Every year RT is a little different for me. My first year was a process of exploration when I found what worked for me and what didn’t. My second was my first as an Ellora’s Cave author, and that made a big difference. I was also befriended by Kathryn and Ken, and it was sheer delight to get to know them better. 

My third year, this one, was different again, with more off-campus meetings for me, anyway, but also the resort made a difference. It was a beautiful place to have a convention, and the signings attracted tourists as well as regular readers and attendees. There were fewer attendees this year, but the number still topped 1,000.

For me, a Brit who has to cross the pond to attend, it remains the best value for money and the most fun. But I have publishers I’m happy with and a great agent, so if you were looking for that, it’s possible that Nationals might be a better choice.

I think Kathryn Falk and Ken Rubin are the key to the success of Romantic Times. The atmosphere is that of a party, with Kathryn and Ken as the hosts. The relaxed ambience facilitates meetings and makes the parties really fun. On the whole you don’t find the cliques that exist in other conventions and conferences, and everyone welcomes you. Believe it or not I really don’t like going into crowds on my own, but here I don’t mind so much and sometimes seek it out because that way you meet new people (that coming from me!)

There are some very useful panels, but a lot depends on the audience. They are less formal than classes at some other places, and sometimes you can get the best out of the panels by asking questions. Participation is strongly encouraged. Unlike last year, no panels stood out for me, but I did attend some useful ones, when I could fit them in.

The resort was a fantastic venue. I had stayed the week before at a budget hotel, the Quality Inn, which, although not as pretty as the Wyndham, did have better facilities (a fridge and microwave in every room and a better bathroom). If I had to choose again, I would have stayed on at the Quality, as it was only over the road, and I had a room to myself. At the Wyndham, I shared with the awesome Ann Jacobs, and we had a good time, but I paid more to share a room at the Wyndham than I did for a room to myself at the Quality. Yes, I’m a cheapskate, but I did think that in Florida, a fridge in the room would be kind of important, and all we had were ice machines at the end of the corridor. Maybe I was grumpy because I couldn’t get a decent cup of tea (no kettle), and I am so investing in a travel kettle for next year. Two weeks without a proper cup of tea was agony!

So what did I learn? That Ellora’s Cave is a very strong brand – I had people stop by my table at the signing to get my book because it was an EC book. I could have got upset, but I was delighted that I had the sense to hook up to a house with such a strong name. That I have something to share now, some information that might be useful to others. That the American market is so very different to the UK one, despite efforts to get closer. That there are people like me in the world, who count staring into space as working. That I have fans (who knew? It still staggers me). That it’s important to keep up with current trends, but not to write to them if your voice doesn’t lend itself to them. Forge your own path, have the courage to do it. That I may never write for HMB. That I take a terrible photograph.

And I looked at the rates for the hotels in Columbus next year. Gulp. So I need your advice. I usually arrive a few days beforehand, and explore the area, but I don’t drive. Is it worth making that week in Philadelphia or New York, where my plane will connect, or does Columbus have some good places to visit?