RWA 2017 Conference Photos

I'm back from the Romance Writers of America 2017 conference and, as promised, I have pictures to share. In fact, too many pics for one post, so I've split them up. My friend and blog sister over at Harlequin Heartwarming Authors blog, Catherine Lanigan, and I just posted a photo recap of the conference and it includes TONS of pics, from casual gatherings to the famous Harlequin Party held at the Waldorf Astoria! I'll post a few of those, plus additional photos here, but rather than duplicate the posts, here's the link to that one...which we can call RWA17 pics part 1 :). Please check them out because I was up well after midnight putting those photos and the post together!

RWA 2017 PHOTOS PART 1 OVER AT THE HEARTWARMING AUTHORS BLOG

And we can call the pics here, part 2 ;). These pics will include a few of my faves (you might see both places), as well as some with my author friends who aren't with Heartwarming (but they're just as special to me of course).

Let's start with the fact that I finally got to meet my extraordinary editor, Claire Caldwell, in person! Every time we've tried to meet over the past year or two, something has happened. I had to leave the New York conference early in 2015 because of a death in the family...then when she attended my chapter's annual retreat the following spring, I couldn't make it because it coincided with my eldest's Senior Prom and my husband was out of town. Well, this year it finally happened! I knew she was super nice, patient, smart and plain brilliant as an editor, but she was even more so in person!

Catherine Lanigan (also one of Claire's lucky authors) and amazing editor Claire Caldwell. 

Claire Caldwell and me at the Harlequin Party. Sorry for the red photo. Mood lighting!

Claire, myself and Catherine

Okay, I'm posting a little backwards here, since the party wasn't until Friday night, but my other post on the Heartwarming blog goes in chronological order, I promise.

One of the best parts of my conference was getting to see my close friends and annual roomies, Harlequin author Jeannie Watt and her daughter, author Jamie Dallas. Jeannie received an award for reaching 25 books with Harlequin and Jamie had just found out she'd won a Stiletto award (Contemporary mid-length for The Wrong Brother) at an event right before the party! You go girls!

Jeannie Watt, me and Jamie Dallas

Jeannie Watt and Jamie Dallas in front of the Harlequin sign honoring their award recipients. Beautiful ladies!

Jeannie has written for Harlequin Superromance and American in the past...in fact she was my favorite cowboy author long before I got published and, for those of you who follow my posts, you'll remember her as my mentor and the author who made me pitch the book that ended up being my first sale and debut :). I'm so excited that she'll be bringing her cowboys to the Heartwarming family!

Jeannie on the end with her 25 book award. There were more awards afterwards...all the way up to 150 books!

Jeannie and Jamie with her Stiletto contest award.

The lovely and sweet Miranda Indrigo, who is always there to answer any questions we Harlequin Authors have.

Okay, this one's on the other post too, but I had to tease you with how gorgeous the room and dessert set up is at the Harlequin Party. More pics if you follow the post link above!

Authors Cari Lynn Webb, Amy Vastine, Jennifer Snow and Carol Ross at the party.

See that giant screen in the back? Well, Harlequin had book covers rotating through. See my other post of the Heartwarming covers that made it on the big screen. Here's one of Jeannie Watt's 25th book.

Catherine Lanigan and me on our way to the Harlequin Party.

Catherine Lanigan and Kate James. We shared a taxi to the party :).

Our traditional pic! See the other post for the one we took back in 2014!

And then there was the Reader's For Life Literacy Autographing which is open to the public and raises funds for literacy. Check out the other post for pics of all the Heartwarming authors signing. I didn't this year because my next book release isn't until December. Here's a shot of Cari and Jeannie who sat next to each other last year too. These two are a riot. They had me laughing so hard and readers loved them. One reader even brought Jeannie a specially made gift with her book cover on it!

Always great to see Donna Alward at the conference!

And I was excited to see Nancy Holland. It's so fun to run into people you usually see online.

I ran into so many friends and I don't have pics of them all. Some have been shared on Facebook and Twitter though, if you hang out there or lurk. Gosh, if I try and post names, I know I'll miss someone, but a few were Karen Foley, Cathryn Parry, Barbara Wallace, Tanya Agler and so many more! If I forgot to list you, it's from sheer exhaustion...not because I don't love you.

Again, I posted many more pics at the above link to the Heartwarming blog, so I'll leave you with this last (somewhat blurry one). I love it because, although we attend the conference to learn at workshops, meet with our editors/agents and find out about publishing trends, the conference is also about getting to see friends (sometimes only this once a year) who understand what it means to be a writer and who are always supportive and giving.

