Anne! Thanks, so glad you liked the pictures. 🙂
Going to RWA is a dream for me! Especially the Literacy signing. I’m sure you had a blast! It always looks like such fun. One of these days…
Wow, great pics!