That’s Romance Writers of America, for those of you scratching your heads out there.
And now you’re probably scratching your head, wondering why I shelled out the considerable money not only to join RWA, but to go to Atlanta for their annual conference. Other than my short story, Love Magick, I write Urban/Dark Fantasy with what those in the writing industry call “strong secondary romantic elements.” First, RWA is one of the most supportive professional associations I’ve ever been a part of. They host incredible workshops, their member magazine is filled with articles about the craft of writing and the industry, they welcome self-published writers to their ranks and offer articles and workshops tailed to our sometimes different needs.
Plus romance writers are fun. I went solo to this conference, not knowing anyone there, and immediately found myself welcomed at tables, warmly greeted at workshops. Everyone treated me as part of their big ole extended family.
The workshops were amazing – panels discussing the fine line on far a writer could go in young adult novels without hitting adult backlash, marketing and discoverability for both self-pub and trad pub authors, and a plethora of research workshops on epidemic diseases, undercover operations, and special forces equipment – all presented by experts.
(Yes, I said “plethora”)
I came home with a carry-on bag filled with paperbacks, and an iPad full of notes. Next year is in San Antonio – hope I can make it!
debradunbar
Ooo, now I’m all psyched to go! I promise I won’t sing if you don’t, LOL
Susan Illene
Yeah, it’s going to be hot, but at least we can go visit the river walk. So many great shops and food places along there, plus it’s got a great atmosphere. I visited it once in high school when we went on our out-of-state choir competition. No, I can’t sing, but I can pretend, lol.
Susan Illene
Maybe you’re just going to have to join us on this side of the pond for the RWA conference next year, Mark. Imagine the havoc we could wreak with all three of us together! lol
debradunbar
Well, those special forces guys have the really big guns *wink*. And now I can say I’ve seen one up close and in person.
It’s a great conference. I’m so glad I could go this year.
Mark Henwick
Sounds fun and surprisingly wide scope – special forces equipment! Do RWA writers find special forces have equipment that differs from mere mortals, or have I got the wrong end of the thingy?
I’m just jealous. There are conferences over this side of the pond, but they’re relatively low key and nothing that calls to me as a UF writer.
debradunbar
I hope so too! Of course, San Antonio in July is going to be like the fifth circle of Hell, LOL. They need to have these things in Maine, or something.
Susan Illene
Sounds like it was well worth the trip. Thanks for putting an update on how things went (not that I wasn’t text messaging you and asking, lol). I hope we can work things out so we can go together next year. That would be awesome!