I am exhausted. While it’s wonderful to meet people and talk books, I want to go home and write!
I met some lovely people and waved to a lot more. I went to the Series Romance game this morning and had a great time, and got books. I met Caitlin Crews and Lynn Raye Harris and we had fun on a quiz. I like being a reader. You get stuff.
After two publisher dinners yesterday I ended up at the bar, carousing, and when I’m in the mood, I can do a good carouse. Especially with this kind of company. Had a lovely lunch with Monica Burns and Joey Hill, but if I told you what we talked about, I’d have to kill you.
Sometimes I think people will catch me out. After all, I’m not a real writer, am I? I discovered that’s a very common feeling among authors, even the big ones. They feel they’re not really writers, that this fun they’re having won’t last. And of course, in some cases that happens.
But people like my books and I did well at the book signing today. The RT book signings are amazing. Three hundred authors and then some in the same room. All talking, all signing their books. But we’re in alphabetical order. You can find your favorite erotic romance author next to your favorite inspirational order, and the chances are that they will be getting on like a house on fire.
Authors come from all over the world to be at those signings. They’re amazing. We can sign and then meet some of our own favorites. There is nothing to compare with them. Of course, at the end of the three hours, most of us have lost our voices, but after that, we just have to party and enjoy ourselves!
I went and pitched a new book to some people. I hadn’t meant to do it, but it was fun to do and, amazing to me, the people wanted to see my stuff. See above for explanation! So keep your fingers crossed for me. I’d upload some pictures, but I didn’t take as many as I should have done and I take a lousy photo, but I do have some.
These days I don’t go to as many panels as I used to, because of other commitments, but they are awesome, offering a wide selection of craft, industry, and fun reader panels. It was a joy to see one of my favourite writers, Susan Elizabeth Phillips talking about her work process, and the series writer game was also a lot of fun. And our team won the wooden spoon prize, which was worth having!
Apparently this year’s RT was the biggest ever, with more than 2,000 attendees. And when it comes down to the wire, that’s why I attend. Airfare from the UK is expensive, and RT can, on the surface, look expensive, but I think they have it right. It’s the combination of fun and industry, and the massive number of attendees that makes it the most worthwhile convention for me. I could attend smaller cons, but I wouldn’t reach that number of people. I wouldn’t be able to chat to my editors and to potential future editors and agents and also be there for people who read and enjoy my books. And I have such a good time there.
If I hadn’t written for publication ten years ago, I’d have never seen and experienced all the fantastic things I have in this time.
