My Conference Experience - the Begnning

It is hard to beleive that a week ago today I was in Washington, DC at the Romance Writer's of America Conference. I think my mind is still sorting through the information and experience. I would have posted sooner, but I had some issues with my laptop and didn't get it back to full running capacity until a day or so ago. Not sure what the cause was, but I am certain dropping it on the hard floor at the airport didn't help. I now have to fight to open the DVD drive. Oh well, it could be worse.


I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and after checking into my gorgeous room at the Omni Shoreham, I left to meet up with my critique partners. Until that day, I had only met two of them face to face. It was wonderful to get to know Jerrica, Kelli, Michelle, Heather and Julie in person and see Jodie and Tammy once again. We enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner and I swear I pulled stomach muscles from laughing so hard. This evening set the tone for the entire conference. I am really not sure I have laughed so much in my life, or at least not in recent memory.


Wednesday night we attended the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing. There were more than 500 authors waiting to sign books. The room was loud and invigorating. The proceeds from this event went to ProLiteracy Worldwide and local literacy charities. I forget the amount of money raised, but it was in the tens of thousands of dollars. Our next stop was the Beau Monde Soiree, where an array of delicious desserts were offered (this is not the time or place to even be thinking about a diet). Several attendees were dressed in period clothing and it was fun to watch the dance master teach the steps to a Regency Era country dance.


Thursday morning was the official opening with Janet Evanovich as the speaker. I was unable to attend the General Meeting but did attend the luncheon where Linda Howard was the keynote speaker. Both of these authors were enjoyable and inspirational to listen to. I am embarassed to admit that I have not read the books by either of them. However, after listening to them speak, they have been added to my ever growing of list of books and authors to read.


Following lunch, the workshops began. As this is already long, I will write about what I learned in a separate post.