Monday, August 2, 2010

RWA Nationals/100 Follower Challenge


Greetings everyone! I'm back in action after the super fast and fabulous RWA National Conference and I have returned to you a better writer, a wiser business woman, and what feels like 500 steps closer to publication. Can you say hell yeah? Because that's definitely what I'm saying.

If I had to pick one word to describe Nationals is would be "WOW." But in all actuality, when the conference finished, my thoughts were more like "Holy s#$%!" and I mean that in the best way possible. I can't accurately convey to you the complete deliciousness of the conference, but I'll try anyway.

RWA Nationals is like the ultimate sex fantasy/wet dream of every writer and romance reader alike. Let me just list some of the highlights for you.

1. Books, books, and more books. I returned home with FORTY TWO books, most of which are signed by the author. The entire conference fee I paid was replaced in both paper and hardcover--not to mention I still attended tons of other great events.

2. Industry giants. Some of the biggest people in the industry were bopping through the crowds right next to me. It took an overwhelming amount of self-control not to scream in giddy fan-girl mode, but I managed. For example, at the "Keynote Luncheons" my critique partner and I managed to sit only three rows away from the two speakers: Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz (also writing under Amanda Quick).

And did I mention this aspiring author also sat (yet again) a mere three rows away from the legendary literary agent and genius, Donald Maass? Yeah, you heard that right. Genius. After taking his Fire in Fiction workshop (by far the best one at the entire conference) and buying his Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook, I am convinced that Mr. Maass can not possibly be human, but instead a literary god--sent to earth to aid the small peons, such as myself, in crafting their works of fiction.

3. Pitching. Getting to sit down across from big name agents and editors within the industry and telling them about your work is an indescribably awesome feeling. Even better is when they look you straight in the eye and tell you they'd love to take a look at your work. I received a total of five full manuscript requests from the conference. Three for Demon Reincarnate--one from Debra Dixon, head editor and president of Belle Books, one from Adrienne Macintosh at Harlequin, and one from Robert Brown from Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency. I also received requests from Ms. Macintosh and Mr.Brown for Bad to the Bone, even though the novel is still in-progress. The book isn't even finished and already they want to take a look!

4. Networking. It's a great feeling to meet so many other people of like interests and who share similar goals to your own. I even had dinner with Debra Dixon for three hours! Not to mention, I got to hang out with my critique buddy, who I met for the first time after two full years of friendship. How cool is that?

All in all, the conference was fantastic and I can't wait for the one in New York next year. That one will be a huge deal--as pretty much all the agents and editors in the industry will be there, since it is right in their backyard.

Now onto a completely different subject. You might be thinking, 'what about the 100 Follower Challenge part in the title?' Fear not my sweet readers, because I haven't forgotten. Here is the news about our contest.

Since I came home with an overwhelming amount of books, we now have a new giveaway policy. If you look up at the top of the page, you will notice a new tab titled: "Giveaway Vault." This vault is a detailed list of all the items I have for giveaway. This means that for each giveaway, the winner will get his/her choice of the book they would like to have as their prize. There are a variety of titles in there--hopefully a little bit of something for everyone.

So get your butts in gear and start bumping up those followers! Til Wednesday! ;-)

4 comments:

  1. I had so much fun hangin' with you! Can't wait to do it again next year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Me too! It was awesome! If you can't tell, I stole some of your pics haha.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This all sounds pretty kickass! I really wish I could have gone!
    So many books!!! hahaha Heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It definitely was kickass! You would've loved it.

    ReplyDelete