Kate James, me and Catherine Lanigan

So now that I'm back home, I'm feeling recharged and inspired (albeit tired from travel). I'm working on book 6 in my From Kenya, with Love series, due at the end of the month. Book 5, Every Serengeti Sunrise releases in December (and is up for preorder). I just saw the cover for it and it's very romantic. I'll be doing a cover reveal in my newsletter by tomorrow, so anyone who wants to get an early look at it, sign up soon on my website!

I hope you all get a minute to check out the pics on the Heartwarming blog too. Thanks for visiting and checking the ones I posted here!

Until next time,

Rula :) (who really, really missed getting to see Victoria Curran. Wish you were there!)

RWA Nationals 2013

RWA Nationals in Atlanta was AWESOME and, as always, I'm here to share pics! This was my fifth Nationals meeting and getting to wear that pink 'Sold' ribbon on my name tag was super cool. We all know romance writers are such warm and supportive souls, so there wasn't a hall or room I passed through where someone didn't see the ribbon and say congrats. Thanks to you all for making me feel so special :).

I had the chance to meet so many incredible people I couldn't possibly list everyone's name here. Actually, I feel guilty about that because I loved meeting every one of you (you know who you are) but in the rush to get these pics up for everyone to enjoy, I'm mortified that I might forget to mention someone...so I'm mostly going to stick with who is in the pics...but know that every hello and every minute of chatting with each of you was special to me and I won't forget any of it.

First of all, I felt like I was on cloud nine the entire meeting, so I'll start with a photo I took from my plane window on the way to Atlanta. The photo doesn't do justice to the incredible storm we flew over.

I stayed at the conference hotel, The Marriot Marquis, and every elevator boasted book covers. I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of the elevator with chapter mate and historical author Michelle Willingham's latest cover (hers are always incredible) and so many other authors, but another absolutely gorgeous one is fellow Harlequin Heartwarming author, Tara Randel's cover for Orange Blossom Brides.

One of the first people I met in person (we'd met on the Harl. forums) was Harlequin forum moderator, and total sweetie, Danica. She just sold to Harlequin Love Inspired so we both got to wear 'Sold' ribbons :).

I had a incredible view from my 44th floor room window, but as you can see in the second pic, there was a storm brewing...

One that yours truly got caught in, along with best buddies Superromance authors Kimberly Van Meter (she's taking the pic) and Jeannie Watt (left), writer Jamie Dallas and me. We wore those disposable rain ponchos (bags) as we ventured through the city, got up close and personal with MARTA (a transit system adventure), and got lost in the rain. Given the chuckles and head turns we earned, I think we sort of stood out...especially when something like five cars in a row drove through a flooding gutter along the road and sent tidal waves of water all over us. Don't let the bags fool you...my jeans in the pic are soaking wet. However, given the heat and humidity, we all got a nice sauna spa treatment in that plastic LOL. We had the best time and laughed to tears on that adventure ;).

I also had the chance to see my friend Superromance author Cathryn Parry, who is such a sweet and genuine person. She not only gave a great workshop with author Dani Collins, but also won a Bookseller's Best Award for The Long Way Home! Congrats, Cathryn!

And for those of you who hang out at harlequin.com, you know how lovely Jayne Hoogenberk is online and what a beautiful and inviting community she manages. Well, you should meet her in person. She's an incredible hostess who clearly loves Harlequin and its authors...and she always looks so classy and elegant...even in pj's (but I didn't get her pic at the Harleqin PJ Party, so you'll have to trust me on that).

Jayne Hoogenberk and me

But I did get some PJ party pics!

H. Love Inspired author Barbara Phinney sporting party accessories

Harlequin Romance authors Donna Alward and Shirley Jump. Two fantastic and fun ladies.

Me and Donna. You know how with some people it feels as if you've known each other since elementary school? :)

Okay, now let me give you a little back story on the next pj party pic. My dear friend Jeannie Wattt runs marathons and recently ran with a team all dressed in pink tutu's...even the guys. They called themselves the Tutu Twains ;). Anyway, those of us who hang at the Harlequin Superromance forum dared her to show up to the PJ party in said tutu...and not only did she do it...she won a cool Canada mug as a PJ prize :). And I was shocked when I got a mug too for being one of the forums newest authors!

Jeannie Watt in her tutu

Danica wearing her awesome 'I brought the awesome. What did you bring?' t-shirt (LOL)...and moi.

I also had the chance to meet online friend Superromance author Kris Fletcher. Kris is such a cool person!

And fellow Heartwarmer (what I like to call we Harlequin Heartwarming authors ;) Karen Rock...I can't remember who snuck the bunny ears in that one lol.

