I didn’t know much about the RWA association except Nora Roberts was a member and had an award in the association named after her. What an honor. All I knew is that I wanted to experience something as wonderful in my lifetime.
My friend and agent/editor type person suggested I join the RWA to get help with what she preceived as a romance manuscript instead of a literary piece. So I went on line and learned a little about what the organization did for writers. I was impressed with the contests, education and nurturing of writers and joined in September of 2011. But failed to take advantage of their offerings–shame on me.
One thing I did know was that I wanted to be around romance writers and decided to attend their convention which just happened to be in our own backyard in Anaheim this July. So as soon as registration opened up, I jumped on it. Even registered Tim to attend the luncheons with me.
Time passed quickly and I prepared the best way I knew how–I wrote stuff. I think I may have spread myself a little too thin. I didn’t concentrate on the one book that was totally and completely romance. Members of my local chapter, LARA, Los Angeles Writers Association, suggested I used this conference as fact gathering event rather than a place to showcase my completed works. So I signed to volunteer, looked at all the workshops and made a spread sheet of the one’s I wanted to attend and finalized my agent/editor appointments.
Being a RWA conference virgin was as exciting as the real thing. Tuesday, July 24, Tim and I plunged in by helping carry books to the appropriate author’s table in the Literacy Book Signing event in the Anaheim Convention Center. It was hot, grueling work, but I actually got to touch Nora Roberts’s books and sit in her chair for a picture. Then I mapped out my own book signing-strategy.
The next day at the signing, we were only allowed fifteen minutes to run a football-field’s length ballroom to obtain as many of our favorite author’s signatures and books as possible. I got some great ones. Missed a couple and then returned to my duty station to ring people up and run their credit cards. It was pure delight to look into the faces of other conventioneers and ask to see what they were purchasing. It was an experience I shall not soon forget.
Wednesday I helped with registration and the goody room, which I absolutely loved. So much that I spent 5 hours in there. Thursday started workshops and we took some great ones. Friday I assisted with the agent/editor appointments and tried my hand at an impromptu pitch. Fell flat on my face. My own appointment was scheduled for the afternoon so I memorized my pitch.
I must have done well–not at the book I was pitching–but for the other manuscripts I’ve written because the editor I met with asked for pages that might fit the Harlequin Heartwarming genre. Yippee!! I just have to figure out how to get them to her for review.
More workshops, delicious luncheons and a fabulous awards ceremony concluded my first time-virgin experience and I must say it was very exciting and well worth the wait. Even Tim, who I dragged to the convention, 
had a great time and learned so much about the writing experience and the business of publishing. Time now to get back to the WIP (work in progress). See, I’m learning the romance writing jargon and discovering the meaning being all those the acronyms.
I can’t wait for next year’s convention in Atlanta.
Carol Malone - Author of Tender Romances 
Carol, I’m so glad you enjoyed your first conference, which can be quite overwhelming for the first timer (I remember my first well!) I’ve made many friends through the years from both National and regional conferences, local chapters and even online chapters and critique groups – I know you will too. Good luck on your new journey as a romance writer, you are among friends! 🙂
Carol, I’m so glad you had a wonderful first-time experience at RWA National (I remember how daunting the first time can be!) I’ve made so many friendships through the years at National, regional conferences, local chapters and even online chapter and critique groups. Good luck on your new journey of a romance author, you are now among friends!
Sorry Debora,
I’m just getting the hang of Word Press and regret not replying as soon as you posted. Yes, I loved nationals and I learned a lot. I didn’t met a lot of people because I dragged my husband along for first-time support, but the experience taught me tons of great things. I mission to write and to promote myself is in the forefront of my consciousness. I’ve taken courses from RWA and have joined LARA and I’m currently working with a book coach and looking for a critique partner or group of critiquers. I was naive as to think writing the book was the hardest part. Ha. But the journey has opened up so many avenues I’d never experienced any other way. Thank you for the greeting and well wishes. I’m currently working on pages to submit to the Harlequin editor of the Heartwarming series. I’m sooo excited.