And the most special reunion of the trip...Jeannie, my editor Victoria Curran and me (below). Without Jeannie and Victoria, I wouldn't have a book coming out in January! All Harlequin editors are top notch in the industry, but I believe Victoria is truly gifted at what she does. Her remarkable insight, understanding and the time she took to nurture and guide me as a writer (even when I was a newbie several years ago) made all the difference. I'm a lucky gal!

Superromance author Jeannie Watt, Senior Editor Harlequin Heartwarming Victoria Curran, and me

Me, Jeannie Dallas and dear friend, Superromance author and owner of Blue Otter Editing, Amy Knupp

And another with Amy, Victoria and Jeannie below. (I'm skirting captions because blogger isn't cooperating)

Thank you Jayne, Danica and Sarah (sorry I missed getting a pic with you) for hosting such a great party!

On Thursday I attended the Harlequin Heartwarming Open House with Jeannie...the same open house she took me to last year when I pitched the story that ended up selling. It was a surreal moment, having come full circle to the same event that landed me a contract. And I think I blushed to death as Victoria Curran told my story to all the writers in the room. Fingers crossed for all of this year's pitchers!

On Friday, Heartwarming editors Victoria Curran and Kathryn Lye were beyond generous when they took all the Heartwarming authors at Nationals to a divine dinner before the famous Harlequin Party. Heartwarmer Cynthia Reese couldn't make it and was missed, but pictured from left front to back are: Cindi Myers, Jennifer Snow, me, and Melinda Curtis...then right front to back are: Tara Randel, Victoria Curran, Kathryn Lye and Karen Rock.

We then burned off all those calories by dancing at the Harlequin Party. Let me tell you, it was my first time and it was the BEST party ever!!! Below...me and Jeannie...

Me and Harlequin American author Megan Kelly. If you read my interview with her, you'll remember that Megan was the author who reached out at my very first Nationals meeting in DC and met me for dinner just to answer questions and make me feel welcome. I'll never forget!

Me and Amy Knupp...

There were so many other author friends I wish I'd taken pictures with, but it was such a busy meeting I didn't have the chance.

Saturday night was the Golden Heart and RITA Awards Ceremony and I have to say congratulations to all the finalists and winners! The photo below was taken right after the ceremony. Victoria Curran and me...

And of course I have to share what I put together for the Goody Room (for those who haven't been, it's a room full of author promotional material and swag gifts for the taking). I had pens and business cards made with the title and release date of my upcoming debut book, The Promise of Rain, and since the heroine in the book rescues baby elephants orphaned by poachers, each pen came with a little baby elephant :).

Those are all my pics folks. Like I said before, I met so many people from the Harlequin team and forums and wish I'd taken more pics, but I will say that they were all phenomenal people. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcomed me with open arms into the Harlequin family. Thank you all.

And I got to meet dear online friends who have found success with other publishers or self-publishing and again it was so great to get to chat in person. The support and friendship among writers at RWA Nationals is palpable. It's truly an incredible experience just to be there surrounded by all that positive energy and knowledge.

The workshops and luncheon speakers were great. If anyone is planning to buy lectures (I think you can get them individually through RWA...there's probably a link at the main site...shout out if you can't figure it out), I think hearing Michael Hauge at least once in your life is a must. I go listen to him every single time. There was also a great lecture on taxes, finances and the writer with Diane Kelly, Laura Alford and Donna MacMeans. Gosh....and so many more! Too many to list!

Thank you to RWA for masterminding such an incredible gathering for the networking, education and support of romance writers. Thank you to everyone who was so kind to me. Thank you to everyone at Harlequin...literally everone...for making me feel like a princess and welcoming me to the family. Thank you to Victoria for caring so much. Thank you to all my writer friends for being you.

I can't wait until next year! San Antonio guys! Start saving :). And to any readers out there, remember that the Literacy Autographing is open to the public and an awesome way to meet your favorite authors!

The Golden Heart and RITA

Anyone entering? The 2011 GH and RITA are two of the most prestigious contests in the romance world, and their deadlines are fast approaching. Mark your calendars...

GH deadlines: November 15 - entry forms and fees are due
                       December 2 - entered manuscripts are due

RITA deadlines: December 1 - entry forms and fees are due
                          January 4 - entered books are due

For details, go to www.rwanational.org/cs/contests_and_awards

I'm planning on entering (GH) the completed manuscript that I pitched at RWA Nationals in Orlando. What about you?

RWA National Virgins

Only sixteen days left before this year's RWA National meeting kicks off in Orlando on the 28th! I was a Nationals virgin last year. A few weeks before the meeting, my nerves and doubts were kicking into high gear. What in the hell was I thinking, registering for the quintessential meeting of romance writers when I wasn't even published? I imagined getting curious side-glances and getting laughed at. It didn't happen. In fact, I came out of it feeling like the mother community of romance writers had taken me under her wing.

Cutting to the chase, I have a list of things that made my first Nationals meeting all the better (I'm not going to tell you how to pack your suitcase). It's geared for both virgins and veterans, so don't click that mouse!

• First off, throw your shoulders back and doubts out the door. Chant I am a writer and I have the right...to be at the meeting, that is. If they didn't expect virgins, they wouldn't have special 'First Timer' badges made and workshops on learning the craft of writing. Go with confidence (this coming from a shy person).
• Smile and say hello. I had a huge time gap between checking in on my first day and waiting for the Literacy Autographing to start. I lingered in the lobby watching groups of attendees chatting and laughing like old friends (which they may have been). Walking up and introducing oneself to a group is easier said than done, unless your a super extrovert, which I'm not. Instead, I mustered up the courage to say hello to others wearing 'First Timer' badges. I'll admit, most said hello, but didn't linger to talk for more than thirty seconds. However, one did stay. We buddied up to go to the Autographing and stayed in touch, not only for the rest of the meeting, but for the entire year since. You never know where one 'hello' will take you. I gained the wonderful and supportive friendship of a fellow writer.
• For all you veterans, reach out! I plan to this year. Last year, I mentioned on a blog comment that I'd be going for the first time, and a published writer reached out. She invited me to email her, she set up a time to meet her for dinner at the meeting, and she introduced me to another first timer from her RWA chapter. Just knowing that I'd 'met' someone, albeit not in person, before getting to the meeting made all the difference. When you see a first timer, introduce yourself. Say something in passing like, "You'll love this meeting." or "So and so is a great speaker." or "Hey, any questions?" Trust me, they'll appreciate it.
• Attend the First Timers orientation. It's worth it. You'll quickly lose any sense of being the only virgin there. It's also an easy place to buddy up with other first timers.
• I bought an extra large black purse. It looked almost like my standard one only it was large enough (tote-like) to carry my notebook, pen, handouts, goodies from the goody room and any books I picked up along the way. RWA did give us big bags which I loaded at the Autographing, but after that I wanted to consolidate. One big purse did it for me.
• DO take a notebook to the workshops. Yes, the lectures are recorded and can be bought (recommended), but I like taking notes, and it's easier to reference specific things that stood out to you.
• Layer or take a sweater. Enough said.
• Keep some nuts, a bar or an apple in your purse for an emergency energy fix. You don't want your tummy rumbling during workshops.
• Unless you're planning to leave a workshop early, sit up front. It's easier to hear, see the overheads, and some lecturers reward front row dare devils. Don't say I didn't tell you.
• If you've completed a manuscript, prepare an elevator pitch and practice it. Be able to answer "So what's your book about?" without fumbling for words. I got asked the question by a published writer. Lack of enough practice mixed with nerves had me sounding like Eliza Doolittle with a mouth full of marbles. Thank God my victim was a sympathetic author and not an agent or editor. Don't be scared, be prepared.
• Resist the urge to hide in your room. Go to the luncheons even if you're not eating. The speakers are so worth it. Check out the Literacy Autographing, the Goody Room, and other events so that you'll know what they're all about the following year. Get the full RWA experience.
• Veterans, volunteer. Virgins can too, although I'll admit that I didn't. I was too overwhelmed with all the workshops and events and I was afraid to overextend myself. This year, I'll be a Literacy attendant and a moderator. Volunteering is a great way to network, reach out, and give back.
• Be professional and don't gossip. My mom used to tell me 'The walls can hear'. Yes, well, so can the decorative planters, blind corners, and bathroom stalls. If it ain't nice, don't say it, unless you want to ruin your career. If you're with someone who's badmouthing an agent, editor, lecturer, fellow writer or anyone for that matter, excuse yourself. If you're in the middle of lunch and can't, then politely speak up and state your 'positive' opinion so that tuned in ears know that you're not guilty by association.
• Raise your hand and ask questions. Stay on the workshop's subject, of course, but you've got all these experts at your fingertips. Don't be so shy as to pass up a golden opportunity.
• Relax and enjoy! RWA Nationals is romance writer heaven!

I could go on, but I wouldn't want you to miss your flight in sixteen days. Just kidding. If you can't make it to Nationals, try to make it to a local chapter meeting at least once. Entering contests is a great experience with many benefits (that's another blog topic), but if I had to choose between dollars spent on contests and saving up to go to Nationals, I'd go to Nationals. Published or not, the experience will wash away any doubts that you are a writer and it'll set you many steps ahead.

Calling all veterans! Any more advice on attending RWA Nationals?